oil in bilge area

[ron755]

I bought my boat used, and noticed a lot of oil in the bilge area, and under the oil tank. I removed the oil tank to see if it was cracked, and when I took the top black cover off, I found a indented circle with five screw holes around it. What is this for, and should I plug the holes?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: oil in bilge area

If by "cover", you're speaking of the rectangular or square component that the oil line is attached to...... the one with the float and inner pickup attached, there should be a cork gasket under it. Even it it's there, now that you've exposed it, replace it. The five screw holes I do not recall but if they're inside of the cork gasket area, ignore them.

I assume he oil tank is located/secured in the bilge area?

 

[ron755]

Re: oil in bilge area

The 5 holes are across from the oil intake, on top of the tank.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: oil in bilge area

I have a oil tank here and took a look at the holes you speak of. They are what is called "dead End" holes, that is they do not go all the way thru. Nothing can drip in or splash out. Stick a wire or finishing nail in any of them and you should find that the hole is approximately 5/16" to 3/8" deep.

However, if someone for some reason drilled thru those holes, then yes they would require plugging.

You didn't acknowledge one way or the other about the oil tank being secured in the bilge..... is it?

If the oil isn't eaking from the VRO oil tank..... and the rig has never has a inboard or a inboard/outboard engine installed, the scary thought lurks that possibly the built in gas tank has a problem.

 

[ron755]

Re: oil in bilge area

The tank is secure, but the holes have been drilled out. I plugged them with stainless steel screws. Thank you for your help.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: oil in bilge area

Wonder why someone would do that.

Now, do you want to tell us........ was that oil tank located in the bilge? (3rd request)

 

[ron755]

Re: oil in bilge area

Yes the oil tank is in the bilge area.