The second part of this is that I noticed Figment made a couple of comments (in my initial boat thread) about the engine (I believe about the location of the fuel filter), and so as long as I'm posting photos I'd like to hear any suggestions, warnings, observations, etc. about anything you see there.
When I first looked at the boat I was pretty overwhelmed with a gasoline smell as soon as we stepped below. Wow, was it strong! Granted, the boat was shrink-wrapped, but the wrapping only extended to just below the gunwale, where it was blocked out from the hull a couple of inches - and there were also numerous vents in the wrap. Also, the previous owner's son mentioned that the boat had "always" smelled like gasoline, and he had mentioned his concern to his dad. So it's probably not just because of the wrap. I plan to live aboard - and I'd also prefer not to explode - so I want to get rid of this smell!
My initial suspicion involved a red plastic "outboard" tank that had been installed in the starboard cockpit locker, alongside the main tank. It was only there as a "spare," and indeed, wasn't even plumbed into the main system. The cap vent was firmly closed, and the fuel hose that would normally route gasoline to the outboard went to a "T" in the vent line of the main tank, just below where it exited the boat on the stbd side-deck outside the after end of the cockpit coaming. Still, I know these are not supposed to be belowdecks, so the first thing I did after the boat was mine was to remove this tank. I plugged the vent line (which I had cut) with a very snug-fitting length of dowel stick until I could get it properly removed (I thought that maybe more fumes could come "back" from the main tank vent otherwise). Here's a photo of that set-up before I removed it:
![Image](http://www.lackeysailing.com/utility/rachel/DSCF0078.jpg)
The smell is still there, however. I have yet to investigate it fully. I can smell strong fumes if I stick my head into the locker in the vicinity of the top of the main tank.
Here's what I know about the engine and fuel system from the PO's records (I leave out routine things like plug wires, rotors, impellers, and etc.):
The engine is the original 1967 Atomic Four UJ-2, serial #79083
1984: New Tempo metal fuel tank. The brochure says that there were either a painted "metal" tank, or an aluminum tank (which could be optionally painted) available. I will have to check, but my guess would be the painted "metal."
1986: (not really engine, but...) New bronze prop shaft and cutless bearing.
1988: New water-cooled muffler system complete. New head and exhaust manifold with in-head thermostat (Dole) (if I read that all correctly).
1990: New Oberdorfer water pump.
1993: Rebuilt carburetor (Zenith one-barrel).
1994: New regulator and coil.
2003: Rebuilt carburetor.
2004: (622 hours on engine at this point, by the way - not sure if that's a lot or a little...) Fuel system "redone" with new hoses, valves, and add water-separating fuel filter (Quicksilver/Merc brand).
2004: Indigo electronic ignition.
So... I would greatly appreciate any input since, as I mentioned, I'm totally new to the world of the inboard engine. Here are some photos: (I remember that someone commented about the vent elbow being a likely source for the smell, so I will check that - and take a few more photos of the whole system - and report back.)
I do have a couple of service manuals, and a parts manual. They look very neat and logical when I'm reading them, but I still get a kind of "Gaaaah!" feeling when I actually look at the real engine. In some ways (not including my pocketbook), I would love to have gotten a rusty old A-4 that I could have hated and yanked out, but - alas - this one looks like it might be a keeper, if I can get rid of the smell (otherwise, look out little buddy, you'll be coming out of there!)
![Image](http://www.lackeysailing.com/utility/rachel/DSCF0030.jpg)
![Image](http://www.lackeysailing.com/utility/rachel/DSCF0031.jpg)
![Image](http://www.lackeysailing.com/utility/rachel/DSCF0034.jpg)
One other thought I'd like some input on is the idea of freshwater cooling. The engine has raw-water cooling right now, but of course that has been freshwater cooling since it's been in the Great Lakes all it's life. I understand that when running in salt water, it's best to put in a cooler thermostat - even though it's not as good for the running of the engine, it's supposed to reduce the corrosive effects of the salt water.
On the subject of freshwater cooling, I suppose I could figure that since it's got a 40-year "head start," I could just leave it raw-water (now salty) and get a good many years out of it. On the other hand, it's now "pristine," and I have a chance to keep it that way by switching to freshwater cooling. This all supposes that I can eliminate the gasoline odor, of course.
Thanks ahead,
--- Rachel