[Public-list] gas smell (was also happy new owner)

[Elaine and Brian Timmins]

Rachel,
Congrats on your purchase.
Re the gas smell, Is the tank full to the top for the winter (reduces the 
possibility of condensation in the tank)? If yes, don't overlook the simple. 
It might be a slightly loose hose clamp on the fill, vent, or feed 
connection. I had that happen once.
Also try to wipe the bottom of the tank with a clean, dry, non-smelly rag, 
and then smell the rag. A leaky tank might not show drips, but the smelly 
rag will prove it.
Good luck,
Brian  ex#497
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rachel" <penokee at cheqnet.net>
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 12:25 PM
Subject: Re: [Public-list] gas smell (was also happy new owner)


> Jock,
>
> Thanks for the info.  I was going to try to get my facts in order
> before I posted an "official" thread, but OTOH I'd love to get this
> taken care of.  It makes me and everything else smell like gas, and I'm
> also afraid to run a heater onboard because of the potential explosion,
> so it's cold in there!
>
> The boat has what I believe is a well-maintained A-4 (original engine).
>  Glancing through the service records, I can see that it has had a new
> (rebuilt?) Zenith carb within the last decade, and also electronic
> ignition installed within the last couple of years (not that that
> probably matters in this case).  The fuel lines were listed as being
> replaced less than ten years ago (forget date - so they're not new, but
> also not 40 years old).  The tank is a replacement (painted metal) and
> was put in in the mid 1980s - so again, not new, but not original
> either.  It looks to be in very good condition.
>
> There was an additional gas tank (for spare fuel - not plumbed to the
> system) aboard that I'm sure contributed to the problem; but now that
> I've removed it I can also tell that it was not the sole source of the
> smell, which is quite strong.  The additional tank was a red plastic
> "outboard" tank (which I know is not supposed to be used below decks
> due to permeability issues).  The vent in the cap was closed, and where
> the line comes out that normally feeds gas to the outboard, was instead
> a vent line to the outdoors.  Still, that probably contributed to the
> smell, and I eliminated it right away.
>
> The boat was shrink-wrapped and quite dry down below.  I haven't given
> a full inspection, but I don't find any actual gasoline dripping
> anywhere either.  When I put my nose into the stbd. cockpit locker and
> sniff around the top of the gas tank (and its connections) I can
> definitely smell fuel though.
>
> The engine is basically clean, nicely painted, and I have receipts for
> plenty of regular maintenance.  It's only been run in fresh water and
> is currently winterized. The PO's son mentioned that the boat had
> always smelled that way, so I don't think it's a "new" sudden leak or
> anything like that.
>
> I wonder if it can be a compilation of a bunch of lesser-strength
> smells coming from various places and not an actual leak, but obviously
> it bears further inspection.  Just to give you an idea of the strength,
> when I first looked at the boat I was on it for about 45 minutes.  12
> hours later my clothes still smelled of gas.  Ish.
>
> I'm new to inboard engines.  I guess I need some kind of step-by-step
> guidance of what to check.  Once I take care of it, I can "move in" and
> enjoy the boat --- and have some heat!
>
>
> Thanks ahead for any suggestions,
>
> --- Rachel
> A-30 #221 <pinch pinch - yes, it's real!>
>
> _______________________________________________
> These businesses support your Association:
> http://www.alberg30.org/store/A30supporters.html
> Please support them.
> _______________________________________________
> public-list mailing list
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org
> http://lists.alberg30.org/listinfo.cgi/public-list-alberg30.org 


 1169906581.0