That a fuel/water separator leaked a few gallons of gas in the hull of a boat…
A: Is it ture that gas can soften fiberglass?
B: Whats the best way the rinse and clean the area? Baking soda? Dish soap?
C: The o-ring on the plug is trashed (swollen and disfigured). Should there be worries of other hoses, control lines, transducer cables, scupper hoses, livewell hoses, ect. being affected by the gasoline?
Fishing Nerd
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
The extent of damage depends on the extent of time to the exposure.
A Yes, any strong chemical can break down fiberglass and foam but usually takes a lot of time. I had spilled gas in my boat with little real effect other than it bleached out the hard water stains in that area so definitely did some surface penetration. The gas did not sit for long before I cleaned it.
B I cleaned mine the same as I cleaned my boat once I removed the gas and cleaned as much of the residue as possible before putting other chemicals in the mix. Though my boat was old with sun damage and little wax left on it, the areas that got gas on them definitely seem like they needed to be re-waxed, which I never did because like I said the whole boat could of used a thorough detailing.
C Yes for sure check them over and monitor there condition over the next several uses/months, It can cause rubber to become porous and cause expansion, dry the rubber out and loose some of its dexterity which may cause tension, and may also lead to cracks or leaks.
Overall I would say play it safe but there shouldn’t be to much damage unless it sat for a while, but hopefully the plug took it worst then the rest of stuff.
Gasoline will not soften fiberglass. Use liquid dish soap to clean. Nothing marine grade should be hurt by gasoline. Not unless you strike a match [:0]
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
Thanks guys! I like Larry’s answer best but I will take heed to your advice 40, and keep my eyes on it over the next few months.
Fishing Nerd
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
quote:
Originally posted by Cracker LarryGasoline will not soften fiberglass. Use liquid dish soap to clean. Nothing marine grade should be hurt by gasoline. Not unless you strike a match [:0]
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
WHAT HE SAID
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
Agreed… dawn dish soap and replace any swollen rubber you see. I wouldn’t stress out over it.