petrol smell from cockpit.

[alistairh]

i have a orkney 19+ and there is a strong smell of petrol coming from the drivers seat locker. it only started to smell after i filled the tank up with fuel. could there be a petrol tank leak to produce this smell, or the pipes that run through the wheel house could be leaking. Any help
tld

 

[Mirelle]

Check the bilges (carefully, of course!). Any petrol down there and you have a leak for sure. Moere likely to be the pipe connections than the tank itself - but where does the breather pipe go? Do you put the fuel off at the tank cock when not using the engine?

 

[Boathook]

All you can do is search for any signs of dampness from the tank or pipes. It does not take much fuel to create a smell, so some spilt during refueling could cause it. Fuel vapour is heavier than air so make sure that the area is well ventilated with nothing to create sparks etc.

 

[alistairh]

no. there is a filler point outside then a large pipe runs into the wheel house through the passanger seat cupboard and out under the step into the petrol tank. then a small pipe run through the drivers seat cupboard, and out under the step, this is the one that takes fuel from the tank to outboard. this is the one producing a smell. the breather pipe runs from the tank under the step throught the passangers seat cupboard and out throght a hole on the side of the boat.

there, the whole of the pipe network on my boat, whats the problem??

the little dude

 

[ajt]

How old are the pipes?
They can become permiable with age, as has been said you will just have to inspect the whole lot for leaks throughout the system
good luck and be carefull

 

[alistairh]

problem solved, i have emptyed the bilges and smell has gone. the tank must of leaked when we refueled but i have an even bigger worry now. the plywood upporting the floor has rotted and the floor is about to give way. i think it will last for a season or two but it will have to be replaced. o the joys of boating!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif