Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

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Part 6: Boating Maintenance
Could I Be Out of Gas?
Dumb as it sounds, your boat may simply be out of gas. Never trust fuel gauges on boats.
Because the floats bounce around so drastically, fuel gauges often get out of whack. So
whenever you have the slightest doubt that you may be low on gas, add more. (It’s a good
idea to keep the tanks topped off, anyway, to prevent water condensation inside, which
eventually builds up enough to cause rust and maybe even running problems.)
To avoid low fuel problems afloat, the general rule of thumb is, use no more than 1 /3 of a
tank for the trip out, no more than 1 /3 for the trip back, and save 1 /3 for reserve. Why so
much? Because currents, wind, and waves working against you can suddenly convert your
five-miles-per-gallon motor into one that gets only two miles per gallon. (Anglers who
troll for hours must reserve plenty for that, as well.)
I’ve Tried Everything and the Motor Still Won’t Start!
If you’ve done everything right and still can’t get the motor to start, check for loose fittings
in the fuel line. At times, the quick-release connector on hoses for portable outboards
pops loose at the engine cowling. Check for secure attachment here, and at the
entry to the portable tank, if you have one.
The fuel hose could also be pinched—maybe someone set a heavy tackle box on top of it.
Check the length of the hose, particularly if it’s exposed in the cockpit.
On portable tanks, the vent may be closed. It’s designed to prevent fuel spillage during
transport, but it forms an airlock if left screwed shut when you try to start the engine.
(Suspect this one in particular if the engine starts briefly but then shuts down and won’t
start again.) The vent is a small screw located on the filler cap.
The culprit could also be dirt in a fuel filter. Modern fuel-injected outboards and diesel
inboards have several filters built into their fuel systems. If any of them clog, the motor
won’t start (or it will stumble when it does). Check the filters if simpler remedies fail.
Water in the fuel is another problem. It sometimes results from condensation in older
tanks, or it can come from contaminated fuel at a gas station or marina. It’s not a common
problem, but it can happen. Keep a can of dry gas handy to add to your tank, just in case.
(You may have to shoot Quick-Start down the air intake of your motor or through the
spark plug holes to get the contaminated fuel clear.)
When the Motor Overheats
When the warning buzzer comes on, it’s usually because of weeds in the water intake,
found on the lower unit housing slightly above the bullet or gear housing on most