Exhaust Smell

[BadMoJoe]

Hi all, I'm new to boating. I just bought a 1998 monterey 180 w/ merc 4.3 alpha one out drive. Everything seems to work perfectly but I have a strong exhaust smell especially when cruising at slow speeds. Is this normal or is there anything I need to check?<br /><br />BadMoJoe

 

[horndog]

Re: Exhaust Smell

turn your blower on, see where the exhaust smell is coming from, you may have an exhaust leak

 

[magster65]

Re: Exhaust Smell

Certainly check for an exhaust leak. Just a thought but some boats suffer from the 'station wagon' effect where the exhaust is pulled into the cockpit by a backdraft at lower speeds. My SeaRay did this when the canvas was up. Experiment with having a window(s) open or maybe keep them closed... I got mine down to a point where it wasn't noticeable. I ran the blower too because it vented out the center of the transom and helped break up the fumes. Good luck and happy yachting.

 

[BadMoJoe]

Re: Exhaust Smell

Exactly how do I go about checking for the exhaust leak? Should I run the blowers all the time or just before starting? Sorry if these are dumb questions but Im just learning.<br /><br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Exhaust Smell

BadMoJoe,<br /><br />With the engine running (in nuetral-boat not moving) open the engine hatch and sniff around. If you don't smell an overpowering exhaust smell, you're OK.<br /><br />I would bet you are getting the station wagon effect. Especially if you are trundling along at displacement speeds (plowing).

 

[bernieb]

Re: Exhaust Smell

Since this is a new boat to you ,try to get an experienced mechanic or somebody with a lot of I/o experience to spend a couple of hours on the water with you .It's amazing what a pro can inform you on. Good luck.

 

[BadMoJoe]

Re: Exhaust Smell

Thanks to all for replying, Im learning alot just reading all the posts. I'm looking forward to a long and happy boating experience!<br />

 

[flashback]

Re: Exhaust Smell

agree with dejohns19, even becomes more noticable if you have a tail wind.........

 

[horndog]

Re: Exhaust Smell

you are suppose to run the blower 4 minutes before starting(USCG rules) and while the engine is running. <br /><br />If it is the station wagon effect, there is nothing you can do about it. If its a leak, then you need to contact a mechanic and have them fix the leak, I assume there is no warranty left on the boat.

 

[GregCC167Concept]

Re: Exhaust Smell

Most smaller boats you only need to run the blower before starting and while not at cruising speed. It's probably not just leaking while at slow speed, it's just the wind is pushing it away from you at higher speeds. Same concept on the blower. While at cruising speed, the air is getting pulled out of the vent with sort of a chimney effect but that isn't going on at slow or idle so you need to run the blower. Make sure there are no holes in the tube that goes from the blower to the vent too. If there is a hole, you are just moving the bad fumes from one part of the bilge to another.