water always in gas ??? Why??

[letsbarbq]

I've been having a major problem with water in gas for my outboard. It still has the oil injection system. I have a wellcraft steplift hull V20 with the 20 gallon side saddle gas tanks that fit perfectly in the sides. I have the aluminum tank in place however do not have it covered or insulated. It is exposed. Do you think this might be the reason why I seem to get water in my gas? condensation? <br /><br />I do have a water separator. spit, spitter, blah, dies.

 

[magster65]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Add Methyl Hydrate maybe, I put it in my boats and have never had the problem...

 

[boater4life]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Is the tank vent exposed to bow spray? The vent may be taking in water.

 

[SCO]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

I'll state the obvious, in the remote chance you havn't thought of it. Keeping the tank empty, especially with an exposed tank, can give plenty of surface area for condensation.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Are you saying there is more water than the seperator can handle in a reasonable length of time?<br /><br />Let us know!

 

[DJ]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

I'm with "boater4life" for looking for entry via the hull vent or fill.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

I don't think it is the vent hole. It has been awhile since i last took out the boat and the last time it was fine. I think it has to do with condensation. I plan insulating the tank. When I do that, I'll check the vent hole to see if there is a possibility that water can enter through it and enter the tank.? As for the water filter, its new and I did not note the amount of water or fuel when I dumped it. I just dumped it. Methyl hydrate? where do i get that?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Are you sure its in the gas? If there is water in the oil tank it could be getting to the motor from there. Kinda common especially if you have a remote fill.<br /><br />Another possibility is when you wash the boat or it rains the water can get in the fuel if the fill is leaking.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[magster65]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Methyl Hydrate is a gas line anti-freeze additive. I use a cup +/- every second fill up and I've seen it mixed stronger in problematic tanks. It's an alcohol that breaks down the water and allows it to mix with the gas. In the northwest our climate is quite damp so this is commonly used. Use Methyl Hydrate to get rid of the water and keep the tanks full to keep the water out. I'd definately check what the other guys have been saying too.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

YEah it has been raining quite a bit here the past week. I'll check that vent. appreciate the help.

 

[DJ]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

BBQ,<br /><br />Dhadley makes a very good point. If you have a remote oil fill, those can leak and get water into the engine.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

never thought about the remote tank. is that a common problem ?

 

[Jerry M.]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Could be the place you buy gas. A station owner I know has told me never fill up if there is a delivery of gas going on from a tanker. The sloshing around in the underground tank slops all the condensation in the tank to the bottom and into your tank if your pumping.

 

[wezie]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

Water in the oil tank is common if the cap is defective, or if the tank gets submerged. I am sure there are other causes. Relatively easy to see water under the oil. Will wipe the engine in a heart beat.<br />If you have overboard vents, they may be subject to spray. They get installed wrong at times and scoop water into the tank.<br />Your fuel hoses may be defective and, if laying in water, suck it into the system. If not in water, they suck air and create a lean mixture and that is not fun.<br />Empty tanks this time of year will capture a surprising amount of water as they breathe in and out. I do not know if insulating will help at all. If done wrong, it will hold water to the outside of the tank and rust it.<br />Water absorbers only mix the water into the fuel and run it through your engine. OK for small amounts, but I would not think consistently.<br />One bad fuel station will also.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

WEzie, yeah it could be that racetrac gas. i've drained the oil tank and made sure it didnt hold any water and it did not. I think I might check the fuel line to see if it has a leak somewhere. I have a mercury and it has that push in and turn deal for the gas line. Is this a air tight design by mercury?

 

[wswaneyw]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

very good points by all. Back in my Navy days working on helicopters we always kept the fuel tanks full. Not just for operational readiness but because it kept the condensation out of the fuel.

 

[gss036]

Re: water always in gas ??? Why??

I use to get a lot of water in my filter and a mechanic told me to leave th gas cap off the tank if I stored to boat inside,which I do and started doing that and I don't accumilate nearly as much in my filter. I have a 115 gal metal tank and I am sure it was a condensation problem.<br />If you go w/the water remover/alcohol,check the container, there are 2 types on the market,one says it is safe for outboards(2 strokes), the other says not to use in 2 strokes as it will remove the oil from the cylinders, then you would have problems. Try some Seafoam, you can get it at NAPA auto stores, it has been around for 30+ years.