Leaking Gas!?

[peterslime]

I seem to have a slight problem that could obviously turn into a large one. Last weekend, when stopped to pick up my rider, I noticed a small amount of gas in the water. It must obviously be leaking from somewhere. I have taken everything out, looked at the gas tank, lines, and checked the floor to see if any had collected and I can't find anything, only on the outside of the boat (in the water.) Also, it doesn't happen when it's not running. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[dogbert]

Check the fuel cooler. There are some o-rings for the gas line in and then you have the fuel pressure regulator on the way out. The fuel pressure regulator will fail after 7-8 years if you have a Mercruiser.

[hoopykat]

Did you fill the tank before this last trip? Was the water especially choppy? You might have had some splash from the vent....

Mike

[chpthril]

How is the engine running? My guess would be that it is coming out the exhaust. Sounds like the engine may be running rich or has a mis-fire. Check for any cracked, loose, leaking vacuum lines. If the engine has not been "tuned" in a couple of years, I'd recommend that you just go ahead and change the Dist. Cap, Rotor, Plug Wires, and Plugs. Be sure to inspect all very close for abnormal wear. This would be a sign that you may have found the problem.

Could also be oil blow by maybe. If your engine has a PCV valve, check the hose for loose fit, cracks/leaks, and valve operation.

[dogbert]

Forget what I said, chpthril's right. What engine do you have?

[TeamAllen]

How long have you owned the boat?

All I can think of is the vent on the Port side of the boat and the aluminum gas cap.

The vent on the Port side will leak gas out when the tank is full. I have only seen it on the trailer while towing, after filling the tank at the gas station and then either braking hard or braking down hill. I have never seen it happen on the water, but since it goes right to the fuel tank I guess it's possible.

The gas cap thing should have a rubber o-ring around it. Check to see if it is there and maybe replace it.

Do you think gas might have leaked into your bilge and maybe your bilge pump pumped it out?

[peterslime]

Do you guys think this is something that should most likely be taken in to be checked out?

[peterslime]

I have only owned it for about 1 year. I did have work done on it when I first got it (impellar, oil change etc.) The boat only has 185 hours on it.

[Jason B]

Peterslime,
Where do you boat at? I noticed you're from Lake Mills. We race at Azzie quite a bit through the summer. I'm a bit south in Kenosha. Went out last night since it was so nice....the water apparently did not get the memo to warm up. BRRR.

[peterslime]

Jason B.: We go on Rock Lake mostly and occaisionally Nagawicka or Pewaukee Lakes.

Dogbert: I have the 350 Black Scorpion Mercruser.

I would really like to save myself from some bonehead mechanic trying to find out what is wrong with it and charging me a bunch of money. The closest dealer is a couple of hours away, so I would like to avoid that as well.

[Ruune]

did you smell gas as well? it could be oily residue from your bilge or exhaust. The other (most likely) thought would be your fuel vent.

[onevalkyrie]

I seem to have a slight problem that could obviously turn into a large one. Last weekend, when stopped to pick up my rider, I noticed a small amount of gas in the water. It must obviously be leaking from somewhere. I have taken everything out, looked at the gas tank, lines, and checked the floor to see if any had collected and I can't find anything, only on the outside of the boat (in the water.) Also, it doesn't happen when it's not running. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't know what boat you have but my brand new (100 Hrs) 340 HP MPI RZ 4 just started pumping fuel out the top of the fuel pump this weekend. We couldn't get it started, opened the engine compartment and had about 1-2 gal. of fuel in the bilge. Took it to the dealer and it would not do it again. I was beginning to think that I was going nuts when it finally started the same thing that it was doing with us. Dealer told me today that marine power was sending a complete new assembly and was very curious as to what was going on.

[Ruune]

sounds like MP and your dealer are stepping up. Might be just a seal issue, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Still, seems like another good reason for a "no smoking" sign on the transom.

[dogbert]

I don't know what boat you have but my brand new (100 Hrs) 340 HP MPI RZ 4 just started pumping fuel out the top of the fuel pump this weekend. We couldn't get it started, opened the engine compartment and had about 1-2 gal. of fuel in the bilge. Took it to the dealer and it would not do it again. I was beginning to think that I was going nuts when it finally started the same thing that it was doing with us. Dealer told me today that marine power was sending a complete new assembly and was very curious as to what was going on.

Probably a good thing that you couldn't get it started. Gas in your bilge is a scary thing...trust me, I know.

Glad it's all working out.