Fumes in Cabin ?

[shamrock]

Hello,

I have a 24 HP Universal Diesel. The motor seems to run fine, but I'm concerned about the possibility of exhaust fumes getting in the cabin

Is the air that comes through the blow by tube safe?

Are there any particular ways to inspect the exhaust system to make sure there are no leaks?

Just want to make sure I dot my i's with kids on the boat!

Thanks!

[Mark1977]

I would recommend a co2 detector.

[Unicorn Dreams]

To check for leaks, just run your hand down the exhaust to check for leaks.

Your engine compartment should be vented, air coming in and air out.

[westsail42]

Not familiar with that motor. But you can get 12v DC powered CO detectors, if that is what you are concerned about.

[David_Old_Jersey]

I gassed me father a few years back - boat new to me, exhaust blowing a bit - didn't realise that an (unsealed & DIY) access panel into the saloon would let that much in.

That slowed him down a tad

[sailingaway221]

Get a co2 detector and locate it below the level of your beds... Ie CO2 sinks compared to air... so it fills up from the floor up... so don't put it high in the boat.... actually get 2 of them.. one near the engine and 1 near the beds... then you'll be doubly sure you're ok! If youre worried about leaks... turn the engine on... turn the detector on and run it past the engines system!

[cal40john]

I believe the detector of interest is a carbon monoxide detector (CO), not a carbon dioxide (CO2) detector, and yes they do make CO2 detectors.

Also CO is very close to the same weight as air, so it disperses fairly evenly, it doesn't matter much where you mount it.

John

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

I gassed me father a few years back -

That slowed him down a tad

LOL


Yes, Carbon Monoxide, not carbon dioxide, is the one to watch. But diesel doesnt put out as much as a petrol (gas) engine, does it?

[osirissail]

The secret to keeping your exhaust system intact is keeping your raw water flow unrestricted. Since most recreational vessel diesel engines use rubber exhaust hoses they require constant and adequate cooling by the raw water that is injected into the exhaust stream.
- - Clogged or reduced flow raw water strainers; raw water impellers with missing vanes; blocked heat exchangers; and rusted or obstructed raw water exhaust injector fittings will lead to insufficient cooling of the exhaust gases as they make their way down the rubber exhaust hoses.
- - This leads to "cooking" of the exhaust hoses and their eventual or early failure. Then you really have a mess as raw exhaust and sea water is sprayed or leaks into the interior of the boat.

[shamrock]

Thanks, great advice everyone. Carbon monoxide detectors it is!

[GordMay]

For gasoline engines, CO (carbon monoxide) is the primary gas of concern. For gas detection applications in which diesel engines are employed, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) should also be monitored.
Unfortunately, I don't know of a practical CO/NO2 detector, for our application.

[osirissail]

I have had two occurences of blown exhaust hoses and let me tell you there is no mistaking the smoke and stench that results of diesel exhaust fumes and hot sea water. The use of "detectors" which require considerable time to detect and confirm is not very useful.
- - Where the detectors are very useful is in alerting you to invisible and odorless leaks or CO build-ups from stuff like propane stoves, instant water heaters and cabin heaters.