Ethanol-Blended Fuels - Boston Whaler 230 dauntless User Manual

Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation
• Wipe any spillage completely and dispose of
rags or waste on shore.
• Secure the fi ll cap tightly.
• Portable tanks should only be fi lled while on the
ground; never on-board the boat.
Your boat has safety features that can be circumvented
by not adhering to standard fueling practices.
REFER TO THE "DO'S AND DON'TS AT THE GAS
PUMP" DVD IN YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL PACKET
FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Ethanol-Blended Fuels

Ethanol is an oxygenated hydrocarbon compound
that has a high octane rating and therefore is useful
in increasing the octane level of unleaded gasoline.
NOTICE
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.
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 fi lters, 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.
230 Dauntless
CAUTION
!
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.
E85 FUELS COULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE
YOUR ENGINES AND MUST NEVER BE
USED.
Filling The Tank
It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the
engine is not in use. This will reduce air fl ow 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.
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, signifi cantly 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
Example of Phase Separation
Fig. 3.5.1
4
CONDENSATION
1
UPPER PHASE (WATER+FUEL+ETHANOL)
2
LOWER PHASE (WATER+ETHANOL)
3
FUEL INLET TO ENGINE
4
R
1 2
3
3-5