Have diesel fuel accumulation in bilge of my 37.5 under the engine pan. In trying to locate I have placed oil absorbent pads under engine. Fuel is definitely not coming from engine. Have inspected fuel tank and found no leaks. Inspected fuel lines from tank to engine. No leaks. The boat has not been refueled recently so I eliminated the overfill issue. Am totally baffled as to how fuel can find its way to the bilge under the engine pan. Vacuumed fuel from bilge yesterday and today it is full. Any ideas?
Diesel in bilge
- Thread starter rjarrell
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
You have a leak. Diesel is not magic.
Based on volume start your search again. It sounds like you were not using the engine last night so you are looking for a source that is not powered. Start at tank and look for a leak somewhere beneath the level of fuel in the tank. Non powered source. Not fun. It will not stop till the fuel level is below the point of leak. If at the bottom of tank then till all the fuel is out of the tank.
Based on volume start your search again. It sounds like you were not using the engine last night so you are looking for a source that is not powered. Start at tank and look for a leak somewhere beneath the level of fuel in the tank. Non powered source. Not fun. It will not stop till the fuel level is below the point of leak. If at the bottom of tank then till all the fuel is out of the tank.
Exactly what John has stated, but also take a look at your primary fuel filter, see if it has a drain plug in the bottom (water removal plug or similar port). Maybe the plug needs a little tightening or a seal is over compressed from too much tightening.
Forgot to mention this is a static leak. The primary fuel filter is located in the engine compartment and if it were the culprit I believe I would see evidence on the oil absorbent pads. They are clean.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
RJ... It is a boat. They are meant to surprise you. That is why I refer to mine as a she....
Starting at a place below the current fuel level is where I would start. But sometimes your leak happens by siphoning.
I would follow the fuel from the lowest point through the bilge, then up checking first at all of the connections with a clean cloth. Wiping as I go looking for any new fuel stain. You likely have a a pinhole, cracked hose, loose fitting, something that is allowing the fuel to escape.
Good luck.
Starting at a place below the current fuel level is where I would start. But sometimes your leak happens by siphoning.
I would follow the fuel from the lowest point through the bilge, then up checking first at all of the connections with a clean cloth. Wiping as I go looking for any new fuel stain. You likely have a a pinhole, cracked hose, loose fitting, something that is allowing the fuel to escape.
Good luck.
This sounds serious. Try lightly wrapping the hose and all fittings back to the tank with toilet paper. You won't be able to get every inch covered but it'll give you a better idea of where the leak is or isn't.
I also discovered a diesel fuel "leak" after pounding through 6-foot waves for 6 hours. Never had a problem before or after. I'm hoping it was a one-time thing - but "lost" about a quart. Checked everything & nothing was "wet." Let me know what you find. Capt Bill on STARGAZER
My leak was the seal on the rear side of the water/fuel filter. It took 4 sets of eyes and several weeks to discover it. It would only leak when the engine was running.
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Hello!
My leak was the big fuel hose from deck fill to the tank. If the tank was full (also the hose) it drops and diesel comes from the back into the bilge. I change hose and all is OK again (fine cracks in the old hose).
My leak was the big fuel hose from deck fill to the tank. If the tank was full (also the hose) it drops and diesel comes from the back into the bilge. I change hose and all is OK again (fine cracks in the old hose).
I am assuming your tank is Aluminum. For the age of your Hunter it is very possible you have a pinhole leak in the bottom of the tank or if not an actual hole, a "soft spot" of corrosion almost like cardboard. When I pulled my tank I found several spots that were "weeping" and when I gently pressed on them with an ice pick it went through like going through wet cardboard!
I could smell a little diesel when sniffed around the tank but it wasn't very obvious.
If you've got what you are describing I'd imagine it is a leak rather than just weeping. Try placing paper towels flush against the lowest points from the tank all the way to where the fuel is accumulating to see if you can track it down. I've also heard of sprinkling down baby powder everywhere you can reach to see if you can get it to show up better. It may not be under where the hoses run so don't just focus there.
By the way, new tanks with thicker walls are available from Ezell in Florida (the original tank manufacturer if yours is like mine) and they have all the drawings and are great to deal with if you need a new tank.
I could smell a little diesel when sniffed around the tank but it wasn't very obvious.
If you've got what you are describing I'd imagine it is a leak rather than just weeping. Try placing paper towels flush against the lowest points from the tank all the way to where the fuel is accumulating to see if you can track it down. I've also heard of sprinkling down baby powder everywhere you can reach to see if you can get it to show up better. It may not be under where the hoses run so don't just focus there.
By the way, new tanks with thicker walls are available from Ezell in Florida (the original tank manufacturer if yours is like mine) and they have all the drawings and are great to deal with if you need a new tank.
Have you found the leak yet? If you are still having a hard time determining the source try a phosphorescent dye that is safe for oil or fuel, then with a handheld UV light you can see the snail trail...
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