Fuel Standards - Four winns 338 Vista Owner's Manual

Always personally inspect the engine compart-
ment and sniff for fuel vapors before starting
the engine. Remember, a gas vapor detector is
a mechan i cal de vice. DO NOT rely exclusively
on its operation.
I. Use and Maintenance
DO NOT let the odor of gasoline go un-
checked. If the odor of gasoline is noted,
DO NOT START ENGINE. If engine is running,
SHUT OFF EN GINE, ELEC TRI CAL AND
HEAT GEN ERATING EQUI P MENT.
Investigate and cor rect the situa tion imme-
diately! Have all passen gers put on per sonal
flotation de vices and keep fire extin guishers
at hand until the situation is resolved.
Avoid serious injury or death from fire or
explosion resulting from leaking fuel. Inspect
system for leaks at least once a year.
If areas are found within the fuel system that appear
questionable, have a qualified marine technician
in spect the system. A thorough fuel sys tem examina-
tion should be made by an experienced marine
technician at least once a year.
To help guard against damage, avoid the
stor age or han dling of gear near the fuel lines,
fittings and tanks.
I - 2

FUEL STANDARDS

Be cautious when using gasoline which contains
alcohol. The fuel system components used by Four
Winns will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in the
®
gasoline. Also refer to the section on gasoline require-
ments in your engine manual for additional informa-
tion.
Fuel Systems - Section I
To conform to Federal Air Quality Stan dards,
the petro leum industry reduced the amount of
tetraeth yl lead in gasoline. Alcohol is being
blended with gasoline to help restore the
octane rating lost when the lead was removed.
While blending alcohol with gasoline increases
the octane level of the fuel, it can also create
certain safety and performance related
problems for boaters.
A. Problems With Alcohol In Gasoline
Below is a list of problems which may be experi enced
when using blended gasoline.
1. Premature deterioration of fuel system compo-
nents may occur. Alcohol will attack rubber fuel
hoses, fuel tanks, fuel filters, fuel pumps and
rubber gaskets. This deterioration will lead to fuel
system leakage.
2. Phase separation of fuel will cause contamina tion.
Water which accumulates in the tank through
contamination or condensation will be absorbed by
the alcohol. This water-heavy alcohol will settle at
the bottom of the tank. This phase separation will
lead to fuel tank corrosion. This may also result in
a lean mixture to the carburetor and cause engine
stalling or possible engine damage.
The use of alcohol additives in gasoline has become
more widespread. Regulations on public notification
of the existence of additives is current ly controlled by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some
states do require that gasoline pumps display informa-
tion on additives (especially alcohol). If alcohol content
is not posted, ask and avoid using fuel containing
alco hol if possible.
B. Recommendations
Assume blended gasoline is being used and follow
these recommendations below.
1. Inspect fuel hoses often. A deteriorated hose
containing alcohol blended gasoline will nor mally
be soft and swollen. A deteriorating hose contain-
ing no fuel will normally be hard and brittle. In both
cases the hose should be replaced.
2. Ventilate the engine compartment before starting
the engine(s). Operate the engine compartment
Owner's Manual Page 86