www.iFourWinns.com

Maybe not the entire garage... But one corner of mine sure smells like gas because of those cans!

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Brett DiMichele

Is this the same as the water seperator fuel filter?

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

My boat only has the one fuel filter. It's so awkward/cramped to put on on, I can see how it might leak around the filter gasket from not getting it screwed on tight enough. But ... I already checked and that isn't the source of my fume issue. Mine is the tank or the lines leaching, I'm convinced. I plan to work on the lines today after Brett showed me the super-secret hidden compartment behind the seat that allows access to the filler neck.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Did you get the fill line replaced? Any change in odor?

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Did you get your fuel smell issue resolved? Or is it still strong ? Curious as to what you find/found to be the culprit. I have never had such an issue, but would like to know just in case it ever does happen.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I had to order the 1 1/2" fill line ... nobody had it in the entire D/FW area (I called about 10 places, dealers, Bass Pro, West Marine, etc). I didn't think that 8' of fill line was that special, but I was wrong. Anyway, I ordered it last Saturday (when I was planning to finish the entire job, but had to button it all back up). The dealer called yesterday and the line is in, so I am going to pick it up today with plans to install this weekend.

I'll report back next week.

One thing that is irritating is that the screw heads on the hose clamps holding the fill line on the filler neck are facing forward up against the bulk head, which means I can't get a screw/nut driver on them. I think, however, I can spin the filler neck counter clockwise far enough to gain access.

Nothing is ever easy in these tight spaces.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Got the lines changed yesterday. The fill line is a bit of a bear to change. You've been warned.

Results are not what I had hoped for. Although I am glad that I changed the lines, particularly the fill line as it had areas that were cracked, the smell in the cabin today is still the same as it was. Which leaves only one thing ... the tank is leaching.

Not going to address the tank until next year. Until then I'll just live with the smell.

Next weeks project ... bilge heater.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Craig,

I figured as much... But like you said, peace of mind on the lines.

I really should buy a bilge heater this season.. I absolutely hate winterizing the engine block, the rest of the boat isn't an issue but getting to the starboard drain plug on the block is a pain.

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Brett DiMichele

I just can't see "winterizing" my boat. It's going to be sitting in the water all winter and most of the time we have fairly warm winters down here. It's not uncommon to get a few 70 degree days in December. I intend to install this heater (450w version):

http://www.xtremeheaters.com/models

After a little searching on the web, I can get one for $339.00 + $39.00 for the easy mount/removal bracket. I'm going to mount it on the starboard side between the bulkhead and the fresh water holding tank, next to the fresh water pump. Mounting it diagonal so that it points towards the outdrive.

I will also need to make some vent covers/plugs, according to the heater manufacturer. (This is the main reason I feel a little better about replacing the fuel lines ... no ventilation to speak of.)

A friend of mine has one in his 268. He said that he's pretty sure that it has never kicked on. Better safe than sorry, I say.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Yes, the one attached to the side of the engine.

Honestly if I still had a gas smell...I'd not be using any kind of heater ignition protected or not...I'd get that tank out and fix it now...then get the heater if you don't want to winterize....I am not really a fan of the plastic tanks...in cars they are fine but in boats I prefer an aluminum tank...they are easier to mount and to keep secure and can last for 20 years with a proper installation....plus no permeation of fumes...but its true the plastic ones never corrode....

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Kepe us posted on where you source the foam and the costs.

My boat was stored for almost two years before we bought it, all sealed up. My cushions hold most of the smell. Now that they are off the boat I can definatly confirm that. I might even store it this winter with the cabin windows open with the screens in to let it air out.

Craig--Was your boat stored for a long period of time before you bought it?

Thats my thought on to where the smell is coming from since new lines didn't fix it.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Has the plastic cover over the foam been damaged or removed ? Plastic covers that are on our cushions have done a good job keeping the foam dry and free of odors. Not sure how fumes could get in there, unless the plastic is ripped, gone or the gas smell is so strong that everything in the cabin, including the headliner is saturated with the smell. Hopefully not that bad, as you may never get rid of the smell completely.

Fire, Curious that you or your surveyor did not notice/mention the gas smell at time of purchase. It would have been a concern for me, as it should be for a surveyor.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I never noticed it. Cincy Aquaholic noticed it the first time he was on board. When I took the cushions off you can definatly tell the smell is in the cushions.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Hmmmmm, surveyor did not mention it either ? I wonder what else he missed if it was obvious to Cincy that the cabin had a gas fume smell to it.
Make sure you cover the cabin with a whole bunch of Bounce dryer sheets during winter lay up, they will help with the smell, and keep critters away as well. The foam is easy to find. Just cut it out on a jigsaw or with carpet shears to the same size as you old cushions, cover the foam with plastic and use a hair dryer to make it fit tight. Take the covers to be dry cleaned during the winter, should be fresh and nearly new next spring.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy