Is it Gas?

[Raptor1472]

Just need someone more experienced to confirm what I’m fairly certain I already know.

I have been noticing the smell from the bilge for a little while now. I haven’t put it in the water yet due to other repairs I’m doing after buying it back in May.

I figured since it’s a 1995 that I’d need to replace the tanks sooner or later, but I was hoping I could make at least on season with it before I had to. I don’t think I’ll be getting my wish this time.

 

[igblack87]

something is in the water, likely gas, could it be oil...assuming you have 2 strokes on the transom?

 

[Hookup1]

I can't tell hold finds ow deep the water is but I would find a flat bottom scoop, collect some water in a jar and see what you get. Fuel will float.

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I did tanks on my Islander last Summer. Where is the boat in CM?

 

[Raptor1472]

They are two strokes, and where you’re looking in the bilge is just forward of the transom, and just aft of the fuel tanks. I’ll try the jar/scoop trick shortly.

 

[Raptor1472]

Alright so I’m not seeing any rainbow swirls on top but this sure is interesting. We did just run the fresh water system in God knows how long last weekend, and the water heater input hose had a pretty significant leak that I also need to plug, so this may just be some gross buildup from up forward that washed down.

There’s no smell of gas from the glass or when I stick my head down into the bilge back here, but when I remove the round covers over the tanks I definitely smell an odor - but I can’t tell if it’s gas, because it almost smells more like a urethane or some form of adhesive.

Any thoughts?

 

[Hookup1]

View attachment 34187

Alright so I’m not seeing any rainbow swirls on top but this sure is interesting. We did just run the fresh water system in God knows how long last weekend, and the water heater input hose had a pretty significant leak that I also need to plug, so this may just be some gross buildup from up forward that washed down.

There’s no smell of gas from the glass or when I stick my head down into the bilge back here, but when I remove the round covers over the tanks I definitely smell an odor - but I can’t tell if it’s gas, because it almost smells more like a urethane or some form of adhesive.

Any thoughts?

This is water and fuel from my tank years ago. The fuel will be on top. You could see if it will burn but be careful. Not sure what the snots are but not fuel. You could pull the deck and wash the fuel tanks down to get smells out of there. Get bow up high and get water to drain from fuel compartment into aft bilge.



My tanks were not leaking but I did them anyway. They were 25 years old and it always bothered me.

268 Islander Fuel Tank Replacement

Decided that this is the year to replace my 25 yo fuel tanks. No leaks. I plan to keep the boat. I'll document the process here. Pulled the hatch. This hatch was rebuilt a few years ago with Coosa board. Looks good and feels solid. Hatch was set with 3M 4000 - kept everything sealed. Some...

www.greatgrady.com

Hard to say if your tanks are bad. They are old enough. You could try to figure out which tank is bad and use the boat this summer on one tank. Or replace the aft tank now (easy) and do the fwd tank later (hard). The effort to get the tanks in/out isn't worth repairing tank - just do new. SP tanks in Clermont did my tanks I did the work.

 

[drbatts]

You put the sample in a bottle then put it in the freezer. water will freeze, gas will not.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

There’s no smell of gas from the glass or when I stick my head down into the bilge back here, but when I remove the round covers over the tanks I definitely smell an odour - but I can’t tell if it’s gas, because it almost smells more like a urethane or some form of adhesive.

Then it's not fresh gas!
Gasoline is very volatile and has a very strong smell and you would smell a leak immediately and clearly.
I had to pull my RIB's fuel tank due a leak and strong gas smell and once pulled i discovered such a tiny hole that it was more sweating as dripping.

I would guess it's a kind of oil, not gasoline. Do you have hydraulic steering? The color may indicate hydraulic oil.

Chris

 

[Raptor1472]

I can't tell hold finds ow deep the water is but I would find a flat bottom scoop, collect some water in a jar and see what you get. Fuel will float.

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I did tanks on my Islander last Summer. Where is the boat in CM?

Boat will be at Utch’s Marina, but it’s still in PA right now as I’ve been working on it intermittently after work before bringing it down for the season.

 

[Fishtales]

It looks like old gas and water to me from the pics. Prob don't want to hear it but your due for tanks. I'd bite the bullet and get them and all the lines done.

 

[Raptor1472]

So as an update, for those interested, we did a thorough inspection of both tanks to the best of our ability, short of doing a full pressure test, as the concern was raised that considering the tanks are nearing end of life, if there isn't an official problem now, that may in all likelihood cause one.

We ran both engines at various throttle positions and from both tanks, used soapy water across all tank surfaces and hoses/hose fittings, and were unable to find any evidence of either a vapor leak or liquid coming from the bottom into the bilge.

I understand this isn't a perfect test considering running the engines doesn't pressurize the whole system, but all the evidence at this point suggests that there isn't a glaring issue in need of immediate attention.

Planning on getting her in the water and running it for the season, but already have a call to Speedy Tanks / Atlantic Welding Company planned for the fall to get the tanks replaced when it isn't so cost prohibitive.

If anyone has any further information that might be helpful I'd appreciate it, and hope to start seeing y'all on the water in a couple of weeks!

 

[Hookup1]

Leaking fuel tanks are very hard to diagnose in place. They corrode and leak on the bottom of the tank where you can't see anything. The only way to inspect and test is to take the tank out and at that point you may as well replace it. I tried using an automotive smoke tester but didn't find any leaks. Truth be told after 25 years the tanks were ready to be replaced.

Start out this season with partial tanks and run the boat. Keep a rag in the aft bilge and check it for fuel often.

 

[Raptor1472]

Since I'm unfamiliar, what kind of rag would you recommend and how would you effectively check it for gas? Thanks for the tip!

 

[Hookup1]

There is a lot of space under the tanks to hold water and leaking fuel. Won’t get to aft bilge unless you get the nose of the boat up.

Whatever is under tanks will come out of limber hold. Sniff the rag. If you are leaking fuel the fuel compartment under the access ports will have a strong smell.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I understand this isn't a perfect test considering running the engines doesn't pressurize the whole system, but all the evidence at this point suggests that there isn't a glaring issue in need of immediate attention.

Again, if your fuel tank is leaking then you will smell a strong fuel smell, point.
On a Grady White, on a Boston Whaler, on a 20ft rib, also on a 60ft sportfish, on every boat.
If there is no fuel smell in the bilge area then the floating stuff it's not gasoline, if there is a strong fuel smell in the bilge or inside console then it's a fuel leak.

If you have no gasoline smell than you are perfectly fine, but you still should consider to change them.
1° because of their age
2° because if the start to leak it will be the day before 4th of July and it will ruin your boating season

Chris (who replaced 5 fuel tanks on 6 of his own boats and numerous on clients boats)