Section 4 • Bilge & Underwater Gear
Except for checking the operation of the bilge pump using the ON position, leave the switch in the OFF (AUTO) position. In the OFF (AUTO) position, when the bilge liquid is deep enough to activate the float switch, the bilge pump turns on and pumps out the bilge liquid until the float switch drops and shuts off the pump.
If the liquid level in the bilge is higher than normal and the bilge pump empties the bilge when you use the ON switch, the float switch is not operating properly. Have it checked immediately. If the ON switch does not operate the pump, DO NOT use the boat until the problem is corrected.
The emergency high water bilge pump and float switch are wired to the high water bilge alarm. Should the pump be activated by water in the sump, the alarm will sound. If alarm sounds, immediate attention to the engine room is required.
Maintenance
Frequently inspect the area under the float switches to ensure they are free from debris and gummy bilge oil. To clean, soak in heavy duty bilge cleaner for 10 minutes, agitating several times. Check for unrestricted operation of the float. Repeat the cleaning procedure if necessary.
Inspect the bilge pump intakes and keep them free of dirt or material which may impede the flow of water through the pump.
D.Bilge Blower(s)
!WARNING
Explosion/Fire Hazard – Run blower at least four (4) minutes before starting engine or generator. Check bilge and engine compartment for fumes.
!WARNING
Do not allow obstructions to interfere with bilge blower or ventilation intake operation. Engine performance may be adversely affected.
To prevent buildup of gasoline fumes to the explosive level in the engine compartment, the bilge blowers must be run for at least four (4) minutes before starting the engine and kept running at all times when the engine is running to insure that there will be adequate ventilation when you are moving slowly. The blowers may also remove deadly carbon monoxide (CO) which may be in the bilge. Run blowers when using the generator or engine.
2.Engines and Stern Drive
A.Maintenance and Service
Engine failure away from shore can be dangerous. You must follow the recommended maintenance schedule to best ensure
B.Vibration and Causes
Some vibration is to be expected in your boat because of the action of the engines and the propeller. But excessive vibration indicates conditions which must be promptly corrected to avoid damage. The following are some conditions which may cause vibrations.
•Weeds, ropes, fishing lines, nets or your own trailing lines can become wrapped around the propeller and/or shaft, causing vibration and loss of speed. Always stop the boat, make sure it is clear to the rear, and then reverse the propeller after going through a weedy area to unwrap and clear away any weeds which may have accumulated. If this doesn’t clear the entanglement, and you can’t anchor or moor the boat in shallow water to get to the stern drive in the water, the boat will have to be taken out of the water.
•A badly damaged or distorted propeller or shaft is an obvious cause of vibration. Run at slow speed to shore. REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
•If the engine mounts fail and the engine can contact the hull while it is running, vibration will be felt. Run at slow speed to shore. REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
4.2 | 202 Islander® |