As far as taking the seats out, I unscrewed the 3 or 4 screws from the deck behind the driver seat. I can rock/move the driver seat forward about 1 inch. But that is it. Don't want to put too much force and break something.

Any advise would be appreciated!

PS. Seems like a great support group you guys have here!!

Ronnie

"Good judgment comes from experience, a lot of that comes from bad judgment!!"

2002 Viper/Cobra 180 w/ 135 hp Mercury Optimax

I pulled the cushion out and can see in there now. Doesn't look like the sending unit gasket is leaking. But, I will try and tighten the hose clamps. Maybe that is where the gas smell is coming from. The hoses don't look cracked or anything, just dirty.
Is it common to smell some gas??

"Good judgment comes from experience, a lot of that comes from bad judgment!!"

2002 Viper/Cobra 180 w/ 135 hp Mercury Optimax

"Good judgment comes from experience, a lot of that comes from bad judgment!!"

2002 Viper/Cobra 180 w/ 135 hp Mercury Optimax

Kathy (Cleveland) and her friends here in the forum, will be able to help when you have questions...great folks!!

Some of the boats have removeable back rest inserts, I didn't know if they did that in'02 or not. I wish mine had them, sure would be nice when needing to get to the tank.

Just wait until you go bilge diving, there's much more fun to come!

TX, my back rests are removable after you take the 8 screws out. As far as the bilge diving. I check those out already. That actually seemed pretty mild to work on.

Thanks for the replies from everyone. I appreciate it.

Ronnie

"Good judgment comes from experience, a lot of that comes from bad judgment!!"

2002 Viper/Cobra 180 w/ 135 hp Mercury Optimax

I am still smelling gas fumes coming from the boat. Even when I had the boat out on the water, i could smell gas while cruising at 20 - 30 mph.

The other day I pulled out the seat back cushions, the fuel sending unit gasket was fine. I checked/tightened all the vent house. They too were all tight. I noticed the fuel fill hose was pretty cracked. So I replaced it with the same Coast Guard approved hose. Tightened all the hose clamps. Double check them again. All seem secure. I just don't understand why I smell gas fumes. When I open the rod lockers, gas fumes just roll out of there. I know over time the fumes will break down materials, glues, etc. It will cause this to deteriorate more rapidly. That's the reason why I want to find the problem most importantly the safety factor. Someone, please correct me if I am wrong, but the only fumes I should be smelling should be coming from the fuel vent/fill cap, no? Any other thoughts/advise?

"Good judgment comes from experience, a lot of that comes from bad judgment!!"

2002 Viper/Cobra 180 w/ 135 hp Mercury Optimax