Gas fumes in cuddy

RRRSmith

Recruit
Joined
May 20, 2021
Messages
3
I have a 1997 proline I/O 23’ WA, I‘ve replace vent host, intake fuel line and sending unit gasket and still have gas fumes only in cuddy. No sign of fuel leakage in bilge, no smell of fumes in bilge but it seems the fumes only come from the cuddy. Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks
 

FunInDuhSun

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 25, 2010
Messages
473
Assuming you’ve properly replaced those lines, I’d take a close look at the tank. Is it plastic or aluminum? Maybe a crack or pinhole near the top where it wouldn’t leak.
 

RRRSmith

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May 20, 2021
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It’s a aluminum tank and I’m quite confident everything replaced properly, the mechanic has 30 years under his belt. I‘m thinking of putting tank under pressure . Any experience with this? Not sure what else to look for?
 

Grub54891

Admiral
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Jun 17, 2012
Messages
6,079
If the tank or hoses had a leak before, the fuel could have saturated someplace hidden and will smell for a very long time, or may not go away. Might have to dig deeper and remove the contaminated stuff.
 

demarko210

Chief Petty Officer
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Jan 2, 2015
Messages
605
Make sure your fuel vents are not blocked with insects. I like the title by the way, Cuddly.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,083
Did you change the fuel fill hose?

Had this issue twice over the years.
The fill hose was the culprit both times.

If not the full hose, the tank is leaking.
 

mike_i

Ensign
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Jun 28, 2017
Messages
942
Did you have the issue before replacing everything or did you notice the smell after? Is the tank foamed in? Get it pressure tested.
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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Some cabins are more cuddly than others . . . 🤪

If the tank is foamed in, then fuel could be seeping into the foam and not readily present in the bilge. Otherwise a pinhole or weld seam crack as mentioned. Also the sender fitting/flange could be leaking.
 

RRRSmith

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May 20, 2021
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3
Thanks everyone for your responses! I believe my next step is to have fuel tank pressure tested.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,585
Thanks everyone for your responses! I believe my next step is to have fuel tank pressure tested.
1.5 to 2 psi max. should hold literally forever. generally you need the tank out and need to use soapy water to check. tanks should be empty when you test as you may get a false reading with fuel in it.

if you go past 4 psi, your square tank becomes round and you run risk of blowing the tank up.
 
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