Princess Boat

Hi all,

I've owned a 68 Starcraft with a 120 HP Mercruiser for 20-ish years. In storage it's always had a fairly pungent 'Gassy' smell, but I've never given the thought / energy, to a solution. Further clue, . . . if it sits for a while, there is no gas at the carb, I've installed a primer bulb to pre-fill the bowl. The past couple of days I've felt inspired to do something about these symptoms, outside storage is quickly becoming an issue.

Just sniffing around, I think the smell comes mostly from the engine 'hole', . . . some, but not as significant, from the tank vent. It also seems to be localized around the carb, I know, I know, makes sense, right? Anyway, I took the air 'breather' off the carb to take a look, and it appears like a 1/4" diameter vent from the float bowl is wide open to atmosphere.

Anyone else think this is the likely cause of the gas smell? Has anyone tried to do something about this / developed a really elegant fix? I wouldn't be opposed to an updated carb if that's the cleanest way to go. For the moment, I'll try plug the vent while it's stored and see how big of an effect it has.

Sorry about the wordy thread, it just kinda went there. Let me know what you think.

Regards,
Shockey

Re: Princess Boat

Do not plug that vent, it will not leak enough fumes to affect any kind of area.

Since the fuel bowl in the carb is draining, that is definitely one source of fumes. Look around the butterly plate shaft bushings right around the throttle lever for fuel wetness. If fuel leaks from there a nasty fuel smell will be spread far and wide. Look for puddles on the intake manifold. If the carb is leaking like that it needs replaced, hard to re-bush the throttle plates, usually carb replacement is more economical.

I hope your engine house blower works and that it is used!

Re: Princess Boat

Thanks Maclin, I'm on it.