risk of explosion in engine compartment volvo penta

[craigk]

Hi all. I've got Solex 44 Pai carbs on my AQ151C. The gasket under the float bowl is questionable, and Volvo can't supply a replacement for 4 weeks, and I have to buy a whole kit , at that. My manual talks about the danger of using a gasket material other than what the manufacturer sells(marine,not automotive), because gas fumes can vent through the gasket, accumulate in the engine compartment, and explode from spark. I see after-market gaskets available, and I found out they are not the same material as what I have just taken off the carbs. My gasket is black rubber, very smooth, shiny, flexible, not a composite. There is no fiber in it, just solid rubber. If the replacement is not the same as the original, why can't I just take a piece of good quality material that can handle gas and heat, and cut my own? Any thoughts on this somewhat risky endeavor? Thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: risk of explosion in engine compartment volvo penta

as long as the matriel is not fuel permeable and meets all the codes for it in your area , cut away.

 

[craigk]

Re: risk of explosion in engine compartment volvo penta

Any idea what the material I have is, or where I could get it? Thanks

 

[DukesFin]

Re: risk of explosion in engine compartment volvo penta

I'm only a "cadet", certainly NOT a professional, but with my very limited knowledge of marine engine parts replacement, I have found that some are fine to replace with automotive, but ANYTHING having to do with fuel/vapors/fire/spark/etc. I will ONLY use the specified parts - no matter what the cost.<br /><br />I'm sure you will get good, reliable feedback and advice from more knowledgable people, but from a fellow boater, please be careful. I hate reading "bad news" on these forums, especially when it can be avoided!

 

[craigk]

Re: risk of explosion in engine compartment volvo penta

I'm figuring things out...... the reason they chose material, is because the bowl cover has a very narrow short ridge that extends around the bowl chamber, throat, bolt holes, etc, and the material has to compress enough to let the ridge sink into the material and create a sealed chamber. The gasket(1-32nd thick) looks like vinyl with a very thin fabric(almost invisible) in the center. I tried some grey/black composite material, and it was too hard.... couldn't get a ridge impression in all areas. Thanks for the input.