Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Owner's Manual page 30

260 s
f
illing The TanK
It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the
engine is not in use. This will reduce air flow 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.
p s
hase eparaTion
Humidity and condensation create water in your
fuel tank which can adversely 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, significantly 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 could be pumped directly to the engine(s) and
cause significant problems. Engine problems can
also result from the reduced ethanol/fuel mixture
left in the upper phase of the tank.
a
DDiTives
There is no practical additive known that can prevent
or correct phase separation. The only solution is to
keep water from accumulating in the tank.
If phase separation does occur, your only remedy is
to drain the fuel, clean and dry the tank completely
and refill with a fresh, dry load of fuel.
f f
uel ilTers
Mercury already provides the appropriate level
of filtration to protect the engine from debris. The
addition of another in-line filter to the system will
create a possible flow restriction that can starve the
engine(s) of fuel. As a precaution, it is advisable to
carry extra on-engine filters in case filter plugging
from debris in the fuel tank becomes a problem
during boating.
M
ainTenance
Periodically inspect for the presence of water in the
fuel tank. If any is found, all water must be removed
and the tank completely dried before refilling the
tank with any fuel containing ethanol.
20
o
®
undancer
m
Wners anual
s
Torage
Long periods of storage and/or non-use, common
to boats, create unique problems. When preparing
to store a boat for extended periods, of two months
or more, it is best to completely remove all fuel from
the tank. If it is not possible to remove the fuel,
maintaining a full tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer
added to provide fuel stability and corrosion
protection is recommended.
REFER TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER'S
MANUAL IN YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL PACKAGE
F O R C O M P L E T E I N S T RU C T I O N S A N D
WARRANTY INFORMATION.
! CAUTION
The use of fuels containing ethanol higher than 10
present (E-10) can damage your engine and/or fuel
system and will void the warranty.
E-85 FUELS COULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR
ENGINES AND MUST NEVER BE USED.
260 Sundancer
®