Engine 'odor' in the salon

[denpooch]

I have a question for the crew regarding an odor created by the heat/oil/moving parts; the general smell created by running an engine at 3400 rpm's for a while. Do any of you get complaints from guests of a smell?
The admiral and indeed others complain about the 'smell of gas', however there is absolutely no fresh gas leak. I believe it's the general smell of the engine compartment. I never run with the doors open and know there is no 'station wagon' effect.
On the Mariner, the steps leading to the salon have a hydraulic lift for access to the forward engine compartment. I inspected the area that 'seals' the salon from the engine compartment and noticed 'daylight'. I went ahead and filled in those areas with rubber gasket. I hope this will help.
Additionally, I keep the compartment pretty clean and change out any foul 3M oil sweat rags.
When running today the Admiral said she didn't smell anything when she first went below. I think that's because we were doing our 14 knots and I always run the bilge blowers when under way. I think the compartment must clear out under those conditions.
Does anyone have a similar issue on their boat? Do you do anything to mitigate the smell?
After going someplace do you guys open the engine hatch and get hot air out and fresh air in?
All thoughts are appreciated.

[bud37]

I guess in calm waters you could crack open the forward hatch to pressurize the salon, can't really when rough though.
When the engines are running they are changing a ton of air in the engine compartment. I found some of the inspection hatches behind the seat cushions were not well sealed on the one we had as well.....never had an oily smell though.

FYI....the human nose can detect gasoline fumes in extremely small amounts., less than 1ppm..... it would take just a small drop to create that. Have a good close look at your hoses.

[denpooch]

Thanks Bud.