Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

[bryank75]

Seems that when we are out just idling or at anchor, the gas fumes are a little more present than last season. 18' Celebrity 180 with the 4.3LX mercruiser. 27 Gallon plastic tank. I never see any gasoline in the bilge or garboard area, no tears in the fuel filler hose,vent hose, fuel supply hose. Has a round access plate under the rear bench seat that is where the fuel fill hose comes in and possibly vent hose. Also fuel sender and wiring happens there. I can't remember the brand of the fuel tank. I am going to try not to top it off as much the next time I go out. 27 gallons for a V6 in a 18' boat is a little excessive imhop. Might try to just keep 23 gallons in it. Any tips would be appreciated.


Bryan

 

[90stingray]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

What kind of fuel pump? If you have a mechanical... it could be going bad and filling the clear line that goes to the carb with fuel and thus fumes. Just a thought.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

Lets see, you detect gasoline fumes with your nose strong enough to complain.
Find it or fill this out
Names and address of all persons on board
Next of kin
Name of boat and hull I.D. , and reg. number
Name of insurance company.
Just in case you explode and burn to the waterline.

 

[bryank75]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

It is a serious concern no doubt. 90 Stingray, its a inline electric fuel pump.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

You probably need to have a VERY close look at your fuel fill line, vent hoses and fittings at the fill point and the tank.

You should NEVER smell fuel in the boat. You need to fix this before taking the boat out again!!

 

[dpoff]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

I had a similar issue. It turned out the gasket/oring that seals the center post on the fuel sender was leaking just enough to smell fumes. couldn`t really see gas but if you ran your finger around it a did a sniff test you could smeell gas.
A new sender took care of that.

 

[bryank75]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

Ok so I did a very thorough investigation on the integrity of the hoses, the fuel supply, 1 1/2'' fuel fill hose, and the vent hose and found no compromises. I also checked the sender unit for leaks. I think I have been overfilling when I take it home from a day on the lake. I sometimes make the pump click 3-4 times after first clicking off. I even shook the hell out of the boat to see if I could get any leaks on my own, while the engine was running. No leaks at the pump or carb either. My manual says to run the bilge blower whenever underway, and I never do.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

I would fill out the paper work as the Bt Doctur stated! You should always, ALWAYS run the blower before any start up for at least a minute. Should say atleast 5 min on your dash somewere. I always run mine before start up and while cruseing at low speeds. If your motor compartment is completely enclosed there is now NO WAY for air to get in there other than the BLOWER or when your boat is moving.

I would say you are overfilling it and smelling fumes from the vent line.!

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

Of course always run the blower when you are not at cruise speed. No exceptions.

Not going to excuse your problem, but plastic tanks and ethanol tend to let vapor thru. Not sure why. You should get a sniffer & alarm if in doubt. The $200-300 will save your life(s). It will produce an alarm if fumes are dangerous.

 

[bryank75]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

I wish it had a aluminum tank. It has a 27 gallon mueller. I'll just run the blower all the time.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

your gas fume detector you already have, it`s right on the front of your face. YOUR NOSE.
If you smell fumes , your already in a dangerous condition.I take care of a 28 coastal that has a plastic tank and there are NO FUMES TO DETECT.Unless your spilling fuel along the gunnel or your vent is spitting fuel inside the boat, or the fuel fill neck has cracked YOU HAVE A FUEL LEAK.Find it or die ,your choice.

 

[farmer9009]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

I suggest blocking off the fuel line going to the pump and applying air pressure to the vent hose to do a pressure test. 15lb of air pressure and hopefully you will hear or see where the leak is. if your test gauge holds steady then you may not have a leak. do not try to apply pressure to the line going to the fuel pump because the anti-siphon valve will get in your way.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Excessive Gasoline Fumes.

You need to use dry nitrogen to test the tank. Air will change pressure. You also need to do it overnight when the fuel remains more constant.