Static Electricity And The Fuel System; Ethanol-Blended Fuel - Boston Whaler Montauk 190 Owner's Manual

Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation

Static Electricity and the Fuel System

DANGER
!
• Static electricity can ignite gasoline vapors
causing serious injury or death and/or
destruction of property.
• Check for leaks in tubing, connections and
hoses. Avoid all forms of ignition when the
odor of fuel is noticed. Correct the cause
of the leaks and ventilate the area to insure
that no fumes remain prior to energizing any
electrical equipment, smoking and/or starting
the engines.
There is a danger that static electricity can ignite
gasoline vapors that have not been ventilated outside
an enclosed area. Use extreme caution when fueling
your boat from a source outside the regular venues,
(e.g. marinas, fuel service stations).
Your boats bonding system protects it from creating
and discharging static electricity. Your boat must be
in contact with the water or a land based grounding
system. The following suggestions will help keep
you safe from static electricity while refueling your
boat.
Your boat has safety features that can be circumvented
by not adhering to standard fueling practices.
• NEVER fuel your boat in unsafe conditions such
as suspended on a sling or in a situation that
increases the likelihood of static discharge.
• NEVER use homemade containers to fill your
fuel tanks.
• F u e l c a r r i e d o n - b o a r d o u t s i d e o f a
fixed fuel system should be stored in an
approved container or in a portable tank such
as provided for outboard engines and be
stowed safely outside of the engine or living
compartment(s).
• Shut down the engine, motors and fans prior
to taking on fuel. Any ignition sources should
be extinguished before filling the fuel tank.
• Close all ports, windows, doors and hatches.
3-4
• Fueling should never be done at night except
in well-lighted areas.
• Always keep the fuel nozzle in contact with
the fuel fill plate or the edge of the fuel tank
opening throughout the filling process.
• Allow areas where gasoline vapors could
collect to be ventilated before starting the
engine.
• Wipe any spillage completely and dispose of
rags or waste on shore.
• Secure the fill cap tightly.
• Portable tanks should only be filled while on
shore, never on board the boat.
R E F E R T O T H E
MANUAL IN YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL PACKET FOR
COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS.
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.
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.
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.
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 filters, 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
R
M A N U F A C T U R E R ' S
190 Montauk