84 Carver 3607 Gas fumes

is the smell all the time ? or after a hard run on a hot day ? after refueling ? ....hint we need more info to help...and YES YOU NEED TO FIND IT ASAP !...We with gas boat always have to think of them as floating bombs and it's our maintenance that keeps them from calling off....

dont use the boat until you correct the problem.

serious injury or death may result.

it could be anything from a leaking tank to a leaking fuel line.

a proper running boat really doesnt have any engine smells.

is the gas smell more noticeable at any time?


Lesson learned:
I knew of professional mariner who owned a production express cruiser that he purchased new and used for family use.

The boat always stunk of gas when he filled up, so he never topped off the tanks and usually ran with 1/2 tank or less.

When he told me about this, another friend and i checked out the boat.
After poking around for a while on this new boat, we found that the main fuel tank had three pick ups, one for each engine, and one for the generator.

The only problem was that his boat did not come from the factory with a generator and the generator pick up was not capped off at the factory.

a $2 fitting solved his problem.

btw, the boat was from a reputable builder.

Yes if your carbs are in a need of replacement fumes could be coming from them. Have you checked the fill lines gauge sending unit flanges ? Fumes are or ever normal on cold engines. The only time I've had fumes in mine engine room was a leak (found it on a post start up check) and twice during last summer after long hard runs the temp was well over 200 in the engine room, I used the blowers to cool off the engine room. Need any other ideals ask E-mail me

Those vents being clogged wouldn't cause gas smells in the salon. They're to exchange air into the tank so you don't create a vacuum causing you to starve for gas. Do you get this smell after filling up or all the time? If just when filled it could be the fuel neck that's compromised. Gas leaks can be tricky to find as the gas will evaporate, but a stain should be left. On a boat that old it could just be that the fuel lines are allowing fumes to escape without there being an evident leak. Again, look for tell tales. Fuel lines are cheap and easy enough to change out. The carb is another matter, and very serious. Check it thoroughly. Bottom line though, as you've been advised, make sure to clear the fumes before starting. Gas fumes are heavier than air and so sink to the bottom of the boat. If you're smelling them in the salon you've got a bad accumulation.

I look forward to seeing how this problem is resolved. When I first bought my boat I did not notice that the former owner had a rubber fuel hose between the fuel flow meter and the carb. The hose cracked and, seriously, we are lucky to be alive. Went for a cruise and when we came back and opened the door to the salon, the fumes made our eyes water....scary, scary stuff. I have a whole new appreciation for checking for fumes. I installed a fume dector for gas, co2 and battery fumes and now can monitor from the helm.

I have a 85 3607, and a few years ago i found that the hose between the fill nozzel and the gas tanks was worn and permeating a fuel smell. I had both hoses changed and it solved the problem.

On the starboard fuel tank its on the right hand top corner as you face the tank from inside the blidge. Facing port its on the left corner. This job should be left to your marina maintenence people.

Why ? . It's a straight forward job. In the salon look in your aft book selves you have access holes in the bottom. pull them out and you can see the top of the tanks, Look at you gasket for the sending unit and the base of the fill tube. To replace the fill tube hose you'll need just a few tools. This isn't hard to do if you can change a hose you can do this....Just buy the right hose and new clamps 2 at each end..and use 3m 4000 to seal the deck fitting back down. I've done both mine and took 4 hrs. once I got my butt in gear..

no problem, I've been in every nook on my boat so ask away anytime ... Just remember when you open up the gas system NO SMOKING AROUND THE BOAT ! I post signs on my boarding steps GAS TANKS OPEN NO HEAT OR FLAMES..it scares sailboaters to death also no elec lights I use 6v flashlights. And if you replace the in let hose double hose clamps are required on the fill hose. If it's the original hose you should replace it.

Hey, what am I chopped liver? "If just when filled it could be the fuel neck that's compromised....On a boat that old it could just be that the fuel lines are allowing fumes to escape without there being an evident leak."
That's ok, I can reach my own back. pat, pat, pat.