Gas Smell in Bilge

[nordeast]

I'm a 1 month owner of a 1984 SN 2001. I have been trying to track down the source of a gas smell in the bilge of the boat since I bought it. Being that the boat is at the cabin, my time to diagnosis is limited as is my technical ability. This weekend I think I may have found the source at least hoping so and I'm looking for what you all think is the best solution to fix it. I took a picture of the fuel pump and the elbow that attaches to the pump. It's at the threaded area that the elbow attaches to the pump that I'm getting some gas leaking or from the fuel pump side at the connection point. I labeled the spot on the photo labeled where I'm finding gas leaking.

Questions are: What's the best long term solution for fixing a leak in this spot? Buying a new fuel pump? Replacing the elbow? reapplying plumbers/thread tape to the threaded end of elbow? I'm also wondering how one goes about pulling this off without having gas run everywhere. Short of having someone stand next to me holding the hose higher than the gas tank. Is there a shut off valve somewhere near the gas tank on these boats?

Your experience is appreciated on this.

[WakeSlayer]

Tony,

Short term to get through the end of the year, use some yellow thread tape or pipe dope. Those should be flares and not require any, but yours is probably worn from being overtightened or such. You could get a new fitting, and try that instead, since you have to take it off anyway. It could be on the pump side. White lake or SkiDIM will have the correct marine fuel pump at a reasonable price. If you don't have a shut off, use a C clamp or the like to clamp the fuel line.

[nordeast]

You Rule Mike! Just the info I was looking for. See you in October!