Strong gas smell? but can't find leak, Seadoo Speedster

[ejo1]

I've just purchased a 1996 SeaDoo Speedster jet boat with dual 87HP Rotax engines. I've been on the lake twice this past weekend (days after buying the boat) without any problems, but now that the boat has been sitting for 5 days, the engine compartment really stinks of gas. When I was boat shopping, this boat had no fuel in it. The past owner claimed that it's part of his winterizing to drain all of the fuel. We filled the tank with 10 gallons and went for a 45 minute boat ride. I didn't notice any smell then.<br />I've tried seaching for a leak but can't find the source.<br /><br />Any ideas? Any tools for finding slow leaks?<br />What can I try next? <br /><br />Thanks in advance!

 

[Trent]

Re: Strong gas smell? but can't find leak, Seadoo Speedster

You are turning off the fuel when the boat sits? My speedster does the same thing. Dont fill the tank to the VERY top. You could still have a leak but just wanted you to know they can do that. The way the carbs are made with its equalizing tube it can dribble a little if the fuel valve is left on. Make sure to use your blower correctly.

 

[ejo1]

Re: Strong gas smell? but can't find leak, Seadoo Speedster

Yuppers, the fuel has been turned off each time.<br />This last test run in the back yard, I ran the engines after turning the fuel off until they stopped. I did notice a slight improvement, but the smell's still there.<br /><br />Only other point to mention, I do recall the seller of the boat running in the reserve setting for the fuel selector during the demo run. Don't know if that would make a difference?

 

[Malibuf3]

Re: Strong gas smell? but can't find leak, Seadoo Speedster

I had A 95 seadoo spx and three years after I purchased I started noticing a very strong gas smell after it sat for a while. It turned out that the gas tank filler nozzle would get hairline cracks in them and would leak just enough to case a bad gas smell. Not sure if that is what is going on with yours but I ended up replacing the fuel tank. If I remember there was a recall and it was covered under that.<br /><br />I would definitely get that checked out ASAP, gas in the bilge makes for some nasty problems.<br /><br />Dan

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Strong gas smell? but can't find leak, Seadoo Speedster

the ONLY tools for finding fuel leaks are your nose and flashlight !!!