Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
- thunder550
- Vice Admiral

- Posts: 2246
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2017 2:16 pm
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Happy to help! 
1995 Cobalt 252 - 502 Mag EFI - Bravo 1 - 21" Revolution 4
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Spoke to the dealer today. They suspect the extra 1/2 gallon that might have been added after the click off might be the problem. Nevertheless, they are concerned about a potential safety issue and are sending a tech to the dock on Thursday to check the boat out. While they are there, they are going to correct the non functioning port forward speaker and replace a bunch of female side snaps that have broken on the cockpit and bow tonneau covers.
I considered buying a used 220S from the US, but in the end felt I'd rather have the security of a new boat warranty with local service. While my boat is smaller than a 220S, but for a serious problem, it will be back out on the water this weekend. For me, that counts for something.
I considered buying a used 220S from the US, but in the end felt I'd rather have the security of a new boat warranty with local service. While my boat is smaller than a 220S, but for a serious problem, it will be back out on the water this weekend. For me, that counts for something.
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Sounds like a good dealer. Don't show him the gas can
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
- NautiGirl
- Vice Admiral

- Posts: 2849
- Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:10 pm
- Location: Kentucky
- Been thanked: 1 time
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Awesome glad they are getting it fixed for you. Don't pay attention to BBP, that big V8 sounds good, but it also goes through gas so quickly there isn't time for any vapors to cause the boat to smell.BobRae99 wrote: Tue Jul 24, 2018 10:01 pm Spoke to the dealer today. They suspect the extra 1/2 gallon that might have been added after the click off might be the problem. Nevertheless, they are concerned about a potential safety issue and are sending a tech to the dock on Thursday to check the boat out. While they are there, they are going to correct the non functioning port forward speaker and replace a bunch of female side snaps that have broken on the cockpit and bow tonneau covers.
I considered buying a used 220S from the US, but in the end felt I'd rather have the security of a new boat warranty with local service. While my boat is smaller than a 220S, but for a serious problem, it will be back out on the water this weekend. For me, that counts for something.![]()
I would recommend not filling past the "click", nothing good comes of trying to squeeze that last oz of gas in. Stop at the click, and then use the money you would have spent dumping fuel down the side of the boat on some of this - you get a tasty adult beverage, your gelcoat doesnt get gas dumped down it, and your boat wont smell. Everyone Wins!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
JEFF & KATIE
TeamNAUTI
Ebony Black 2017 R5 8.2 Big Block
CANDIED RED 2007 222 6.2L Merc - Sold
1997 190 4.3 Volvo - Peak Cobalt Design and Manufacturing
KENTUCKY
"Pudgy the had down harder!"
TeamNAUTI
Ebony Black 2017 R5 8.2 Big Block
CANDIED RED 2007 222 6.2L Merc - Sold
1997 190 4.3 Volvo - Peak Cobalt Design and Manufacturing
KENTUCKY
"Pudgy the had down harder!"
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
If the problem was caused by squeezing an extra .5 litre of fuel into the tank, I'll feel bad for asking the dealer to drive an hour each way to confirm there is nothing wrong with the boat. 
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
- NautiGirl
- Vice Admiral

- Posts: 2849
- Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:10 pm
- Location: Kentucky
- Been thanked: 1 time
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Wait you are measuring fuel in liters and not gallons?!?!?! That's your problem, the metric system hasn't made it to Neodesha yet. Measure it in gallons and you wont overfill the tank. 'Merica.BobRae99 wrote: Wed Jul 25, 2018 10:40 am If the problem was caused by squeezing an extra .5 litre of fuel into the tank, I'll feel bad for asking the dealer to drive an hour each way to confirm there is nothing wrong with the boat.![]()
Kidding of course, I would bet you a Molson Ice that the dealer is going to say nothing wrong the boat just has a fuel smell because the tank is full. Look at it this way - you are not making them to drive two hours to look at the fuel system - you are making them to drive two hours to give you some piece of mind that a boat that you have a large some of money invested in is ok. Oh and also to fix a speaker and some snaps, which do sound broken and should be fixed.
Just don't be upset when they say don't top off the tank.
JEFF & KATIE
TeamNAUTI
Ebony Black 2017 R5 8.2 Big Block
CANDIED RED 2007 222 6.2L Merc - Sold
1997 190 4.3 Volvo - Peak Cobalt Design and Manufacturing
KENTUCKY
"Pudgy the had down harder!"
