Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

[Silver/Fish]

Just a quick safety question here guys. This past week has been HOT here in the north country. I was doing some basic cleaning, inspection, etc. of my 1996 Four Winns in the drive way. Pulled off the canvas and opened the cover on the 5.0FL (carb) volvo. "Strong" fuel odor??? Is this normal? (First i/o I have owned)<br /><br />Inspected all fuel lines etc. and no fuel actually in bilge. No drips etc. Left the cover open to air out and ran the blower and odor cleared... Just want to be CAUTIOUS...Thanks in advance...JR

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

No,..... It's Not Normal.........<br /><br />That's WHY 1 of the Steps in a Pre-Trip Inspection is the Sniff Test, while checking the Oil level......<br /><br />You've got a Leak,..... Somewhere, for Some Reason......<br />You've Got to Find It.....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

BOOM!!!!!

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

Thanks for the info...I will re-inspect all systems..Taking it in for service and repair.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

Thanks for the info...I will re-inspect all systems..Taking it in for service and repair.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

It's very normal... for boats that catch fire.

 

[njlarry609]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

Or it could simply be the fuel expanding in the heat through the vent. Any sign of discoloration around the fill or vent? Did the smell disepate quickly?

 

[eeboater]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

Johnathan, please post back and let us know what the dealer/you found when you got it inspected.<br /><br />tx<br />Sean

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

There are fumes and there are fumes. Gas is heavier than air so any gas fumes settle to the low spot. <br /><br />I don't know at what percentage your nose can detect fuel, but ignition is around 12% (EPA likes 14.7 per my Merc Serv Man). <br /><br />I have refueled at times, with an overboard vent and sealed nozzle just to find out later that the direction the wind was blowing blew fumes into the boat which settled in the bilge.<br /><br />Not that you shouldn't examine your rig. The best thing is a bilge blower and then you shouldn't be able to stick your nose down there and smell something.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Boatist]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

NOT NORMAL.<br />One questiion does your cover go down over your fuel vent. If it does that may be your problem.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

I appreciate everyones concern on this topic, that is why I log on here @ iboats. There are a lot of folks here that have years of experience and knowledge....But PLEASE, no more fire/ explosion comments....<br /><br />When I first moved here to Michigan (almost 20 years ago now) I helped with the recovery and salvage of an exploded and burned out vessel...Not pretty.<br /><br />Took the boat into the Four Winns/Volvo dealership on Sat. I will report back with their findings...Thanks to all..JR

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

I saw one also, back when I was around 10. An Inboard boat was out in the bay and all of a sudded fire and black smoke came belching out of it....saw it start. Don't know the outcome but did see the rescue boats bringing folks back to ambulances. Course I really didn't want to see the outcome for the reason you mentioned.<br /><br />Mark

 

[KRS]

Re: Gas odor in bilge...Normal?

Hope it's an easy fix, excellent for catching the problem!<br /><br />Another safe boater in our midst!