2005
MASTERCRAFT
OWNERS
MANUAL
–
PAGE
16-2
Step 3: If the tank was completely empty, see your MasterCraft dealer for assistance immediately as your engine cooling system
needs purging. This function should be completed only by a trained MasterCraft service technician.
Failure to maintain your coolant at the proper level can cause engine damage.
Your warranty will not cover engine damage due to overheating or any other
cause associated with improper coolant levels.
CHECK
THE
ALTERNATOR
BELT
FOR
LOOSENESS
OR
DAMAGE
Because this process should be completed while the engine is cool and
cannot cause burns to your skin, we recommend you do this before starting your
boat.
Step 1: Ensure the engine is OFF and the engine safety switch disconnected. Be
certain that the throttle/shift control lever is in neutral. Open the engine compart-
ment and locate the alternator belt.
Step 2: Check the alternator belt tension at the top, midway between the circulat-
ing pump pulley and the alternator pulley. The belt should be tight enough so that
it will deflect no more than one-quarter to one-half inch when pressed with the
thumb or finger.
Note: If the belt is too tight, excessive belt and bearing wear can occur.
If the belt is too loose, slippage can occur, resulting in low alternator output and
rapid belt wear.
Step 3: If your engine is not equipped with a belt tensioner, loosen the alternator
mounting hardware and tighten the hardware. Re-check the belt tension. On en-
gines with serpentine belt systems, however, no change is necessary. Belt tension is
maintained by the automatic belt tensioner.
Step 4: Check the underside of the belt that actually runs in contact with the
pulleys. Look for signs of excessive wear, cuts or weakness across or in the
grooves. If there are any, replace the belt. We recommend contacting your
MasterCraft dealer for service assistance.
INSPECT
THE
BATTERY
CONNECTIONS
AND
HOLD-DOWNS
Because poor connections or hold-downs can result in erroneous voltmeter readings, we
recommend you do this before starting your boat.
Step 1: Ensure the engine is OFF and the engine safety switch disconnected. Be certain that
the throttle/shift control lever is in neutral. Locate the battery. Batteries are placed in a variety
of locations, depending on the model. Check under the observer seat or behind the rear seat.
Step 2: Check that the battery post connections are clean and tight. If not:
• Loosen and remove the negative terminal connection first. Be careful not to touch the
positive terminal with the wrench.
• Loosen and remove the positive terminal connection.
• Remove the battery hold-downs and remove the battery from the boat.
• Clean corrosion from the battery posts with a battery terminal cleaner. Clean the bat-
tery with a water-and-baking-soda solution. Use care to avoid allowing the solution to
enter the battery vents. Rinse the battery with fresh water.