TeamNAUTI
Ebony Black 2017 R5 8.2 Big Block
CANDIED RED 2007 222 6.2L Merc - Sold
1997 190 4.3 Volvo - Peak Cobalt Design and Manufacturing
KENTUCKY
"Pudgy the had down harder!"
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
True as soon as the BB starts your down a 1/8 of a tank. LolNautiGirl wrote: Wed Jul 25, 2018 9:29 amAwesome glad they are getting it fixed for you. Don't pay attention to BBP, that big V8 sounds good, but it also goes through gas so quickly there isn't time for any vapors to cause the boat to smell.BobRae99 wrote: Tue Jul 24, 2018 10:01 pm Spoke to the dealer today. They suspect the extra 1/2 gallon that might have been added after the click off might be the problem. Nevertheless, they are concerned about a potential safety issue and are sending a tech to the dock on Thursday to check the boat out. While they are there, they are going to correct the non functioning port forward speaker and replace a bunch of female side snaps that have broken on the cockpit and bow tonneau covers.
I considered buying a used 220S from the US, but in the end felt I'd rather have the security of a new boat warranty with local service. While my boat is smaller than a 220S, but for a serious problem, it will be back out on the water this weekend. For me, that counts for something.![]()
Seriously gas at the station comes out of the tank in the ground. It's nice and cold. If you fill it to the top then the sun beats on it on the lake it expands and now Raw gas comes out your vent all over the shiny gel coat and in the water and kills the fish. So that's another reason not to over fill it.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Dealer tech came out this afternoon and checked all of the fuel and vent connections and says that are all tight. I know where everything is now, so next time I fill I’ll inspect all of them again. There is still a slight gas smell though.
In the mean time, he noticed the power steering pump is leaking and the port forward speaker is dead. We added transmission fluid to the reservoir and I’ll keep an eye on it. They’ll replace the pump and the speaker at winter layup.
In the mean time, he noticed the power steering pump is leaking and the port forward speaker is dead. We added transmission fluid to the reservoir and I’ll keep an eye on it. They’ll replace the pump and the speaker at winter layup.
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Good piece off mind to have them double check the install... considering we’ve been beating Cobalt up lately on there delivery process.BobRae99 wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:27 pm Dealer tech came out this afternoon and checked all of the fuel and vent connections and says that are all tight. I know where everything is now, so next time I fill I’ll inspect all of them again. There is still a slight gas smell though.
In the mean time, he noticed the power steering pump is leaking and the port forward speaker is dead. We added transmission fluid to the reservoir and I’ll keep an eye on it. They’ll replace the pump and the speaker at winter layup.
Change the power steering pump if it’s truly leaking. I worry it will spray ugly all over you new beauty. Takes alot of heat to catch fire but it should be changed out. Easy deal.
Now we can get some pics!!! Have fun this weekend
2008 272 , 496 HO fo SHO
California Delta
Table Rock Lake
#FARCON
California Delta
Table Rock Lake
#FARCON
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Your going to smell gas. Sorry part of it. I can't believe he didn't bring a speaker with him? Agreed I would get the pump replaced if he saw it leaking. I never heard of a leak getting better over time.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
The dealer doesn’t have a speaker in stock - has to be ordered. As to the power steering pump, there is some hydraulic fluid in the bilge mixed with some water that I assume has been being pumped out by the bilge pump. It’s not too messy but it will need to be cleaned up. The reservoir was down about a cup in 7 hours. He topped it up and told me to watch it. He didn’t see any obvious leak and is wondering if it is still leaking. He did say the pump will be replaced, but the goal was to keep the boat in the water and usable if possible. So, I guess I’ll have some mess to clean up, but as long as the pump doesn’t fail, I get to pull,the kids waterskiing again.Big Block Power wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:13 pm Your going to smell gas. Sorry part of it. I can't believe he didn't bring a speaker with him? Agreed I would get the pump replaced if he saw it leaking. I never heard of a leak getting better over time.
One point to note; before I started the engine, he asked if I had the steering centered? I usually do, before I start it. He said many people don’t know it, but it is hard on the outdrive when you start the engine with the wheel hard over.
Who knew?
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
Good deal. Yea trying to turn all of the u joints and stuff all bent up in different directions is hard on anything.BobRae99 wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:57 pmThe dealer doesn’t have a speaker in stock - has to be ordered. As to the power steering pump, there is some hydraulic fluid in the bilge mixed with some water that I assume has been being pumped out by the bilge pump. It’s not too messy but it will need to be cleaned up. The reservoir was down about a cup in 7 hours. He topped it up and told me to watch it. He didn’t see any obvious leak and is wondering if it is still leaking. He did say the pump will be replaced, but the goal was to keep the boat in the water and usable if possible. So, I guess I’ll have some mess to clean up, but as long as the pump doesn’t fail, I get to pull,the kids waterskiing again.Big Block Power wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:13 pm Your going to smell gas. Sorry part of it. I can't believe he didn't bring a speaker with him? Agreed I would get the pump replaced if he saw it leaking. I never heard of a leak getting better over time.
