I purchased a 1988 Catalina 30 last April and have not been able to remove the diesel smell from the cabin. I have cleaned the bilge thoroughly and attempted to use deodorizors to freshen the air but to no avail. Before the boat was winterized in November of 2003 I removed the cushions from the cabin and discovered that the odor had thoroughly permeated the foam within them. I tried to remedy the situation by airing them out over the winter months but the odor remains. Unfortunately, because of this odor, it is unpleasant to sit in the cabin. I would appreciate any suggestions that might correct this situation.
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idea
Jerry while it isn't a complete solution a couple of solar vents that exhaust interior air will clear the odor a bit. a tiny amount of diesel reside can cause a big stink so you have to be meticulous about all diesel hose connections and tank for leaks. I used bidge cleaner and hot water in a garden sprayer to get in under inaccessable areas like under the sole area near the bildge and under the fuel tank. Keep at it ,
Jerry while it isn't a complete solution a couple of solar vents that exhaust interior air will clear the odor a bit. a tiny amount of diesel reside can cause a big stink so you have to be meticulous about all diesel hose connections and tank for leaks. I used bidge cleaner and hot water in a garden sprayer to get in under inaccessable areas like under the sole area near the bildge and under the fuel tank. Keep at it ,
What I did
My catalina 30 had a similar odour permeating the cabin. I took the cushions home, took the fabric covers off and washed them. I then took the foam cushions and sprayed them with fabreeze. It seemed to do the trick as we can now sit in the cabin and not notice any odour of the diesel. As stated previously, clean all those hard to reach places if you can, to get any diesel residue removed.
My catalina 30 had a similar odour permeating the cabin. I took the cushions home, took the fabric covers off and washed them. I then took the foam cushions and sprayed them with fabreeze. It seemed to do the trick as we can now sit in the cabin and not notice any odour of the diesel. As stated previously, clean all those hard to reach places if you can, to get any diesel residue removed.
Make sure you find the source of the odor
after fumigating everything so you won't have to experience the problem again.
after fumigating everything so you won't have to experience the problem again.
good idea John
Jerry - John's recommendation about the valve cover vent hose being run to the air intake is a good idea, the small amount of diesel air from that vent is enough to keep an odour of diesel in the cabin. This would at least remove one possible source of odour.
Jerry - John's recommendation about the valve cover vent hose being run to the air intake is a good idea, the small amount of diesel air from that vent is enough to keep an odour of diesel in the cabin. This would at least remove one possible source of odour.
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