Fuel smell

[Legacy]

I had a minor fuel leak over the winter - - maybe a quart of diesel seeped into the bilge. It turned out to be a hose coming out of the new fuel tank that need to be reseated. I have a strong fuel smell coming from the bilge that seeps into the cabin especially when all the windows are closed. The bilge is very clean and I put pads under every possible area where it might still leak and the pads remain spotless. I am assuming the fuel that leaked originally has permeated somewhere. I've tried putting in bilge cleaner and water in the bilge, letting it soak over night. Doesn't do the trick. I put oil absorbing socks in the bilge and shows no sign of fuel. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Rick

[Mariner]

Hmmm. My thinking is that you've probably still got some fuel in there. My suggestion would be to try to evaporate it. Open up all the hatches, and maybe turn on the blower. Do this on a hot day, and leave it like that all day. Maybe even several days, if possible. If it doesn't go away, more than likely, there is still a leak somewhere.

[Denis]

Every year I clean out my bilge with straight detergent and a brush. After everything is dried out and wiped clean, I pour bleach in there to kill everything else. It seems to do a great job, it's worth a try.

[Capt Paul]

Rick,

I recently had the inspection ports on my fuel tank start leaking. We had to pull the back deck in order to find this leak. Fuel can sit on the top of the fuel tank. Also there is a pad that that sits in between the fuel tank and the last bulkhead before the stern that can hold some fuel. Look at the picture I took of Antoinette with the back deck off in the picture section and you will see what I mean.

Just some thoughts as to where the fuel may be hiding out.


Paul

[chiefrcd]

Rick, this is what I had to do after the Marina leaked Transmission Fluid into my boat. First I bought one of those tube type absorbant pads and placed it in the center compartment of the boat, then I bought a gallon of Simple Green, mix half of the Simple Green in a bucket of hot water and dump it into the rear compartment at the very back of the boat. Let it run to the front. I let this work for a hour or so. Then I pumped it out with a hand pump. Then I mixed up the remainder and did it all again. That took care of most of the smell....now, here is the real trick....shhhhhhhhhh this is a secret so don't let anyone else read this.....pour in about a 1/2 cup of Downy Fabric softner in the bilge with a couple/three gallons of water.....you boat should smell like fresh dried cloths....

[Legacy]

Appreciate the ideas gents. I'll try anything. I think I still have a very minor leak somewhere so it's back to the bilge this weekend.

Secret's safe with me on the fabric softener but I think this whole Internet thing is going to catch on!

Rick