Diesel stink

[deniseO30]

I can't help but wonder what Boggie and Katryn smelled like on the African Queen! it had wood smoke but there was a diesel actually chugging the boat along.

[speciald]

I use a spray degreaser from NAPA with good results. Spray then hose down.

[roline]

My Cal was fuel overfilled when it was winterized and delivered. I had a rough time getting the smell out. I had to add simple green to the bilge water and let that slosh around, clean the engine compartment, LOTS OF VENTILATION, I changed out several of the foam cushions... 3 yrs later there is just a hint of diesel. Biggest help was lots of ventalation...

[mitiempo]

I think the various air purifiers or ionizers will help but they will struggle if the cause of the smell is still there. Best to clean all you can and then purify or ionize.
Brian

[L124C]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I think the various air purifiers or ionizers will help but they will struggle if the cause of the smell is still there. Best to clean all you can and then purify or ionize.
Brian

My problem is that my Yanmar is midships. Great for accessibility and boat balance, but the diesel smell emanates from the middle of the salon. Tough to eliminate that source! I can't think of another smell that permeates like diesel. The smell isn't that obvious when you enter, but if you take cushions, or curtains or clothes that have been on board into the fresh air, it's obvious. I looked at at Westsail 32 once. It has a formal engine compartment complete with a fiberglass door and bulkhead. At the time, I kind of laughed thinking "this is a little over the top for a 32' boat!". I'm not laughing anymore!

[mitiempo]

I would check the fuel lines, filter connections, tank connections, etc. The only links to the air should be exhaust and fuel tank vent, the rest is a closed system. A diesel should not smell in my opinion and I can put my nose on my Yanmar without a whiff of diesel. Now if you spill diesel and it's absorbed by the woodwork there will be a smell until it's cleaned.
Brian

[L124C]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I would check the fuel lines, filter connections, tank connections, etc. The only links to the air should be exhaust and fuel tank vent, the rest is a closed system. A diesel should not smell in my opinion and I can put my nose on my Yanmar without a whiff of diesel. Now if you spill diesel and it's absorbed by the woodwork there will be a smell until it's cleaned.
Brian

Wouldn't the air filter be an open "link" to fuel and air? All my hoses and connections seem fine. Everything is dry. I could "smell the motor" and it it wouldn't smell of diesel. However, the mild odor seems to permeate everything on the boat. Some items absorb more than others. For example, the foam case for my laptop is really noticeable when I take it off the boat. The Gortex foulies I store on the boat always have the mild smell of diesel. Seems like I've noticed the same condition on every small boat with a diesel I've ever been on. I have to say, I have a pretty sensitive sense of smell, but don't others notice this on their boats?

[doubleeboy]

Every Diesel boat I have been on smells to some degree. My Yanmar has no drips or leaks and also smells. I use the volcanic rock in hanging bags trick, then air out the rock in the sun every now and again. Not perfect, but no power required. Don't waste your time with the little ones get the bigger ones.

Gonzo - Cleans like Magic!

michael