Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 29-04-2011, 13:24   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seattle
Boat: Tartan 30 & Columbia 26
Posts: 170
Images: 2
HELP! How to Get Rid of Gas Smell

So a few weeks ago we took the ol' tub out for a spin under fairly severe conditions. One of the gas tanks (stored under a cockpit bench) overturned on a reach and dumped a little gas out. On the C26, everything flows to the central bilge in the cabin.

I've tried everything to get the smell out. I've dumped MANY gallons of fresh water containing bilge deoderizer (which says it's supposed to take care of fuel scent) down the hull under the cockpit benches and pumped it out of the bilges. I've rinsed down EVERY nook and cranny and sprayed deoderizer everywhere. I've left the cabin wide open to air out for several days. It's better, but the smell is still there.

Got a couple overnighters coming up and I'd like to get rid of the smell altogether. Any ideas?

Thanks
wristwister is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-04-2011, 13:37   #2
Senior Cruiser
 
GordMay's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 51,070
Images: 241
Re: HELP! How to get rid of gas smell

Try some liquid laundry detergent & a little hot water. Fill bilge, let stand, pump out.
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"



GordMay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-04-2011, 17:13   #3
Registered User
 
SkiprJohn's Avatar

Join Date: May 2006
Location: Nicholasville, Kentucky
Boat: 15 foot Canoe
Posts: 14,191
Re: HELP! How to get rid of gas smell

Just a suggestion but you might see if there is another gas leak? Anyway to run a fan in there for a day?
kind regards,
__________________
John
SkiprJohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-04-2011, 17:27   #4
Registered User
 
ozmike's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mackay Qld, Australia
Boat: 38' Chieftain Centre Cockpit
Posts: 73
Re: HELP! How to get rid of gas smell

I agree with SkiprJohn, if a bit of liquid gas escaped from bottle, it must have hit the valve or a connection, the liquid instantly turns to a vapour and as it is heavier than air will fall to the lowest point, in your case the bilge, it is not like fuel it will not leave a residue that will smell, it is simply another form of air (highly flammable) air the cabin out as SkiprJohn said a fan would help, but if it still smells, then I would suggest you still have a gas leak.
ozmike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-04-2011, 17:47   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seattle
Boat: Tartan 30 & Columbia 26
Posts: 170
Images: 2
Re: HELP! How to get rid of gas smell

Guess I need to clarify a bit, I'm talking about gasolene for the outboard here. One of the 2.5 gallon containers busted out of it's straps and overturned, leaking a bit out the vent. Not much, maybe a cup or so. But that cup made it's way to the bilge under the cabin. There is no "gas leak", just a little gasolene residue/smell. Like I said, I've rinsed out the whole area thoroughly with water/cleaner and pumped it out, several times, but still the smell of gasolene is in there.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming!
wristwister is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-04-2011, 17:49   #6
Registered User
 
Lancerbye's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cormorant Island, BC, Canada
Boat: Lancer 44 Motorsailer
Posts: 1,878
Images: 38
Re: HELP! How to get rid of gas smell

Are you talking about LPG or gasoline. I am thinking gasoline but other posts indicate LPG. Some clarification may be in order. If it is gasoline I second Gords sugestion. Dish soap.
__________________
The basis of accomplishment is in never quitting
Mengzi Meng-tse
Lancerbye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-04-2011, 00:51   #7
Armchair Bucketeer
 
David_Old_Jersey's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,012
Images: 4
Re: HELP! How to get rid of Gas Smell

The best thing I have found for shifting (and diluting away) Petrol / "gas" (and Diesel) is washing powder / detergent and warm water.........and cleaning (ideally scrubbing), not just flushing through. The good news is that washing powder is cheap. The bad news is that if it gets into wood grain or raw fibreglass won't come 100% out.....paint over it

It don't take much to smell - but you know that already...........
David_Old_Jersey is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Walker Bay 310 RID + 8HP merc 4 stroke? kismet424 Engines and Propulsion Systems 10 25-06-2015 10:40
That Smell . . . DevaDeb Our Community 30 20-05-2011 11:08
For Sale or Trade: Walker Bay with RID Kit . . . SoCal Butler Classifieds Archive 3 29-04-2011 09:54
Getting Rid of Old Diesel Fuel in RI Area ? SV Demeter Engines and Propulsion Systems 12 20-04-2010 17:51
Getting rid of thru-hulls (in GRP) Weyalan Construction, Maintenance & Refit 2 05-07-2006 23:42

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 15:42.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.