Gas Smell
 

I was it out today and mid in to my trip I was smelling Gas.. ANy Ideas what it could be? I looked and didnt see nothing leaking.. Yes I had blowers on...:lolhit:

motors? boat? etc.....

87 Formula 223ls one 454 330hp

really tough to say... start by running the boat hatch open, and check for leak while running... many other things to watch but that could be a start. check hoses, and pump.

I had hatch open n harder I ran the smell got worse.. I dont see no leaks and no power loss.

Check your distributor cap also.... Maybe a fowl spark plug... I know you said no power loss but maybe it's been progressing over time? Could be running rich also. Other than that it's got to be a line or seal.

Check the fittings and hoses on top of the fuel tank. Maybe it only happens when the fuel is sloshing around.

I will look tonight.. It smelled like gas be for I left. I thought that was since I had it parked and the cover on for a month.

I had a friend with 5 small leaks from under the gas tank. previously ran in salt water, I presume there was salt water in her life underneath it and it corroded 5 places, really small, but it would get worst and worst, month after month...

replace tank and no mo problem!

My girl said it was also smelling in the cuddy cabin as well

If it's also in the cuddy then I agree it's prolly the tank and you got gas fumes running all under the hull... Your tanks under the floor or accessible? Hopefully you don't have to cut out the floor like I just had to on a donzi

As said, sounds like the fuel tank has leaks. I had to replace the tank in my 1987 Formula. For some reason the tank did not have the ground wire on it which is supposed to help with corrosion. Plus the boat is 20+ years old - not uncommon for the tank to fail.

I have had 2 gas tanks fail, both with no visible gas anywhere, but stunk up the cabin more than anytihing.

If you smell gas you have a leak. DON'T USE THE BOAT UNTIL YOU FIGURE IT OUT! As I said unfortunately it probably is the tank which is not a fun or cheap job. You can have the tank pressure tested to figure out whether it is leaking for certain. Good luck!

I have a excess panel Im going to pull and look to this weekend. If it is the tank were do I order new one from ?

You probably won't be able to see much from the access panel. I forget where I ordered mine from, but there are many companies who make them. You measure your old tank and they custom build it. It's a beetoch to get them out - it will be foamed in there and will need to be cut out. I had my marina do the work -too much for me. On one boat I stripped as much of the interior out as I could to help and save $$. Your local boatyards / marinas probably have a shop they use to build tanks. Do some shopping and searches here, plus ask in the general forum. I got quotes from $800 to $1800 just for the tank part alone for 150gal.

Has the boat been run in heavy seas? If so did you notice the fuel smell after or during that time? It's happened to me. You may have a cracked fuel tank, cracked at the seams at the weld. It's a pain in the azz, but an easy fix. It happened in my race boat a 382.

Replace the tank! Also when the tank is out check the stringers. The port side is the one that usually lets go from the bottom. This is also a good time to replace you fuel fill,vent and pick up hoses. Replace the grounding leads also.

Check the gasket on the fuel sender they leak and it not hard to replace.

I looked everywhere but tank yesterday. And didnt see nothing wet or stained.. Plus smell seems stronger since my drive way is on slant.. I also notice there was only one blower.. Is that right ?

Sounds like the tank is shot. If all seals look good and you can try to tape the vent then put a little pressure into the tank you will see the leak is in the tank. Spray soapy water at any connections in the gas line.

Have the tank pressure tested.

feel under the step in the cuddy that's where the gas was pooling when my tank went bad

I contacted formula and they sent me the original plans for the fuel tank and they made it to Formulas specs

I got mine here 3-4 years ago for around $650, good quality and I paint my mechanic to put it in he said it was a ***** to get out

http://www.speedytanks.com/home.html

Do u still have specs? If so can you email them to me
[email protected]

can you pm me your name, I called them and they might still hav e your specs on file so i can order a new tank.. thanks

If you're about to replace the tank you may want to check out this page where I documented the work I had to do after discovering that there was a big hole in my gas tank. See this page and especially the part on the leaking tank:
http://raffinaderiet.com/Formula/index.html

I just checked out that link...WOW Nice Job! Much better then new. You should link that to the upgrade post! I'm sure Formula People will want to see it!

Dave

Thanks Dave / axapowell, I appreciate it. Yeah, maybe I'll post the link there too. That way I will hopefully feel that I should update the pages as well :-)

so what if i drop it in with no foam and strap it down.

http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...152PST2010.jpg

Unless I missed Something .....What did you find on the old Tank? While the Job Klas233 did was Outstanding I'm not sure I like the idea of the tank being Supported by just the wood frame? The SS was a good Idea ...With Some of the Pounding my 311 takes I would want all the support I can get. Also the Original settup did last 28 years ......m

Billy, I found the original drawing for the tank. I will email it to you. You may also want to reinforce the hull bottom with pultrusion. If you like, give me a call at 260-724-1412. Scott

I got these from Scott at forumla.. Very helpful Guy. Tank is being custom made. Will update soon
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...LSFueltank.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...S_223LSpdf.jpg

Was rotted almost everywhere and was leaking in the front
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...440PST2010.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...432PST2010.jpg

Isn't Formula, TAG, and Scott Smith the best???

Second to none. That's what I believe!!!

Dave

Billy .... you going back with Aluminum?

yea tank will be here wes after waiting almost a month. I will post pics of new tank

Its here

http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...e/DSC09688.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...e/DSC09689.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...e/DSC09686.jpg

I payed 640 including shipping

Looks Real Nice ........

Just for FYI 311 Owners I called ABYC and talked to Sam and they built some 154 Gallon Tanks For Formula 24x19x84 .... 821.00 + Shipping ....

Also you can pressure test the tank in the boat with Fuel ....
2-3 lbs overnight is ok ......m

Late 80's Formula fuel tanks have been pitting and leaking.

You can not use stainless steel for gas tanks. Have to use either allum., poly, or bladder.

Well Shes Done. All I need is Gas MONEY .. Since it only has five gallons in there...

http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...g/c328c9f9.jpg

now time to detail her :coolcowboy:

That's not quite true - where I live insurance companies explicitly recommend using stainless steel over aluminum for gas tanks (and some even require it I believe).