How much gas odor is normal?

[bryanredfish]

I have a boat -- just over a year old -- that emits a gas odor when it sits. I'm just wondering if this is normal. The boat stays covered, so I assume the vent will release some odor, but it is also noticable when I open the bilge hatches. It seems to clear out when run and aired out. I notice no apparent leakage. Not a drop from the bilge, and I can't see any standing fuel. Sorry for the silly question, but with the family, safety first.<br /><br />I've checked ALL connections -- everything's tight.

 

[G DANE]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

I had exactly that problem and it was a leaky gas tank. Tank was made of aluminium, but saltwater left in bildge had corroded pin-holes in it. I was driving around with 10 gallons of gas in bildge !. We even used the cooker which was right above the gastank section. Luckily this was a Norwegian boat and gas tank was in a seperat compartment, ventilated. Check and see - if you have same problem it is VERY dangerous.

 

[JB]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

Moving to Boat Questions.

 

[Boatist]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

Bryanredfish<br />GAS FUMES is not silly it is your and your family LIFE. You sould smell no GAS FUMES unless you put your nose down the carb.<br />If it is a outboard with a portable tank try closing the vent or take the hose off. If you ever saw the results of what happends with a spark it would be your number ONE consern.

 

[blifsey]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

Does your cover go over the fuel vent? My vent is part of the filler and gets covered by the cover so I do have a gas fume smell when I first uncover. When I open the bilge/motor cover, it has a little odor but not much. If this is I/O be sure to open bilge cover and do sniff test before cranking and run the vent blower several minutes before cranking (4 mins is suggested).

 

[Solittle]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

If youbought it from a dealer you should call them immediately.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

The gas tank is plastic (polymer I think). I contacted the dealer, who said the gas odor is normal. I will have them check it out, though. I talked to two shops, and they say that a slight gas odor is normal with plastic tanks. Is this wrong? Also, the boat is an outboard.

 

[miloman]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

on an out board any gas smell is too much get it checked out asap before you become a statistic

 

[downeastmaine]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

i have a similar problem with gas smell with a 25 ft used lobster style boat. I noticed a crak in the vent hose so replace that. I dont smell ga in the bilge but i still smell gas where the tank is filled. I dom't see any fuel leaking in the bilge either. But...I noticed when the tank was installed it is surrounde by a foam type inulation. I think fuel might have leaked or spilled furing fillup and saturated portions of the foam.. I'm unsure what to do about that. Is there any way to or solution to add to the foam to neutralize it???<br /><br />Downeastmaine

 

[jomac]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

NO SMELL of gas is normal, dealers are salesmen first(SALESMEN LIE FOR LIVING) don't risk your family on BS from one trying to protect his commission for that month! Remember gas fumes will explode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! quicker than bucket full of gas in open air, Check all hoses, if that doesn,t fix the problem you have need to replace the tank! Flush the bildge area also, OMG please be CAREFULL fumes are nothing to take lightly

 

[chads15]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

No Gas smell is Normal. Get it checked.

 

[downeastmaine]

Re: How much gas odor is normal?

With regards to gas smell. My fuel system has been checked over and no leaks are apparent. The problem lies with gas that I believe was spilled during a fillup and got into the foam insulation around the tank. Does anybody know of a way to either neutralize the foam or eliminate the smell of gas short of ripping everything out of the floor? There must be some environmental product used for cleanup and neutralizing. <br /><br />I understand the dangerousness of gas smell so there's no need to overemphasize that fact.<br /><br />Thanks<br />downeastmaine