Gas Vapor Detector; Use And Maintenance; Fuel Standards; Problems With Alcohol In Gasoline - Four winns 378 Vista Owner's Manual

I.

Gas Vapor Detector

A gas vapor detector is standard on 378 Vista™ model.
The gas vapor detector will monitor the engine compart-
ment and notify the operator of an accumulation of gaso-
line vapors. The operator must take immediate action
upon warning to avoid the possibility of an explosion.
The sensing unit is usually mounted towards the rear of
the engine compartment. The alarm unit is mounted at
the dash.
Always personally inspect the engine compart-
ment and sniff for fuel vapors before starting the
engine. Remember, a gas vapor detector is a
mechanical device. DO NOT rely exclusively on
its operation.
J. Use and Maintenance
DO NOT let the odor of gasoline go unchecked.
If the odor of gasoline is noted, DO NOT START
ENGINE. If engine is running, SHUT OFF EN-
GINE, ELECTRICAL AND HEAT GENERATING
EQUIPMENT. Investigate and correct the situa-
tion immediately! Have all passengers put on
personal flotation devices and keep fire extin-
guishers at hand until the situation is resolved.
Avoid serious injury or death from fire or explo-
sion resulting from leaking fuel. Inspect sys-
tem for leaks at least once a year.
If areas are found within the fuel system that appear ques-
tionable, have a qualified marine technician inspect the
system. A thorough fuel system examination should be
made by an experienced marine technician at least once
a year.
To help guard against damage to the fuel sys-
tem, avoid the storage or handling of gear near
the fuel lines, fittings and tanks.
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I - 2

FUEL STANDARDS

Be cautious when using gasoline which contains alco-
hol.
To conform to Federal Air Quality Standards, the
petroleum industry reduced the amount of
tetraethyl lead in gasoline. Alcohol is being
blended with gasoline to help restore the oc-
tane 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 experienced
when using blended gasoline.
1. Premature deterioration of fuel system components
may occur. Alcohol will attack rubber fuel hoses,
fuel tanks, fuel filters, fuel pumps and rubber gas-
kets. This deterioration will lead to fuel system leak-
age.
2. Phase separation of fuel will cause contamination.
Water which accumulates in the tank through con-
tamination 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 currently controlled by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states
do require that gasoline pumps display information on
additives (especially alcohol). If alcohol content is not
posted, ask and avoid using fuel containing alcohol if
possible.
B. Recommendations
Assume blended gasoline is being used and follow these
recommendations below.
1. Inspect fuel hoses often. A deteriorated hose con-
taining alcohol blended gasoline will normally be soft
and swollen. A deteriorating hose containing no fuel
Section I
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