[Paul K]

I have a '72 Ranger with an Atomic motor. We took it out to fish off of this past Sunday, and during the first putt up the coast, there was a strong gas/oil smell in the cabin, to the point where we all had to sit outside. When the motor wasn't running, the smell went away. The oil pressure is at a steady 40lbs, the water temp. is at a steady 140 degrees, the amp gauge reads about 2 volts to the positive, and the vacum gauge reads zero.

First, what is the vacum used for in this application, and what should it be reading?

The boat is in So Cal, in San Pedro.

Paul K