Gas in the bilge

[ctak]

I've got at 94 Bayliner 1850 LS and I trailered it on a pot hole filled road, lots of bumps. When I got to the ramp I noticed that there was gas in the bilge. Aired it out and started and ran fine. Next time out I filled up the gas to about 3/4 and trailed it to the ramp and again I noticed gas in the bilge. I checked the fill hose and vent hose. Looked fine. There is another large black hose going to the front of the fuel tank under the floor board that I couldn't check. I'm wondering where the fuel is coming from. Did I crack my gas tank on the bumpy road? Or is the leak coming from something else. When I trailer it home it doesn't seem to leak the gas. I guess it only leaks on a semi full tank.

 

[ctak]

Re: Gas in the bilge

I forgot to say that it has a 4.3LX mercruiser.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Gas in the bilge

Man! very dangerous! You need to find it for sure.
My first thought would be leaking from the fuel gauge sender or hoses.

 

[cpt ron jc]

Re: Gas in the bilge

it can only be leaking from a few places,fuel hose,or fittings near tank,should be easy to spot,check it out in the yard,wipe and dry areas,as for places y can not see... hope its not tank good luck be safe.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Gas in the bilge

That is very dangerous.. Just put it back on the trailer and go home.. It's not the liquid that ignites its it fumes.. Suggest you find the problem before you go boating...

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Gas in the bilge

I've got at 94 Bayliner 1850 LS and I trailered it on a pot hole filled road, lots of bumps. When I got to the ramp I noticed that there was gas in the bilge. Aired it out and started and ran fine. Next time out I filled up the gas to about 3/4 and trailed it to the ramp and again I noticed gas in the bilge. I checked the fill hose and vent hose. Looked fine. There is another large black hose going to the front of the fuel tank under the floor board that I couldn't check. I'm wondering where the fuel is coming from. Did I crack my gas tank on the bumpy road? Or is the leak coming from something else. When I trailer it home it doesn't seem to leak the gas. I guess it only leaks on a semi full tank.

You should be able to access all fuel tank fittings by removing the deck hinges. Did u check/tighten the connections? Just because they look fine doesn't mean they ain't leakin'.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Gas in the bilge

I've got at 94 Bayliner ......... There is another large black hose going to the front of the fuel tank under the floor board that I couldn't check.

That would be your 16 yr old fuel line. That would be a good thing to replace anyway. You may find that to be your problem. (Replace with type A1 marine fuel hose).

 

[Don S]

Re: Gas in the bilge

You should only have 3 hoses going to your tank. a 1-1/2" fuel fill hose, a 5/8" vent hose (usually on the front of the tank) and the 3/8" fuel line going to the engines fuel pump.
The only other opening in the tank is the gauge sender.

Did I crack my gas tank on the bumpy road? Or is the leak coming from something else.

FINDING leaks is one thing we can't do using a keyboard. You have to LOOK for the leak, we can't. Are you sure it doesn't leak just sitting there? Make sure the bow is higher than the back of the boat so you can see gas in the bilge if it leaks.
Tanks do corrode if water (especially salt water) gets in the boat and under the tank.