06/13/2007 08:25:15 AM
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BENMURPHY
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 11/02/2006
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After a cruise the interior of my boat has a smell of gas or
exhaust fumes. I checked all the fittings at the gas tanks
and looked for signs of gas leaking around the carbs and the
generator and can find no leaks. There is no evidence of gas
in the water in the bilge either. Is this normal?
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06/13/2007 11:05:23 AM
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alreadygone
Admiral
Posts: 792
Joined: 02/07/2004
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First off, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!
Is this normal? NO! First thing is to determine if it's raw fumes (explosion) ,or exhaust fumes (everybody goes to sleep and don't wake up). Neither is a viable option. Install Carbon Monoxide detectors if there not onboard already. If you already have them , test for fuction. If they're there and working that leaves raw fumes. Enlist the help of dock mates, or hire someone. But get that problem solved before it becomes a disaster!
Best,
Bob
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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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06/13/2007 02:01:37 PM
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abdiver
Member
Posts: 168
Joined: 02/22/2007
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It is not unusual for the cabin of a boat to get filled with
exhaust fumes from what is often referred to as the "station wagon
effect". Basically, as your boat moves through the air the
swirl of air around the back scoops up the exhaust and brings it up
and into the cabin.
This is common, but still very dangerous. If this is
happening you need to be sure that the back doors are closed and a
forward hatch/window is open to ensure that there is a flow of
fresh air through the cabin. I have heard of cases where this
effect was so bad that it could actually reach the fly bridge.
In such cases the exhaust system of the boat needs to be
modified so that the exhaust doesn't get suck back up to the
boat.
I also recommend most highly to get a carbon monoxide detector.
You can buy battery operated units quite cheaply. I
recommend getting one that has a display that shows what the
current Parts Per Million is rather than just having an alarm that
sounds when it gets too high. With the display you can see if
you are getting marginal or not and take corrective action earlier.
I would NEVER run a generator on a boat without one!
If the smell is not exhaust fumes then you need to inspect your
fuel system carefully. You should not be getting any gas
smell into the cabin and very little (if any) in the engine
compartment.
Rod
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06/13/2007 02:41:54 PM
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BENMURPHY
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 11/02/2006
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I HAVE A BATTERY POWERED SMOKE AND C02 DETECTOR UNIT AND IT HAS
NEVER GONE OFF.... I PUSH THE TEST BUTTON FROM TIME TO TIME.
I CAN LIFT THE ENGINE COVER AND LET IT AIR OUT FOR A WHILE
AND THE SMELL GOES AWAY.
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06/13/2007 06:58:17 PM
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stmbtwle
Admiral
Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003
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So is it gasoline fumes or exhaust gas fumes (or both)?? Sounds to me like you have gasoline fumes rather than exhaust fumes. Fuel leak (BOOM!) somewhere, possibly your fuel pump or carb.
Bad part is you sometimes can't find it without the engine RUNNING, and you have to get down there with it. Scary. Been there, it wasn't fun.
-------------------------
Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
Edited: 06/13/2007 at 07:08:35 PM by stmbtwle
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06/14/2007 12:06:33 AM
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Ike
Admiral
Posts: 264
Joined: 07/24/2006
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Gas Fumes. Do NOT run your engines. What
you need to do is have a marine technician do a pressure test on
your fuel system to isolate the leak. Especially check the tank for
pin hole leaks on the bottom. This will show up in a pressure
test. Even the slightest leak is dangerous, but a tiny leak is
actually more dangerous than a big leak. The reason has to do with
what is called the Lower Explosive Limit or LEL. The range is
generally 7 to 1 to 14 to 1. If the mixture is less than 7
parts air to 1 part gas fumes, it is to rich, and if more than 14
to 1 it is too lean. So if you get a tiny leak you get less
fumes but it is more likely to be in the range. If you have a
massive leak it will be far too rich. This doesn’t mean
you can do something stupid like smoking in the engine
room.
Get it checked Now! Then completely air out
the boat. Check the bilges with a flashlight NOT an AC drop
light. Also if there is fuel in the bilge DO NOT attempt to
suck it out with a shop vac. Soak it up with rags or sponges and
take the whole mess to a marine repair shop to be disposed of
safely. Clean the bilge thoroughly with a good bilge cleaner and
air it out until dry.
-------------------------
Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home PageMy Boating Safety BlogMy Boat Building News Blog
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06/14/2007 04:43:40 AM
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stmbtwle
Admiral
Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003
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Ike is right.
-------------------------
Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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06/14/2007 01:18:15 PM
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houseboat8972
Admiral
Posts: 307
Joined: 05/05/2006
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Another source could be floats sticking on your carbuerator, which could quickly ruin your day. On my previous boat, I had those awful holleys and the secondary float was notorious for sticking, and the boat would still run fine. If you have Holley 4 bbls, replace them even if they aren't the problem right now!
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06/14/2007 01:21:42 PM
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houseboat8972
Admiral
Posts: 307
Joined: 05/05/2006
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And one more thing (wish I could think of everything at one time).....check your engine oil. If it is thin and smells like gas, either floats sticking (from post above) or a crack/rupture in your fuel pump bellows thus allowing fuel to mix with your oil. In that case, the smell is "pumped" from the crankcase back into your breather from the PCV valve.
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06/14/2007 03:10:04 PM
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BENMURPHY
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: 11/02/2006
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I spoke with Marine Power and they agree with you on the Carbs so
the mechanic is rebuilding the carbs. Also, the folks at
Marine Power are very helpful! Ordered a Gas Fume Detector
today also...
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06/14/2007 11:01:04 PM
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Ike
Admiral
Posts: 264
Joined: 07/24/2006
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Damn! Didn’t think of the
carbs. I must be getting old. More CRS everyday.
Anyway, the point is to get it fixed. It’s worth it.
The fume detector is money well spent, but as you have just learned
the best fume detector is still your nose.
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Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home PageMy Boating Safety BlogMy Boat Building News Blog
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06/15/2007 12:47:51 PM
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BrokerDave
Member
Posts: 154
Joined: 08/15/2006
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The gallery of personalities on this forum................ Ike
missed one out of how many???
It's Ok. Don't take it too hard. Were still listening. Or at least
I am.
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Boatless at the moment
www.spboatsales.com
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