Fuel smell on Crackleback 500 ?

[Scottydog]

Hi Guys anyone had the issue with a strong fuel smell coming from the"hull", it's not leaking fuel when in use, could it just be the breather from the tank that ventilates under the boat cover? :blue-cry:

[Jim_From_Zim]

Sg,

Call Neil - he'll probably be the best person to answer your question

[Riprap]

I have the same problem with the previous model, Seeker 480, which doesn't have an inbuilt tank and the breather is to the outside of the gunnel. Try as I may, when this occurs, I have never been able to find out from where and have refitted, changed and replaced fittings and connections but it still sometimes happens. I'm convinced that it chases fish away............... :blue-rolleyes: :blue-lol:

Please post result if you find a solution?

[Scottydog]

One good thing that comes from this is you won't get hornets, wasps, fishmoths or the likes invading your boat :blue-lol:

[smurf]

A strong fuel smell is most likely not the breather but a leak.The problem with that situation is the fuel fumes cause other problems ,like making silicone joints loose,glue gets softened and you start to see the carpet peeling in places,and your pumps that are used for bilge and livewell get distorted because the petrol fumes soften the plastic housings.Most importantly,one spark from a battery or pump could make you look like a Fourth of July fireworks display... You need to get a tube of 'Stag' fuel resistant gasket sealant,remove the hoses to the fuel tank,clean and re-clamp (use two stainless clamps).Remove the plate that seals off the fuel sender unit,check the gasket is not cracked...if all ok,reseal with Stag and screw back down.Do the same for the fuel breather hose that leads into the tank.It might take a day to do,but you know you will do the job better than anyone else and it will give you a good insight about the layout of your fuel hoses if you have future problems ...which you shouldn't have if you seal and clamp everything properly.And when you done,hitch up your boat to the tow car,put about 20 litres of warm water with a little dishwashing liquid into the bottom of the boat (bung in to keep in the soapy liquid) and go forward and back with the car to swish the liquid around to get rid of that smell...just remember to drain it or you will leave a serious bubble trail at the dam !

[Riprap]

Smurf, I think you are spot on, thanks.

[blainec]

My 500 is new I took delivery last week in December, I also smelt fuel and eventually found that the rubber bulb that you squeeze to prime the fuel had a small crack in it.

I have found Neil to be very helpful , I am sure if you get the boat to him he will find the problem.

[Navrik]

Excellent advice there Smurf...as we say in Afrikaans: "Die wysheid van die grysheid"

[dreamfish]

I have the same problem with the previous model, Seeker 480, which doesn't have an inbuilt tank and the breather is to the outside of the gunnel. Try as I may, when this occurs, I have never been able to find out from where and have refitted, changed and replaced fittings and connections but it still sometimes happens. I'm convinced that it chases fish away............... :blue-rolleyes: :blue-lol:

Please post result if you find a solution?

...and with your rate of smoking Rip... this could be dangerous.. :blue-biggrin:

[Riprap]

Haha, I rather smoke than face murder charges, even if it's hell risky on my boat! :blue-lol:

[griff]

After filling mine, (with the boat having the cover on) the smell of fuel is quite strong but I believe it is just because of the breather. No worries on mine just slip under the cover before launching for a min or so and get the day off to a colourful start :blue-lol:

Open the back hatch and stick your head inside to see if the smell originates there. I would believe it's the breather and that's all. No problem.