One point to note; before I started the engine, he asked if I had the steering centered? I usually do, before I start it. He said many people don’t know it, but it is hard on the outdrive when you start the engine with the wheel hard over.
Who knew?
Matt and I come from the world of doing it right there first time as much as you can. If it was me and I had a stock unit with the same speaker I would have switched it out to satisfy you now. And ordered a new one for the stock unit. We grab stuff all the time from new units of we can't get something for a new vehicle. It depends what it is off course. But if it's easy to get out it's done. Just my 2 cents. It's the difference of the 2 worlds we live in. Yea and sorry my bilge would not have oil and water in it for a few months. That water can run all the way to the front of the boat coating the entire contents of the bilge with a oil film. Not in a new boat and it's not in my 15 year old boat. Again my 2 cents. But I have a trailer and I would pop the boat out of the water and clean it quick.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
- thunder550
- Vice Admiral

- Posts: 2246
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2017 2:16 pm
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- Contact:
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
I don't buy that deal of the wheel turned at startup being hard on the out drive. It's gotta be 10x harder on the drive when it's turned and you're running 3500 RPM. I could see it being harder on the starter. But not the drive.
1995 Cobalt 252 - 502 Mag EFI - Bravo 1 - 21" Revolution 4
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
I really dont worry weather my steering is centered or not when starting. I always start mine with the boat in neutral. 
2018 r5
2003 220
2003 220
Re: Strong Gas Smell After Refueling
You make a point about the oil but at this point its gone where it's gone and nothing I can do about it. I'm going up to the lake tonight and I'll be doing a bilge clean up with soapy water and degreaser. I'm also going to have a look to see where the oil is leaking from - the pump or a hydraulic line. I'm also going to reach out to the dealer and see if they have a pump in stock. If they do, I'm going to have them change it. I'm not sure if that is a possible dockside repair or it has to go in. It also depends on how busy the dealer is and how long it will take to get it repaired. We have 5 weekends left and I'd rather not lose one or two for a repair that otherwise won't cripple the boat.Big Block Power wrote: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:18 amGood deal. Yea trying to turn all of the u joints and stuff all bent up in different directions is hard on anything.BobRae99 wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 10:57 pmThe dealer doesn’t have a speaker in stock - has to be ordered. As to the power steering pump, there is some hydraulic fluid in the bilge mixed with some water that I assume has been being pumped out by the bilge pump. It’s not too messy but it will need to be cleaned up. The reservoir was down about a cup in 7 hours. He topped it up and told me to watch it. He didn’t see any obvious leak and is wondering if it is still leaking. He did say the pump will be replaced, but the goal was to keep the boat in the water and usable if possible. So, I guess I’ll have some mess to clean up, but as long as the pump doesn’t fail, I get to pull,the kids waterskiing again.Big Block Power wrote: Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:13 pm Your going to smell gas. Sorry part of it. I can't believe he didn't bring a speaker with him? Agreed I would get the pump replaced if he saw it leaking. I never heard of a leak getting better over time.
One point to note; before I started the engine, he asked if I had the steering centered? I usually do, before I start it. He said many people don’t know it, but it is hard on the outdrive when you start the engine with the wheel hard over.
Who knew?
Matt and I come from the world of doing it right there first time as much as you can. If it was me and I had a stock unit with the same speaker I would have switched it out to satisfy you now. And ordered a new one for the stock unit. We grab stuff all the time from new units of we can't get something for a new vehicle. It depends what it is off course. But if it's easy to get out it's done. Just my 2 cents. It's the difference of the 2 worlds we live in. Yea and sorry my bilge would not have oil and water in it for a few months. That water can run all the way to the front of the boat coating the entire contents of the bilge with a oil film. Not in a new boat and it's not in my 15 year old boat. Again my 2 cents. But I have a trailer and I would pop the boat out of the water and clean it quick.
As to the speaker, when the rep came out, he didn't know whether it was a loose wire or whatever so I don't blame him for not bringing a replacement speaker (The PDI process if done right should have caught that fault as it was dead from first delivery).
Anyway, not too much to be concerned about - its the weekend!!
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 39 guests
