MAINTENANCE
SERVICE MANUAL NUMBER 26
Fuels containing alcohol will absorb moisture from the air. At first, this moisture will remain
in solution, but once the water content of the fuel has built up to about one-half of one
percent, it will separate out (phase separation), bringing the alcohol with it. This
alcohol-water mixture settles to the bottom of the fuel tank and if this mixture gets into the
engine, the engine can be seriously damaged internally, as it may wash the protective film
of oil off the bore of any cylinder that it enters. Before the engine can be restarted, it is
necessary to remove the separated alcohol and water layer, flush out the fuel system with
clean fuel and remove and dry the spark plugs.
Boat / Motor Storage
When operating a MerCruiser engine on gasoline containing alcohol, storage of gasoline
in the fuel tank for long periods of time should be avoided.
Long periods of storage, common to boats, create unique problems. In cars,
gasoline/alcohol blend fuels normally are consumed before they can absorb enough
moisture to cause trouble, but boats often sit idle long enough for phase separation to take
place. In addition, internal corrosion may take place during storage if alcohol has washed
protective oil films from internal components.
Winter Storage
If boat is to be placed in winter storage, carburetors must be run dry at idle rpm. Permanent
fuel tanks should be drained completely and Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer and
Conditioner added to any fuel remaining in the tank. Portable fuel tanks should be emptied
completely.
Warranty
Performance problems and fuel system or other damage resulting from the use of
gasoline-alcohol blended fuels are not the responsibility of MerCruiser and will not be
covered under our warranty.
Continuing Evaluations
The effects of gasoline with ETHANOL and METHANOL are still being evaluated by the
United States Coast Guard, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA),
Mercury Marine and other engine and boat manufacturers.
We have recommended pump posting of alcohol content of gasoline. Further we recom-
mend using gasoline known not to contain any METHANOL or ETHANOL when possible.
Test For Alcohol Content In Gasoline
The following is an acceptable and widely used field procedure for the detection of alcohol
in gasoline. Use any small transparent bottle or tube that can be capped and is, or can be,
provided with graduations or a mark at about 1/3 full. A pencil mark on a piece of adhesive
tape may be used.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
Fill the container with water to the mark.
Add fuel almost to fill the container, leaving some air space, then cap the container. The
proportions of fuel to water are not critical, but there should be 2 to 3 times as much fuel
as water.
3.
Shake container vigorously and allow it to sit upright for 3 to 5 minutes. If the volume
of water appears to have increased, alcohol is present. If you are not sure, there is no
need for concern. If the dividing line between water and fuel becomes cloudy, use the
middle of the cloudy band.
Index
Page 1B-8
90-861329--1 MARCH 1999
| Categories | Mercury MerCruiser Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Mercury MerCruiser 181 CID |
| Model Year | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Download File |
|
| Document File Type | |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
(6 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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