whaler 270 Outrage, Manual

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3-4
270 Outrage
Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation
R
Ethanol is an oxygenated hydrocarbon compound that
has a high octane rating and therefore is useful in increasing
the octane level of unleaded gasoline.
The fuel-system components of your Mercury engine(s)
have been tested to perform with the maximum level of
ethanol-blended gasoline (10% ethanol) currently
allowed by the EPA in the United States.
Special precautions should be considered with the use
of fuel containing ethanol in your system. Fuels with
ethanol can attack some fuel-system components, such
as tanks and lines, if they are not made from acceptable
ethanol-compatible materials. This can lead to operational
problems or safety issues such as clogged filters, leaks
or engine damage.
Your boat was manufactured, and shipped from the
factory, with ethanol-compatible materials. Before
introducing gasoline with ethanol into your fuel tank, ask
your dealer if any components have been added or
replaced that are not recommended by Boston Whaler,
Mercury or may not be ethanol-compatible.
Filling the Tank
It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the engine is
not in use. This will reduce air flow in and out of the tank
due to changes in temperature as well as limiting exposure
of the ethanol in the fuel to humidity and condensation.
Example of Phase Separation
Fig. 3.4.1
1
2
3
4
1 2
3
4
The use of improper gasoline or additives can
damage your fuel system and is considered
misuse of the system. Damaged caused by
improper gasoline or additives WILL NOT be
covered under warranty.
NOTICE
The use of fuels containing ethanol higher than
10 percent (E-10) can damage your engine and/
or fuel system and will void the warranty.
!
CAUTION
E85 FUELS COULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR
ENGINES AND MUST NEVER BE USED.
CONDENSATION
UPPER PHASE (WATER+FUEL+ETHANOL)
LOWER PHASE (WATER+ETHANOL)
FUEL INLET TO ENGINE
Ethanol-Blended Fuel
Phase Separation
Humidity and condensation create water in your fuel tank
which can adversly effect the ethanol blended fuel. A
condition called phase separation can occur if water is
drawn into the fuel beyond the saturation point. The
presence of water in the fuel beyond the saturation level
will cause most of the ethanol in the fuel to separate from
the bulk fuel and drop to the bottom of the tank,
significantly reducing the level of ethanol in the fuel mixture
in the upper level (phase). If the lower level (phase),
consisting of water and ethanol, is deep enough to reach
the fuel inlet, it could be pumped directly to the engine(s)
and cause significant problems. Engine problems can also
result from the reduced ethanol/fuel mixture left in the
upper phase of the tank.
Additives
There is no practical additive known that can prevent or
correct phase separation. The only solution is to keep
water from accumulating in the tank.
If phase separation does occur, your only remedy is to
drain the fuel, clean and dry the tank completely and
refill with a fresh, dry load of fuel.
Fuel Filters
Mercury already provides the appropriate level of
filtration to protect the engine from debris. The addition