Ventilation And Drainage Systems; Engine Compartment Ventilation; Gravity Ventilation System; Forced Air Ventilation - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

VENTILATION & DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT VENTILATION

All Four Winns® stern drive models are equipped with
engine compartment ventilation. This system is designed
to meet or exceed the requirements (in effect at the time
of manufacture) of the U.S. Coast Guard, the National
Marine Manufacturers Association, and the American Boat
and Yacht Council.
A. Gravity Ventilation System
This system includes air intake and exhaust components.
The exhaust ducting reaches to the lower bilge area. This
provides adequate air movement while underway and dur-
ing bilge blower operation.
B. Forced Air Ventilation
All Four Winns® models except outboards are equipped
with an electric bilge blower. The bilge blower provides
the ventilation required prior to starting the engines and
while at idle. See Section H - Electrical Systems for
blower operation instructions.
Gasoline vapors can explode resulting in injury
or death. Before starting the engine, check the
engine compartment bilge for gasoline or vapors,
and operate blower for four (4) minutes, and verify
blower operation. Run blower when vessel is
operating below cruising speed. ALWAYS oper-
ate the bilge blower while the engines are at idle.
C. Engine Ventilation System Maintenance
Periodic inspection and cleaning of the ventilation ducts
is necessary to ensure adequate air circulation. A buildup
of leaves, twigs, or other debris can severely reduce ven-
tilation. Be sure bilge water does not accumulate to a
level that would obstruct the ventilation ducts.
Blower operation can be tested by placing a hand over
the vents. DO NOT rely on the sound of the blower. Be
sure a substantial amount of air is being exhausted by
the bilge blower. Check the bilge blower system often,
preferably before each cruise.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
Should blower noise and vibration be excessive, loosen-
ing the bilge blower mounting screws and then tightening
evenly usually reduces noise considerably.
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HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

A. Transom Drain
A transom drain with plug is provided in the engine com-
partment to allow water drainage. When the boat is out
of the water, the boat and trailer should be positioned so
any bilge water accumulation during dry storage will flow
towards the transom.
Be sure the drain plug is securely in place prior
to launching the boat. Upon shipment of the boat,
the drain plug is usually taped to the steering
wheel.
B. Bilge Pumps
Bilge pumps are provided in the bottom of the hull to re-
move miscellaneous water accumulations that might oc-
cur during normal boating or weather conditions. The
bilge pump is controlled by the bilge pump switch on the
dash panel. See Section H-3 for a detailed description of
the bilge pump switches.
Bilge pumps equipped with automatic switches are stan-
dard on all Freedom™ and Horizon™ models. As the
water level rises, the automatic float switch will activate
the pump.
When leaving the boat unattended for long periods of time
or during excessive rain storms, it is a good idea to check
on the boat for excessive water accumulation. Be sure
both the bilge pump and automatic float switch are oper-
ating properly. The operating time of the bilge pump will
be limited to the battery capacity.
Section K
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