I have a 23 key west center console and recently notice a strong odor of gas in the bilge and in the center console. I have inspected the bilge and have not found any gas also inspected all fitting and sendor unit, no leaks. I changed the fuel water separators that are located in the bilge cant get rid of the smell. I must be missing something any help would be greatly appreciated.
My 2003 KW1720 has always smelled of fuel despite no leaks. The smell is mostly in the center console and battery box (tubes going to bilge). I just leave everything open while stored in the garage so the fumes don’t concentrate. I’ll be watching to see what the resolution is.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
Hi-c thanks for the response but this smell is very strong and concerning. I have a call into key west. I dont think the tank is leaking because there was no gas in the bilge.
I had a similar problem with a 17.2 CC Scout. My problem turned out to be broken welds around the fittings on top of the tank. I noticed the smell much worse when I completly filled the tank. I had to remove the CC and replace the tank - not a lot of fun.
Is the tank aluminum or a polymer/plastic?
Dad had a 28’Proline that we smelled gas in the bilge and the cuddy one day really bad after a day offshore. We pulled the boat out of the water the next day and found electrolyses had eaten away a portion of the top of the fuel tank. It was the ground wire from the fuel vent back to the tank had rubbed through the coating on the wire and a dime size hole was made in the tank. CHECK YOUR FUEL TANK ASAP!
Carolina Veterans Saltwater Series
www.fishizzletackle.com
Spoke with Key West yesterday, boat is going back to the factory for a pressure test. Not going to take any chances with it and I figure since I am only about an hour and a half away to just bring it to them. Thanks for all of the answers.
Is that covered under a warranty? What year is your boat?
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
Boat is a 2007 and no the fuel tank only has a 1 year warranty per the person at the factory but they said they would work with me if the tank had to be replaced.
Yikes… you’d have to separate the hulls to get it out. Or cut a hole in the deck…that would suck.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
Its either that or rename the boat the Molitof cocktail, but seriously you can remove a deck plate and the console to reveal the tank no holes need to be cut.
Boats should not smell like gas and if a manufacturer tells you that is okay, it is not okay. Something isn’t right if you have a strong odor of fuel.
rat - you have a removable deck plate that allows the whole tank to come out?
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
JTM - Key west did not tell me it was okay they told me to bring it in to have it checked out. Hi-c the whole deck under the leaning post is removable which exposes the tank. I will keep you posted on the progress once it is back with Key West and I have more details.
Had idiot technician drill my fill and vent lines installing battery boxes. It took forever to find it. Anything been “installed” since purchase?
quote:
Originally posted by rat-L-trapJTM - Key west did not tell me it was okay they told me to bring it in to have it checked out. Hi-c the whole deck under the leaning post is removable which exposes the tank. I will keep you posted on the progress once it is back with Key West and I have more details.
Good to hear. Glad they are stepping up as they should. Gas doesn’t leak from parts that are manufactured and installed properly.
Just a note. You don’t need liquid gasoline rolling in around in the bilge to get an explosion. In fact, liquid gasoline is one step away from real danger. Gasoline vapor, however, is very explosive. In an enclosed space, the ‘smell’ of gas should be very troubling.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
Last year I had the same problem and it drove me crazy trying to find where the gas fumes were coming from. I never saw any liquid gas and could only smell the gas fumes. It turned out to be an aluminum Fuel / Water Separator bracket that was corroded around the top and wasnt letting the water filter seal completely. It was hard to find; I couldnt see the corrosion until I removed the water filter from the bracket and removed and turned the old bracket over. I replaced the old aluminum Fuel / Water Separator bracket with a new stainless steel Fuel / Water Separator bracket w- see through filter bowl and that took care of it. The stainless steel Fuel / Water Separator bracket wasnt cheep but I wont be replacing it again. I hope its not your tank Good luck with it.
Flat-Out I checked the separators and they both look good. The boat is on its way back to the factory today hopefully have some answers as to what the problem is soon. I will keep you posted again thanks for all the input from everyone.