Owner`s manual

4
Chapter 5
TO PREVENT FIRE OR EXPLOSION
DO NOT STORE
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS IN CONTAINERS
ANYWHERE ON THE VESSEL!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
BEFORE STARTING ENGINES
“SNIFF” ENGINE COMPARTMENT
FOR FUEL LEAKS.
ACTIVATE BLOWERS FOR AT LEAST 4
MINUTES BEFORE STARTING ENGINES.
RUN BLOWERS BELOW CRUSING SPEEDS.
With all engines
large amounts of
air are required
to perform the
combustion
process. The higher
the revolutions
per minute of the
engine the more air is required to meet the demand.
Most engines exhaust large amounts of natural incoming
air by mixing it through the combustion process and
forcing the air through the engine exhaust system into the
water. The same deck cowlings are used to funnel incoming
air for combustion. The remaining air exits through the
cowlings into the atmosphere.
This “breathing cycle” occurs naturally within the engine
with more oxygen being required as the throttle speeds
are increased.
With gasoline engines a powered ventilation system
exhausts sump fumes through a set of hoses in the lower
third of the bilge overboard. The process initiates with
the blower switches. Besides using the bllowers always
open the hatch and use your nose to sniff for gas fumes
Always use the blower switches for at least 4 minutes before
starting the engines. Keep the blowers energized through
cruising speeds.
As part of maintenance, ensure the cowlings are free of
debris including animal nests such as wasps and birds.
Check and replace the engine air fi lters as required.
Also, it is recommended that after a cruise you let the
engines and generator idle under a ‘no load’ condition for
several minutes. Perform a visual check for exhaust and
fl uid leaks in the bilge. Since there is a light gelcoat color in
the bilge bottom it will be easier to spot any fl uid leaks.
Ventilation
Ducting
ENGINE VENTILATION