I have a "Marine Technologies SA-1 XL" fume detector. It has replaceable sensors, of which I have 2 (1 + spare).

It seems that the sensors frequently get splashed with water/oil in the bilge and then give a false alarm. I have tried to clean them, but after several soakings, they do not seem to work. (give false positives) For the time being, I frequently check the bilge blower vent for any smell of fumes. I would like to get the fume detector system working properly again.

Anyone out there, have a similar/same fume detector and have any advice on maintaining the sensors? I would hate to have to keep buying replacements.

Hmm...I have on the dash of our houseboat a Marine Technologies gauge that says "SA-1" on it, and it has a small toggle switch that's been busted since we bought the boat. Have NO idea if it works or not. I just assume it doesn't, especially since it wasn't lit up when we found 50 gallons of gas in the bilge a year ago.

Guess I'm no help?

i'll check what brand i have but i don't think it's too reliable either. it goes off most frequently when the boat is left for a few days without running. then it'll be beep, beeping when i get tot he boat.

Try to relocate the sensor so it won't be splashed is your best bet.

I have the SA-10XL, which is similar to the SA-1, but also includes heat and water detectors. I bet it has the same fume sensor.

I installed it myself, and I am positive that I remember the warning to install the fume sensor in a location where it won't get wet. If I recall, they recommended at the height of the starter motor, but I cannot seem to locate the owner's install manual. It might be at the boat.

I also know that you have to replace the sensor occasionally, as they tend to wear out I guess. For some reason 5 years seems to stick in my mind.

For what its worth, my old boat had a FireBoy M1R fume detector, and it would go off all the time. Many times a boat going by would be enough to set it off. Maybe it was too sensitive, I don't know, but I am sure it has a lot to do with where you install the sensor.

So far, after a year, I have had no false errors with the SA10XL.

Thank you for the replies.

It looks like I should buy a new sensor ($25 at BoaterWorld) and relocate the unit. I installed a complete replacement unit several years ago and located the sender at the front on the bilge area. I relocated it to the transom area of the bilge last year, as that is where the manufacturer of the boat (Formula) had installed the original unit.

I do not recall what prompted me to move the unit to the transom. I think the biggest issues will be finding a location that is low enough in the bilge area, but will not get wet. There is always some water in the bilge, mostly due to rain . . . the pump does not get all of it out. That small amount of water probably goes all over the place when the boat is moving. Particularly on a day like today - we hit some BIG waves.