Posted: June 11 2007 at 10:44 | IP Logged

We purchased a 2003 240 SD this year.  We absolutely love it - with the exception of when we run the A/C at night, we get seems to be a strong fuel smell in the cabin after an hour or 2 of use.   Any similar experiences - any solutions...HELP!

Posted: June 11 2007 at 11:18 | IP Logged

Do you have a generator or are your running the regular engine? ( Ihave a 270SD)

Posted: June 11 2007 at 12:10 | IP Logged

I do not have a generator.  It happens while we are at the dock hooked up to shore power.

Posted: June 11 2007 at 12:17 | IP Logged

You should make all efforts to find the source of the fuel odour immediately.

Typically, your AC draws air from not only the cold air return but the bilge.  I find that I get whatever odour residing in my bilge being delivered by the AC.

Partial Solution: Clean your bilge and check your engine's exterior and surrounding area for oil deposits/leakage.

Critical: You should be concerned that those bilge odours are normally vented by your blowers and passive bilge vents and rarely make it in the cockpit or cabin where they may raise attention.  Your AC may be making you aware of a much more serious problem.

Normally you should do a sniff (by nose) test of your bilge to check for explosive gases.  This is done while the engine is not running, nor the blowers or AC that may reduce the concentration.  You can do it again with the engine running (after appropriate blower time prior to starting).

More importantly, visually inspect for fuel (liquid or vapour) leaks.  Check the fuel tank fill and vent lines for cracks as well as the fuel transfer line to the fuel pump and delivery line to carburetor.  Check that the flame arrester is clean and if not, clean it with soap and water (not gasoline or solvents).

Naturally, I assume you have a gas detector installed.  If not, get one.

The movie at the link shown gives an idea what happens if sufficient fuel vapours are present and a spark in created.  Note comments about non-marine electrical components.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/TP/TP14477/video.htm

Regards,

Jeff Evans

Posted: June 11 2007 at 12:30 | IP Logged

Have a DEALER check ASAP.  If you can fuel below in the cabin that needs to be checked beofrew another use.