About 8 weeks ago a boat in our marina sunk, spilling large amounts of diesel fuel. The cleanup by the marina was very slow, or non existent, and some deisel got in our bildge through wherever.
Now our boat stinks of deisel.
We leave the boat closed up for the winter, but in the water (fresh water). We go out once every two weeks to air the boat out and run the engine.
I've cleaned the bildge and use a bildge cleaning product. Anyone have any suggestions of how I can get rid of the smell?
—
James J, C36 MK I, Hull 537
Have it steam cleaned
Nancy
Cat's Meow #2046
San Francisco
2002 MK II
Peggie Hall, who wrote the book on Boat Odors, suggests PureAyre ([url]www.pureayre.com[/url])
"Somehow" into the bilge should concern you. How'd a spill outside your boat get inside?
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
I have to agree with Stu's comment.
Did you run the engine in diesel infested water and perhaps have some fouled water in the aqualift muffler or open a seacock to the plumbing, possibly fouling the water lines?
Laura Olsen
Past Commodore
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD
When I changed my home heating from oil to gas, the heating contractor used, and left , a spray can of odor neutralizer specifically for that type of smell. You might want to check with a local HVAC guy and see if they can recommed something strong.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Chuck- My HVAC guy uses a powder and a spray, so you may be on to something there!
I'll see if I can find out what it is called.
Laura Olsen
Past Commodore
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD
I seems unlikely that diesel got into the boat from the outside. Are you sure you have not developed a leak in your fuel system? Leaks through the bottom of the fuel tank are common on older Catalina's. You might check the plywood that the tank sets on to see if it is diesel soaked.
Gary Teeter
1989 C36 "AnnieG"
Std Rig #966, M25xp
Everett, WA
James:
Gary may be right about your tank starting to leak. I am going through or just went through that issue. We are currently in the Bahama's and our tank started leaking fuel into the bilge. I was able to pump most of the 15 gallons I had in it and pulled the tank as we were setting at a marina. I was able to use some 2 part epoxy stick called pig putty that I had on board. Then I laid 3 layers of fiberglass over that, I had 2 pin holes and expect more. I was able to get the tank raised up about a 1/2 inch so it is not setting on the plywood no more so the air can get under it. I called Catalina to find out what a new tank will cost and was told just over $700. So dig in with a mirror and start looking, But I hope you do not find a leaking tank, As it is not fun.
Randy
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
have a good size diesel fuel tank leak. the whole bottom corroded and let loose at least 5-8 gallons diesel, fuel.
What should I do???
Appreciate it, what a mess!
Before any one can respond, you need to include your boat info. Look at other posts for samples.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
TEST
TEST
Yeah, I think that the spill outside was coincidental. I use the car engine cleaning foam available at most large chain car parts stores. Spray it on the warm engine, let it sit and then hose if off and let the bilge pump empty the bilge. it neutralizes the oil and diesel so you don't end up creating an oil slick. As it rinses under the floorboards it cleans up any residual leak you might have underneath. Super important to identify where the leak is coming from. Could be a loose hose or pin hole as the others have described.
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Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada