Diesel smell

[fiestaMojo]

When I go to step on the boat from the dock, I get the smell of diesel; when I go down below I don't smell diesel, just the moth balls the PO left behind. Any ideas?

 

[fifedog]

Check for old bio-sock/fuel or oil absorbers around the engine of bilge. They will definitely keep diesel odor permeating. If you have some, replace them with fresh ones. My H27 developed a small leak around the fuel filter, and after fixing same, odor is gone.

 

[fiestaMojo]

I think I solved my problem. . . I discovered I had fuel in the bilge, I'm not sure from where; I sucked out the bilge (into a bucket for proper disposal), searched for leaks, and all seems to be good. Not sure where the fuel came from, maybe careless PO, but it brought me to ask another question (or two) - is what I've seen referred to as the shower sump the rectangular "bilge" under the front of the engine? if so, how does this get emptied? I searched but could find no hoses or pump connections. . . is it possible for liquid of any type to get "caught" in spaces where it would take a while to seep into the bilge? it seems as though this is what happened in my case. Does this make sense? As always, thanks for the responses and help. . .

 

[Steve Dion]

Mojo:

Check all of the fittings there the fuel hoses attach. They have banjo fittings in many of them. These can fail if they have been loosened and retighted. The secondary filter on the engine is also a common place for a leak. Many times this has been over-tightened and cannot be tightened properly. Be sure to check the fuel pump area too.

You may consider wiping down the engine with a cleaner and letting it dry. Then sprinkle with talcum powder. The leaks will become apparent.

 

[fiestaMojo]

Thanks Steve, those are good tips. . .