clear the fumes or motor explodes. See it does happen!

[Dadwith2boys]

Here is an article where the motor exploded due because the owner did not "clear the fumes". I/O motor explodes

Ironically, I live about 10 minutes from where this happened and I was on that lake 2 days prior with a similar type of boat and motor.

How does one clear the fumes from an I/O motor?

 

[steelespike]

Re: clear the fumes or motor explodes. See it does happen!

These boats should be equipped with a bildge blower to clear fumes before starting.One needs to be patient and run the blower for at least a minute
(seems like forever)before attempting to start the motor. Blower should be setup to draw from the lowest point where fumes might collect. The exhaust should be clear and not damaged/leaking.
On my straight inboard I allways opened the hatches when idle.
Wouldn't hurt to be aware and check for lingering fumes and that there is no fuel leaks/spills.

 

[BAproject]

Re: clear the fumes or motor explodes. See it does happen!

Funny, amidst working on my boat last night I lifted the ski locker (20' bayliner/open, I/O merc) and phewww, the gas fumes in there were unreal.

Is this normal? I have the fuel line off, intake out, and water pump off, but the engine compartment does not smell like gas at all, just the ski locker.

There's no fuel in the tank at the moment (that I can tell), would this be a leak in the tank or is it normal on a boat like this for gas fumes to build up in there? I'm guessing it's bad and just hopeing I don't have to cut the floor out to remove and inspect the gas tank (which is the only way to get at it )(it's a '91)

-BAproject

 

[Dadwith2boys]

Re: clear the fumes or motor explodes. See it does happen!

Interesting.. I stand corrected, I have an outboard 1967 Johnson 100HP. Do these types of motors have the same possible issue?

Thank you,

 

[BAproject]

Re: clear the fumes or motor explodes. See it does happen!

On an outboard I would doubt it, but I would still open the hatches cuz gas fumes from the tank (for any reason) are not good to have lingering around, like I'm realizing right now!

-BAproject