FUel odor in Cabin - 2004 250 Exp

[KenO250explorer]

Folks smarter than I,   getting an odor in the cabin,   but cannot find where it is originating -  have checked the two deck hatches,  but no odor or leakage of the hoses -  want to check the fuel vent - but cannot determine where that is?   anyone know,  or have other thoughts on what to check?   I am not seeing any fuel in the bilge - just an odor in the cabin.    @ winter storage,  I left ~ 50 gals in the tank,  no odor at that time,  nor when I was performing the spring clean up.    Filled up as I was dropping it back in the water-  and have experienced this odor since.   THoughts?     

[Capt. Bob]

Oh boy. 

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=11924.0

Not sayin' this is a reoccurring problem but past history and logic would indicate different. Even if you don't see fuel draining out the bilge, pinhole corrosion may be allowing fuel to reside in the coffin and the vapor entering the closed cabin. Have you removed the forward deck plate and looked in the area of the bilge pump?

Good luck.

[wingtime]

Your fuel vent is port side mid ships above the rub rail.  The pie plate on the wall where you step up to the port walkaround is how you access it.  What kind of fuel are you using?  Ethanol blended fuels can cause your fuel lines to become soft and give off a fuel smell.

[KenO250explorer]

THanks Guys -  forward plate in the cabin - doesn't show any fuel / fuel smell -  Will check the connections thru the deck plate on the port side at the step up -  and sadly here in the north east,  ethanol fuel is the ONLY option 

[KenO250explorer]

Fuel vent line feels soft. Thoughts on the best way to replace all lines. Fuel del to motor. Fill hose n vent?

[wingtime]

You have to upgrade to ethanol resistant Coast Guard approved fuel lines.  The new fuel lines are required by the EPA to be resistant to fuel vapor permeating thru the hose.  This is probably the cause of the fuel smell you are getting.

Not sure if anyone has done a full fuel hose replacement on an Explorer yet.

That totally sucks about not having non ethanol in your area.  Check out puregas.org to find out if there is a source near you.

[KenO250explorer]

Have done nothing. Smell went away (boat hasnt left slip)  well see if thiscis a nfa situation