Gas dripping onto flasher display

[TyGuy02]

So I was unpacking my stuff when I got to the lake today and I noticed that the auger was dripping gas onto the display of my marcum. I don't know how long it was dripping, my guess not too long since I had loaded and unloaded the portable from the back of my pickup. It did not fire up, checked with what I thought was a fresh battery and still nothing. Needless to day I didn't realize how much I depended on my marcum, no fish, no BITES! Just got home and took apart the back of the display to dry. There was a strong gas smell inside the compartment.

-Should I also take off the circuit-board (computer) to help dry it out? What is the prognosis? Do I need to bring it to a computer/electrical specialist?

Thank You

[lakeshoremunster]

if you dont see any burnt black spots on your board you should be fine after airing it out. If there is some small corrosion you can clean it up with some rubbing alcohol and a small stiff brush.

let it air out and see if it will fire up.

[TyGuy02]

There are no burnt black spots or anything that looks out of the ordinary on the board. Just kinda freakin out since my wife bought it for x-mas a couple of years ago and she would never let me forget this one! She just got over me trading my gifted aqua-view for a honda400 generator.

[Ed Carlson]

Is there any discoloration or effects to the display face of the case?

Fuel may cause plastics to deteriorate and even melt. Be sure to clean it thoroughly with something inert like a Vinegar and water mixture, to neutralize any effects of the fuel.

I would try to be sure to dry it out and air it our well before powering it up.

I hope it shakes it off for you.

[Swimmer]

And if you check your board and find any signs of corrosion or build up, use 91% alcohol and a light nylon brush (like a tooth brush) to clean it (it seems obvious, but I wanted to make sure you didn't get out the wire brush) .

[spearchucker]

use 91% alcohol and a light nylon brush (like a tooth brush) to clean it (it seems obvious, but I wanted to make sure you didn't get out the wire brush) .

Where did you come up with 91% alcohol?

Aren't these things sealed? How did the gas get inside?

[delcecchi]

91 percent is high test rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol from the drug store. It leaves no residue when it evaporates. That might be why.

[bobbymalone]

buy some electronics cleaning solvent from a radioshack.

Not sure if vinegar/water would be a good idea... I'm thinking the less H2O in there the better.

[CAMAN]

Sounds like the gas ate the seal. I would bring it into Marcum and have them check it out for peace of mind.

[TyGuy02]

it definitely needs more work with something. I let it dry for 24 hours and it still didn't fire up. I'll have to get the alcohol or vinegar out. I'm pretty frustrated with fishing right now, so I doubt I will try until all of a sudden I really want to go out.

[spearchucker]

it definitely needs more work with something. I let it dry for 24 hours and it still didn't fire up. I'll have to get the alcohol or vinegar out. I'm pretty frustrated with fishing right now, so I doubt I will try until all of a sudden I really want to go out.

If it won't fire up now you are out of luck. Cleaning probably won't bring it back.

[delcecchi]

Is there a fuse inside?

[tonkapat]

For a quick fix get a new auger. The strikemasters I've had over the years all ended up leaking. Thats why I don't own one anymore.

[Ed Carlson]

Start at the power cord. The oil in the gas may have buggered up the connection and may be preventing a good contact. Be sure the battery if full and fallow the power.

If still nothing, then send it in to MarCum, they should be able to tell quickly enough if it's reparable and at what cost. Best let them poke around in there before you make matters more complicated.