HELP - Gas Leak

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Sep 29, 2011
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Hi, I have a 1991 Glastron 1900 w/ a 4.3 liter M/C. I have gas coming into the bilge area from the transom area. I first noticed the gas after a gas fill of about 16 gallons, I had some in tank already. I replaced the cracking fuel filler hose as I saw bubbles when I air tested it a couple weeks ago....
Whenever I tow it on the trailer making stops and tight turns I get more gas into the bilge.

What can be wrong? I had the floor replaced in 2009 and no problems that I've notice since then, until now.

Thanks..... :)
 

tpenfield

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Whenever I tow it on the trailer making stops and tight turns I get more gas into the bilge.

What can be wrong?

Thanks..... :)

I'm thinking a hole in the gas tank. or maybe the vent line has come loose/fallen off.
 
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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Vent line....do you mean the one on top of the tank and not at the stern next to the filler cap?

When boat in tilted on the trailer, there is no more leak.

Vent line - any way to see it? I can only see the fuel gauge and ??ground?? in one access hole and only the gas tank inlet nipple in the other access hole
 

tpenfield

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Vent line....do you mean the one on top of the tank and not at the stern next to the filler cap?

When boat in tilted on the trailer, there is no more leak.

Vent line - any way to see it? I can only see the fuel gauge and ??ground?? in one access hole and only the gas tank inlet nipple in the other access hole

Yes, the end of the vent line that is attached to the tank, not the hull fitting. The vent is usually at the forward end of the tank, so it would make sense that it does not leak with the bow tilted up.

BTW - at this point, you probably have a real safety problem on your hands if gas has been leaking into the fuel bay & bilge. Caution is the word.
 

rickryder

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Ted has a point with the vent line but your going to have to open up the deck and check the line if it's good pull the tank to check what's going on. I'm thinking pin holes in the aluminum tank. DON'T start the boat untill it's repaired! You have a very dangerous situation. Let us know what you find.
 
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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

I just checked, the vent line is hooked up so is the fuel feed to the carb.
I have a plastic or fiberglass tank....it's yellowish.

In the process of lowering the trailer front to see if gas escapes anywhere.
I'm also going to blow compressed air after blocking the "outside hull" vent line.
 

rickryder

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Hmmm glass or plastic tank.... Maybe a screw got the tank during the deck job and it finally rotted away??? I'm just shootin in the dark.. Block the lines and hook up a pressure gauge...pump in 4 lbs and see if she holds air.....
 

tpenfield

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

I'm also going to blow compressed air after blocking the "outside hull" vent line.

Don't do the compressed air thing . . . that will really cause problems as the tanks are designed for only about 4 psi. with compressed air, you can put a lot more pressure than the tank can handle, so it will explode. :eek:
 
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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

I found the problem.
It was an improperly seated gas gauge sending unit. There was a good 1/4 - 5/16 gap between the tank and the sending unit on one side of it.
I know who/what happened but I'm not saying any names.....:redface: :redface: :facepalm:

thanks for all the responses.
 

rickryder

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Re: HELP - Gas Leak

Glad to see you found the problem....and don't worry we'll keep the secret ;)
 
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