Oil in ski locker

[G.I. Jim]

I went skiing for the first time last weekend and when I pulled the ski pylon out of the ski locker they had oil/gas on them.

I know they didnt have any oil/gas on them when I bought the boat a few months ago but since then I have had the boat out fishing several times so I don't know if I sprung a leak or if they were just cleaned up for me when i purchased the boat.

Is it normal to get a little oil/gas in the ski locker or should I be concearned?

88 bayliner cobra 125 force

Thanks for the help.

 

[ifallsguy]

Re: Oil in ski locker

No, oil/gas in the ski locker/bilge is not normal. Sounds like you may have a pinhole in the fuel tank. Do you use ethanol gas or non-oxygenated (no ethanol)? You might check the forum, but if I remember right, ethanol can and does attack aluminum tanks, especially older ones like in both our boats (mine is an 89). I burn only premium non-oxy fuels to prevent this type of problem.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Abnormal and very dangerous. I wouldn't run the boat again until you find out where the leak is and fix it. Just a word of warning: If the tank needs to be replaced, you're looking at major surgery.

 

[G.I. Jim]

Re: Oil in ski locker

No, oil/gas in the ski locker/bilge is not normal. Sounds like you may have a pinhole in the fuel tank. Do you use ethanol gas or non-oxygenated (no ethanol)? You might check the forum, but if I remember right, ethanol can and does attack aluminum tanks, especially older ones like in both our boats (mine is an 89). I burn only premium non-oxy fuels to prevent this type of problem.

I use regular 87 octane in it.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Regular E-10 that is fresh or properly stabilized for storage should be fine, according to both my Force and my Bayliner owner's manuals.

The problem could be as simple as loose hose clamp. Just be careful when you check out the problem.

 

[mixerjv]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Like NYBo said I would check the fill hose & clamps, vent hose & clamps, and sending unit gasket.

If you determine that it is the fuel tank, you could empty it and run the rest of the season on external portable tanks.

 

[G.I. Jim]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Ok figured it out. It was the new fuel line that was put on it was too big and leaking at the connection to the fuel tank.
Thanks for the help.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Thanks for letting us know what the problem was.

Our tanks use 5/16" fuel lines and fittings, and the common generic ones are usually 3/8"- just enough too big to cause leaks, as you have discovered.

 

[G.I. Jim]

Re: Oil in ski locker

Yeah i bought one from iboats it was the only one they had for a force motor so i just assumed it was the right size. Oh well you live and you learn.