2002 23'.... Fuel in the Bilge ((facepalm))

Conundrum · #1 09-03-2019, 04:32 PM

Ok guys... so my '02 23' all of the sudden has fuel in the bilge. Any known issues to check first? Should I pressure test the tank first? Any suggestions on how to do that? I don't want to give the tank a leak it doesn't have by putting it under too much pressure. I'm thinking (hoping) it might be the fill or vent hose as it seems tied to when I fill up, although I'm not sure how on earth if that's what it is to manage to replace those hoses...

I love this boat but this has me worried....

Thanks in advance
C.

FLexpat · #2 09-03-2019, 06:05 PM

Check the line from the tank to motor and the filter too

makade · #3 09-04-2019, 08:33 PM

If the hoses are original I would start there. I have a 2000 and just did mine a few months ago. The design isn’t the greatest as far as access but it can be done.

Conundrum · #4 09-05-2019, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makade

If the hoses are original I would start there. I have a 2000 and just did mine a few months ago. The design isn’t the greatest as far as access but it can be done.

That's what we're working on now. It looks like most of the fuel was forward of the tank so I'm really thinking it's the fill or the vent hose.

FLexpat · #5 09-05-2019, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conundrum

That's what we're working on now. It looks like most of the fuel was forward of the tank so I'm really thinking it's the fill or the vent hose.

Disconnect the hoses at the tank and pressure test them in place.

dginge · #6 06-03-2020, 09:52 PM

What was the Verdict ?

bigeasy1 · #7 06-05-2020, 09:51 AM

I had the exact same problem years ago with a 22'Trophy. Went to launch it and noticed a strong smell of gasoline coming from the bilge(I/O).
Took it to the local boat yard and found it to be from cracks in the fuel fill hose. We drained about a gallon or so of gas from the bilge. We replaced the hose and all was good. It took a whole bunch of washes and rinses with bilge cleaners and dish soap to get the smell out.
Getting the hose out and replaced was a nightmare as it was covered with zip ties in places where you couldn't get your hands in.

in 2009 when I restored my tsunami I replaced the tank and hoses.It was very easy compared to that Trophy.