Posts: 3
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Home Port: Great Lakes
Vessel Info: 1988 3100 Flybridge, 454 Crusaders
Hey all, time to query the collective brain…I own a 1988 3100 Fly. Engines are gas 454’s with 1800 hours. Before running, I need to pump the throttles 5-10 to get them to fire. No fuel smell whatsoever. After running in gear at temp for a while (10-15 minutes at least), then I dock and stop the engines, there is a very strong smell of fuel in the cabin, even with the blowers running. There is no obvious sign of wet fuel anywhere in the engine compartment, and the engines run perfectly throughout their range. Any suggestions?
Posts: 44
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Joined: May 2021
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Home Port: Lighthouse Point, FL
Vessel Info: 1993 3100 Open twin crusader 454s
Hi,
I get the fuel smell as well. I'm wondering if a vent hose broke? For easy starting , put engines in gear and hold the key in start position for a few seconds. This allows the fuel pumps to fill the carbs. Then one or 2 pumps of the throttle should start immediately.
Posts: 114
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Home Port: SMYC - South Milwaukee, WI
Vessel Info: 1988 Tiara 3300 Open
Twin Crusader 454 @1100 hrs
I had a strong fuel smell in the cabin last year. Had a leaky STBD fuel filter cannister that allowed gas to seep into the bilge area which usually accumulates forward of the mid bilge pump inside the cabin. (Visibly, couldn't see any in the engine compartment.) Also had a leak on the PORT fuel filter at one point. My recommendation is to start at the tank and run your hand along the fuel lines / components until they get wet. Not as difficult as you might think. If I remember right, goes from the tank to the fuel water separator, to the fuel filter, to the fuel pump and then to the carb.
I suppose the fuel vent could be broken or plugged and fumes seeping out. (Spiders like the vents.)
At least a few ideas, good luck!
