Fuel Vapour Problems

[BFB]

Hi all.

I am hoping that some one will be able to help me. I have recently purchased a Haines Hunter 520SF. It has a 120 litre under floor fuel tank and a second 75 litre tank.

The original tank breathers on the boat where plastic and starting to deteriorate so I replaced them with chromed brass straight through types. I took the boat out today, which is the first time that I have had the main tank full of fuel, and I just about made everyone on board sick because of the fuel vapour smell at the back of the boat.

Have I done something wrong or should there be something else in the fuel breather line as well as the breathers to help prevent this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as it is hard to have fun in a boat when the vapours make everyone on board feel sick especially the skipper.

Bruce

[pjbink]

Hi all.

I am hoping that some one will be able to help me. I have recently purchased a Haines Hunter 520SF. It has a 120 litre under floor fuel tank and a second 75 litre tank.

The original tank breathers on the boat where plastic and starting to deteriorate so I replaced them with chromed brass straight through types. I took the boat out today, which is the first time that I have had the main tank full of fuel, and I just about made everyone on board sick because of the fuel vapour smell at the back of the boat.

Have I done something wrong or should there be something else in the fuel breather line as well as the breathers to help prevent this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as it is hard to have fun in a boat when the vapours make everyone on board feel sick especially the skipper.

Bruce

It might have something more to do with the tank being full for the first time than the new breathers. I'd be looking at the underfloor tank and all the connections for leaks. Also the fuel sender on top of the tank might be leaking. If so you need to re attach it some sealant compatable with fuel such as Stag.

PS, I would be more worried about the explosion risk than the unpleasant petrol smell. Fuel vapours are heavier than air and will collect in the boat. All it takes is for one spark to occur and you have a disaster.

[BFB]

Thanks Billfisher.

You were right there was fuel in the back of the boat. Now all I have to do is find the exact location it is coming from. I wiil seal around the fuel breather lines. I have checked the fuel sender it has a lot of muck around it but I do not think it is leaking but I try and put a new seal on it just to make sure.

Again thank you very much it was appreciated.