Alright gang, get ready for a real head scratcher. For several months now I've been finding diesel fuel in my bilge. Now, there WAS a hole draining the engine bilge into the main bilge, but I sealed it up a week ago. After checking on things today I found diesel in the bilge again (though nowhere near as much as before) and a couple inches of water (and only water) in the engine bilge. I can understand how water can enter there be it through a loose shaft packing or possibly the rudder shaft packing, but where is this diesel coming from???? How do I stop it?!?! BTW, I checked all the fittings and fuel lines as well as the tank itself and found NO leaks! I am stumped!! Thanks in advance
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try this
i dont know the route for water from your packing gland to get to the bilge but i woul thoroughly flush withbilge cleaner and soap until it appears to be clean. that way if anything is kind of lounging its way to the bilge you can get it out of there along with the smell. then i would put som clean paper underneath the engine to see if there are any drips. if not, trace backwards to the filter for possible leaks then on to thetank fittings and lines then to the tank itself. then to the fuel inlet hose and fittings. its impossible to miss if you follow the route. good luck and let us know. i would definitly clean thoroughly though as diesel smell is gross. craig
i dont know the route for water from your packing gland to get to the bilge but i woul thoroughly flush withbilge cleaner and soap until it appears to be clean. that way if anything is kind of lounging its way to the bilge you can get it out of there along with the smell. then i would put som clean paper underneath the engine to see if there are any drips. if not, trace backwards to the filter for possible leaks then on to thetank fittings and lines then to the tank itself. then to the fuel inlet hose and fittings. its impossible to miss if you follow the route. good luck and let us know. i would definitly clean thoroughly though as diesel smell is gross. craig
Vibe
I have found that vibration has loosened many of the fuel fittings on my engine. Also, you need to change out the old washers on bleader screws (Yanmaar has changed over to a plastic washer from a brass because of leaking problems) . To find my leaks, I fire up my engine get down with a flashlight and look for drips. You can also run your fingers along your lines and fittings feeling for fuel. The idea of clean paper in below the engine is also a good idea, make sure it won't burn. If you find your leak the smell inside will not be aas bad also.
I have found that vibration has loosened many of the fuel fittings on my engine. Also, you need to change out the old washers on bleader screws (Yanmaar has changed over to a plastic washer from a brass because of leaking problems) . To find my leaks, I fire up my engine get down with a flashlight and look for drips. You can also run your fingers along your lines and fittings feeling for fuel. The idea of clean paper in below the engine is also a good idea, make sure it won't burn. If you find your leak the smell inside will not be aas bad also.
Running or just sitting?
Ernie: You did not mention if you are running the engine or is it just sitting there waiting for you. My thought here is that your fuel tank may be leaking. I would sprinkle some talc powder around the tank area and see if you can see any traces of fuel leaking. Unfortunately I have not idea of access to you tank. Also check each and every inch of fuel line. There is alway a possibilty of a small crack in the lines. Do not forget the return line and the filter at the engine. There are also those little banjo fittings on the engine. If you have loosened anything that had one of these fitting it may no seal when you retighten it.
Ernie: You did not mention if you are running the engine or is it just sitting there waiting for you. My thought here is that your fuel tank may be leaking. I would sprinkle some talc powder around the tank area and see if you can see any traces of fuel leaking. Unfortunately I have not idea of access to you tank. Also check each and every inch of fuel line. There is alway a possibilty of a small crack in the lines. Do not forget the return line and the filter at the engine. There are also those little banjo fittings on the engine. If you have loosened anything that had one of these fitting it may no seal when you retighten it.
leaking waste diesel/oil storage container?
If you, or the previous owner, are like me and sometimes change fuel and oil filters at sea (or in an anchorage without disposal facilities)you may end up with old oil/detergent/solvent bottles filled with a mixture of diesel and oil stuck away in various lockers and bilge compartments. Sometimes, I even have to think twice whether one of these bottles still contains the original stuff or waste fuel instead.... If one of these hypothetical stowaways is being squeezed underneath some other flotsam or got turned upside down you might have the makings of a private oil well! Yeah, I know, this is a long shot. However, you seem to have covered all the more obvious bases already. Success! Flying Dutchman
If you, or the previous owner, are like me and sometimes change fuel and oil filters at sea (or in an anchorage without disposal facilities)you may end up with old oil/detergent/solvent bottles filled with a mixture of diesel and oil stuck away in various lockers and bilge compartments. Sometimes, I even have to think twice whether one of these bottles still contains the original stuff or waste fuel instead.... If one of these hypothetical stowaways is being squeezed underneath some other flotsam or got turned upside down you might have the makings of a private oil well! Yeah, I know, this is a long shot. However, you seem to have covered all the more obvious bases already. Success! Flying Dutchman
My Bet would be....
First: The fuel separater filter which has a small bleed screw on the bottom (original equipment) which may be dripping slowly. It will not show up on fuel lines since its at the very bottom of the the unit. Mine was leaking at one time and I had the hardest time tracking it down. Second: The fuel tank if original is metal and may have developed a small pin hole leak in one of the welded seams. Mine did and did not show up for some time until I was working on the steering and noticed the plywood platform was soaked with diesel fuel. Replaced mine with a plastic aftermarket tank. Other than that, could be a cracked fitting on the filter unit which is mounted on the side of the engine. Had a friend that had a cracked part on his resulting from being overtightened. Good luck.
First: The fuel separater filter which has a small bleed screw on the bottom (original equipment) which may be dripping slowly. It will not show up on fuel lines since its at the very bottom of the the unit. Mine was leaking at one time and I had the hardest time tracking it down. Second: The fuel tank if original is metal and may have developed a small pin hole leak in one of the welded seams. Mine did and did not show up for some time until I was working on the steering and noticed the plywood platform was soaked with diesel fuel. Replaced mine with a plastic aftermarket tank. Other than that, could be a cracked fitting on the filter unit which is mounted on the side of the engine. Had a friend that had a cracked part on his resulting from being overtightened. Good luck.
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