Diesel Smell

[BungalowBill]

I am the proud new owner of a 91 Hunter 28. This is my first fixed keel boat and my first diesel engine. I am looking for suggestion on how to deal with the faint odor that comes with a diesel engine. 1. Get over it?2. More ventilation? 3. Solar power cabin fan?4???????????I am also curious if others have any diesel odor or not. If not, why not. I am trying to figure out if this is normal or maybe I have a leak/problem?In the past I have found comment from this board of sailors very useful so thanks in advance.

 

[Randy Burns]

Your on the right track

My H27 does also, esp. after being closed up all winter. Seems to go away once I'm on my mooring. Check for any leaks, make sure your fuel tank is vented, etc.My wife is super-sensitive to this, so I also stick one of those deoderizing things in the head cabinet, it masks the smell(s). Enjoy the boat-

 

[Bill O'D]

Hidden leak

On my Hunter 29.5, there was a second "hidden" bilge between the holding tanks. Deisel leaked out the top once and dripped down there unnoticeably. Remove the center panel and peer down with a strong flashlight to see if there's any diesel residue. It's hard to reach, but here's what I did. 1. Sprinkle kitty litter to soak it up.2. Vacuum out with a shop vac.3. Sprinkle baking soda.4. Add vineger.5. Vacuum again.6. Allow to air dry.

 

[bob Gorman]

Check for leaks

More often than not a diesel smell indicates a leak, even small leaks can result in a good odor. Check ALL fitings. On my H-31 I wrapped small sections of paper towel around all the banjo fittings on the fuel lines, ran the engine for 15 minutes and to my surprise 3 leaks became apparent that I hadn't noticed before (towel turned red). I replaced the copper washers, cleaned everything up very good with simple green and then wiped all surfaces down with lemon juice which neutralizes the diesel smell. Did the trick not a hint of diesel.

 

[BungalowBill]

Banjo fitting????

Sorry for the ignorance, but what the heck is a banjo fitting?

 

[s sauer]

Banjo Fittings

Look at the point where your solid metal fuel line is attached to the fuel filter canister. the End fitting of the fuel line surrounds the hollow bolt that fastens it to the filter with a copper washer on each side of the bolt. Remove the bolt and the open hole of the fitting looks a little like a Banjo.