Fuel Water Seperator Issues with 10% Ethanol Gas

[robayles]

I just put my first tank full of 10 percent ethenol gas into my boat. The boat is a 1999 Wellcraft 210 Sportsman and has very seldom ever had any water in the fuel water seperator. After running the boat with the new fuel my fuel water seperator (Racor with drainable bowl at bottom) was full with water with a brown tint to it. In fact the water was all the way up in the canister because the bowl was full. Drained it out and ran the boat again yesterday. Afterwards the canister was full again with the brownish tinted water.

I have treated the gas with Startron which has been recommended by my Evinrude dealer. Should I be seeing this much water in the seperator?

The Big O

 

[DJ]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Issues with 10% Ethanol Gas

Any alcohol has an affinity for water. Meaning, it attracts it.

I wouldn't take your first experience with this fuel as the norm.

If I were you, I'd try a different source, for your fuel, and see how that works.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Issues with 10% Ethanol Gas

I seriously doubt that amount of water came from one fill-up of fuel. If your fuel system has not been maintained (as in use of SeaFoam or other fuel system cleaners) you might experience clogging of a fuel filter or two. Once the E-10 gets the system clean you will be good to go. A major concern in older boats is with a fiberglass (not plastic) fuel tank. We've used this stuff since 1997 in the midwest with few problems.

 

[robayles]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Issues with 10% Ethanol Gas

Thanks everyone. I have treated the fuel that was previously in the tank with Seafoam. I'll just keep a close eye on the fuel water seperator and the fuel filters.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Issues with 10% Ethanol Gas

I jut noticed that you are in a coastal area and there have been reports of moisture issues due to the high humidity. I suspect though, that this is more of a problem with boats that sit for longer periods than with those that are used frequently.