gregski
06-10-2014, 10:31 AM
This weekend I installed a set of the Johnson ballast pumps. In the process, I pulled the floor up to install some 1" tubing. I started hearing a weird noise, like a large insect flying around me. Once I decided it wasn't a giant killer bee trying to eat me, I pinpointed the noise to the fuel line between the tank and the filter. There was a pin-hole leak in it, it was "gurgling" just a little as air was being drawn into the hose to equalize the pressure of the changing temperature (evening).
It was then quite obvious: the hose was rubbing against the bottom edge of the floor panel and had worn a fatigue point. There are several design/install issues that I could see. The mounting of the filter and hose clamps pointed the hoses upward, putting pressure against the floor; if they had been aligned differently, the hoses probably would have laid flat against the tank. Secondly, the carpet was wrapped around the edge of the panel and offered some protection, but the carpet on mine has started to wear away leaving the sharp edge exposed.
20098
20100
For now, my quick fix was to replace the hose (it was 1/2" but the parts stores around here only had 7/16" which fit fine) and I slipped a scrap chunk of the 1" water tubing over it for protection.
20099
I'd recommend a quick check on your boats. You can inspect this from the V-drive access without removing the floor panel. I felt like my boat had a stronger than normal gasoline smell after sitting for a while (about like a normal carbureted engine). I think this has diminished but it could be placebo effect. In any case, leaking fuel/vapor is pretty serious and it will only take a moment to check.
It was then quite obvious: the hose was rubbing against the bottom edge of the floor panel and had worn a fatigue point. There are several design/install issues that I could see. The mounting of the filter and hose clamps pointed the hoses upward, putting pressure against the floor; if they had been aligned differently, the hoses probably would have laid flat against the tank. Secondly, the carpet was wrapped around the edge of the panel and offered some protection, but the carpet on mine has started to wear away leaving the sharp edge exposed.
20098
20100
For now, my quick fix was to replace the hose (it was 1/2" but the parts stores around here only had 7/16" which fit fine) and I slipped a scrap chunk of the 1" water tubing over it for protection.
20099
I'd recommend a quick check on your boats. You can inspect this from the V-drive access without removing the floor panel. I felt like my boat had a stronger than normal gasoline smell after sitting for a while (about like a normal carbureted engine). I think this has diminished but it could be placebo effect. In any case, leaking fuel/vapor is pretty serious and it will only take a moment to check.