Water in fuel, 3.0 GM (Volvo)

[Erik-The-Red]

I rebuilt my starter and I got it working fine (thanks for that help on that), but when I tried to start the boat, it wouldn't. Turns over fine, started to spit and sputter for a second, acted like it was gonna run, but then nuthin'. Since the fuel pump sat under water along with the starter (flooded the rear of the boat, didn't know it, then it sat for a couple weeks), I figured I better pull the pump and have a look. It was full of water-saturated fuel, like a 50/50 mix. I took the pump apart and cleaned everything, but now I need to drain the fuel lines and the tank and start again fresh.

Whats the easiest way to drain the tank and get all the water out?

Also, is there a trick to getting the fuel pump back in? I can't seem to align the pump shaft arm thingy, doesn't wanna go in the block and let me line up the bolt holes to mount it-- feels like its hitting something in there. Do I need to rotate the engine to TDC or some such thing?

Thanks for any help!

BTW, this is a 2001 Glastron 175 SX w/ a Volvo Penta 3.0L. Thanks!

 

[danond]

Re: Water in fuel, 3.0 GM (Volvo)

A friend of mine did this to his boat, too. Water will separate and go to the bottom when mixed with fuel, so he tipped the nose of the boat in the air and ran a siphon down into the tank and pumped the tank dry. Then he put a little fuel in, pumped it out. Did that a few more times, then drained the carb and fuel lines, then things were OK.

 

[Erik-The-Red]

Re: Water in fuel, 3.0 GM (Volvo)

Not sure how high I'll be able to tilt the boat up, but I'll definately have to suck all that gas/water out. I think I'll use my Topsider oil sucker, which is gonna take awhile since the gas tank is at least 1/2 full. The Topsider only has a 5 qt capacity.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water in fuel, 3.0 GM (Volvo)

Use a hose with a primer bulb for an outboard.....Get it started and it will continue to siphon.
The arm on the fuel pump is probably run from the pump rod that goes up in the block.Make sure the arm is under the rod. I have used grease to hold it up in place then bolt the pump on.Or angle the arm down then push the pump to the block..you should feel the resistance against the pump.

 

[Erik-The-Red]

Re: Water in fuel, 3.0 GM (Volvo)

Thanks for the info, I'll get it done tomorrow.