diesel on my gear...

[sailormankd]

Through a tragic course of events the bleeder plug came out of my fuel filter and diesel sprayed over everything in the contents of the compartment next to the engine, including my newly refurbished 140% Genoa and a nylon spanker. I have scrubbed them along with everything else but they still smell like diesel. Anybody have a suggestion?????
Thanks, KD

[sailingdog]

Mainly time... and not much else will get rid of the diesel smell. It might be worth trying to rinse the sails and such with rubbing alcohol, which will act as a solvent to the diesel, and might help remove it from the cloth. However, you need to check to see if alcohol will attack the resins used in stiffening the sailcloth.

Another thing that will help, is going to the local coffee shop and getting 5-10 lbs. of used coffee grounds. Put the coffee grounds in a couple large open containers, like dishpans, and leave them out for a few days. The coffee will help absorb and neutralize any odors on the boat, and when you remove the coffee grounds, there won't be any coffee smell either.

[sailormankd]

Thanks for the ideas. Will the residue from the diesel damage the sails?????

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by sailormankd

Thanks for the ideas. Will the residue from the diesel damage the sails?????

I'm not sure... it probably isn't good for the material, especially the nylon.