gas/water dripping from carb

[dfrants]

picked up a 1973 merc 40hp. it will start and run sometimes. noticed what looks like fuel mixed with water dripping from the under side of the carb. checked and double checked the fuel tank and made sure no water in it. how less could water get into the carb?

 

[Texasmark]

Good puzzling question. How are you determining that water is present? Take that same methodology and apply it to the fuel line hose as it enters the carb. Take it loose at the carb and drain some out. Any there?

There isn't a mechanism for water to enter the carb other than thru the fuel line. The carb isn't cooled, the intake manifold is not cooled. You could have a corrosion pit through a cylinder wall/block but there would have to be a mechanism for that water to show up in the intake manifold........sure it's not condensation? A cold engine going into a warm humid day makes everything sweat, the more mass the slower it warms up and the more water....just think about a glass of tea on a humid summer day.

 

[Drew220]

How much water are we talking about? Like Texas said it could be condensation from a hot engine and cooler air temps. One of the byproducts one combustion is water.

Fuel + O2 -------> CO2 + 2H2O

If it was me as long as it seems to be running fine and I didn't have any water the gas or any other glaring issues, I would not be to concerned about it.

 

[gm280]

If you are getting what you think is fuel and water, capture it in a little container and see if the water, that you suspect, goes to the bottom of the container. If not, then it isn't water. JMHO

 

[Texasmark]

It just hit me......ethanol phase separation for water source. That could be the source since nothing else makes sense.