Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Exhausting Fuel Vapors from Bilge >

Exhausting Fuel Vapors from Bilge

Notices

Exhausting Fuel Vapors from Bilge

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-14-2020 | 08:45 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 89
From: Atlantic Southeast
Default Exhausting Fuel Vapors from Bilge

I'm in the process of repairing two fuel leaks, one known at the pick up elbow (on rear of tank) for one of the engines. Another is suspected in either the fuel filler hose and/or vent hose. There is zero liquid fuel in the bilge.

The boat has a single bilge which ultimately drains via the transom drain plug. There are 3 cabin drain grates (to the bilge); all of which are allowing fuel vapors to enter the cabin. Both fuel tank inspection covers in the cockpit also expel fuel vapors into the cockpit.

Once all issues are repaired, how can I accelerate fume removal?

I was thinking a box fan laying flat on top of one of the cockpit inspection covers which in theory would force the vapors out.

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Keith
Tractionless is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 02:02 AM
  #2  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,232
Likes: 2,482
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

Check the fuel fill neck clamps. I had fuel vapors in the cabin of my Pantera and it ended up that the clamps on the filler neck were loose and years of vibration had made the hose get looser over time.

I would just stick a fan in the cabin doorway and suck the air out cabin. Maybe try sealing up the area with plastic taped around the cabin doorway. Or lay the box fan top of an open cabin hatch and close the cabin door.

Griff is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 07:19 AM
  #3  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 500
From: KY
Default

So long as the tank isn't leaking, fans and time. The warmer it is the faster the fumes should evaporate
AllDodge is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 09:54 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 89
From: Atlantic Southeast
Default

Thanks guys! I'll try the fans approach and report back. Trying to get on the water asap as this weekend was already canceled due to the fume issue.

Griff I'm replacing both the filler and vent hoses as I'm hearing a drip in the area where they run from the tank to the gunnel. When filling the boat last weekend fuel poured out of the the fill and vent so they are probably holding fluid and if there's a perforation etc. I'm sure they'd be leaking as a result. They're probably originals from 1996 :<., obviously another good reason.
Tractionless is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 10:53 AM
  #5  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 891
Default

Are there any risks with running electric devices around fuel vapors...guessing fans use brushless motors?
1MOSES1 is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 11:22 AM
  #6  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 500
From: KY
Default

I wouldn't start one up in an enclosed place IF the fumes where high. Would start it up away then point it toward area and let it blow. Once its been blowing a while could then move to other areas if needed
AllDodge is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2020 | 12:46 PM
  #7  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,232
Likes: 2,482
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

The first thing I would do is FIND the cause. Put about 5lbs of air pressure into the system.
I would put air in through the vent hose with the fuel fill cap on. Do it in very well ventilated area.
Griff is offline  
Reply
Old 03-16-2020 | 07:24 AM
  #8  
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 683
Default

A very good point to make here is its highly recommended to change fuel fill hose and vent every 10 years there is a date on the fill hose and after 15 years most start cracking and can crack and leak it has lead to many kabooms so please ck your hose and update
boostbros is offline  
Reply
Old 03-17-2020 | 07:29 AM
  #9  
Thread Starter
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 89
From: Atlantic Southeast
Default

Originally Posted by boostbros
A very good point to make here is its highly recommended to change fuel fill hose and vent every 10 years there is a date on the fill hose and after 15 years most start cracking and can crack and leak it has lead to many kabooms so please ck your hose and update
Hoses are on the way. Pressure built in the tank as the vent hose filled with fuel upon the last fill up and vapor/fuel pushed out of the pickup fittings. That's fixed and a fan in the forward inspector cover blowing air/fumes from the bilge out of the rear inspection cover has helped dramatically. Will do so again when the hoses are replaced and report back.

Tractionless is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.