Gas Fumes or Odors

[Juan Manigault]

I''m a brand new owner of an 81 Catalina C-30 with the A-4 engine, and am also new to boating. The main cabin has a gasoline smell odor that is very light, but noticible. Is this common to inboard motor boats? How do you get rid of the odor?I considering removing all of the cushion covers and having them cleaned. Another thought is to purchase an air purifier for the boat. Would appreciate any insight.Regards,Juan

 

[Wendell]

Several possibilities

The fuel tank is located above the engine and fuel can drain to the carb if the check valve is faulty or missing.Check for leaks in the fuel line between the carb and fuel pump.In both cases, feel the bottom of the carb for a collection of fuel.If the bottom of the carb is dry, check the passive crankcase vent on the carb.Featherman sells a PCV kit directing crankcase fumes into the carb. These odors will occur after the engine is run at cruise for over 30 minutes. Also use a flashlight to look for fumes hanging in the air while underway.Another possiblity is a cracked exhaust pipe above the junction with engine cooling water above the muffler. If you see exhaust escaping, remove the pipe from the exhaust manifold.Take it to a plumbing supply store for 1.25 inch black iron pipe. Replicate the broken one based on the broken one. The last time I went thru this process I took the pieces to a muffler shop where they assembled the new pipe with long wrenches and a huge vise. Be sure to note the angle of the exhaust flange to the 1st vertical section of pipe. The total cost was $40.The proceeding time I had the work done at a marine service shop for $300.Good Luck and Good WindWendellS/V Purrin (the Cat 30)

 

[Lou]

Gas fumes

Also check the fittings on the fuel tank. I had a gasoline odor on my boat, turned out to be a bad seal where the fuel gage sender goes into the tank.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Check Tank for Leaks

I have a 1981 C-30 with a Diesel that developed a pinhole leak in one of the lower, forward corners. It apparently "weeped" for some time before becoming obvious. Since the bottom of the tank slopes toward the bow, this is where any water is going to be.I would assume that, although your's is gasoline, that the tanks are similar and, given that your boat is also an '81, your tank may be corroded in the same manner.I had mine patched at a welding shop for $50. Replacement tanks are available, but in my boat, there is a thru-hull for the macerator mounted just aft of the tank. The new, replacement tank that I ordered from Catalina was lower and longer and wouldn't fit due to the increased length.

 

[Juan Manigault]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I'll check for leaks and see if I can eliminate any possibilities.Regards,Juan

 

[Don Guillette]

This won't be of much help to Juan with his Atomic but if you have a Universal diesel that stinks I can help you elimate the smell. The Universal engine or Kubota was designed as a tractor engine and then modified for marine use. While operating plowing fields, the breather vent hose merely vented into the open air but in your boat it vents into the bilge!! You can follow this hose and see that it is connected to nothing. It just hangs in the bilge - no wonder it smells!! To solve the smell problem, merely route the hose into the foam air breather by making a simple "L" bracket holder to hold the hose in place. The end results is the smell is gone.