Note to others, think first...

[This_lil_fishy]

Rules when changing the fuel/water filter.

1, Disconnect the battery charger
2, Disconnect battery(s)
3, rechecked that they are disconnected.
4, Pull the boat OUT OF THE GARAGE!
5, RECHECK batteries.
6, Bring a few cloths or small bucket, fuel will be spilled.
7, RECHECK BATTERIES
8, You outside enjoying the cool fresh air yet? No? WTF not!?
9, Oh, check that the batteries are disconnected.
10, Change filter, clean up mess, let fresh air blow through boat for a good 30minutes.
11, Okay reconnect the batteries now and turn blowers on for a few minutes.

What I did,

1, Hopped into engine compartment, in the garage, unscrewed filter, knocked positive charger cable off, sparky sparky....thanked god I am still alive to tell you about it...let alone nothing else happened. Took an advil for the fume induced headache too.

Ian

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Note to others, think first...

You Sir, just dodged a missile! That could have gone VERRRY badly! Thanks for the heads up, we all get in a hurry sometimes.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Note to others, think first...

You Sir, just dodged a missile!

Ahh, I think you meant a BOMB!!

Yup, glad you were not hurt, it could have been more serious. If you don't have it yet, head up to the Adults Only sticky and grab it.

I know that this maintenance stuff becomes routine for many of us and that is when accidents happen. It is always a good idea to read through the manual before starting a job. Shoot, it's always good to use the manual to do a job.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Note to others, think first...

HOLY CRAP

Glad you OK.

 

[dave11]

Re: Note to others, think first...

Good lesson learned without a mishap.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Note to others, think first...

It comes with 6 months of complacency. Rebuilt the carbs for the mower and snowblower in there (the garage) without a second thought. But then they only hold very small amounts of fuel. So just hopped in there without a thought in the world. As the fuel was spilling out of the filter it occurred to me that this was a really stupid thing to do. Add to the fact that the engine bay is a very small enclosed space, this just amplified the problem.

Ian

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Note to others, think first...

Just a side note, when adding a fuel-water separator fuel filter make sure to mount it where you can place a small container under it. A surprising or maybe not so surprising amount of fuel comes out when changing the filter. Container should be big enough to just drop the filter in. Oh, and be sure to hold your breath.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Note to others, think first...

this is why mine is mounted in the motor well of my boats.

 

[skargo]

Re: Note to others, think first...

Carry a coffee can with a lid for changes out on the water

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Note to others, think first...

Unfortunately Glastron saw fit to put it right in front of the motor mount. Thus only a few rags fit under it. Also they saw fit to mount the battery on that side, without a battery box. I plan on mounting an enclosed battery box there this summer for sure.

Ian

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Note to others, think first...

DO NOT discconect or recconect a battery in the presence of fuel vapors.
any electrical device with a memory,like tachs and stereos,as well as some bilge pumps will create an arc when the cables are connected so you can turn on the blower.
do make sure all electrical devices and battery chargers are off.
preferably do it outdoors and have the trusty fire bottle at the ready.
most memory circuits including certian engine ECU,s draw about 800ma.
so a stereo,a tach and an ECU memory will draw about 2.4 amps.
way more than enough for ignition.

 

[dumy1]

Re: Note to others, think first...

I must agree with rodbolt--No NOT disconnect the battery. The battery charger--yes, do disconnect as that is apparently where the sparks originated.
I have changed hunrdeds of batteries and more often than not there will be a spark when you are attaching that second cable.
But don't feel badly. I seem to get myself in more trouble working dockside than I do while on the water .
Good luck and have a great summer
Ron