Water in the tank

[Husker force]

Hi first time I took the boat out ,and I found out the hard way that I have water in the gas tank. I pumped it out but how do you one get rid of what's left in there or add to it to help evaporate the water left in there

 

[alldodge]

Depending on how much is left, will depend on what needs to be done. If its just a quart, use E10 gas and carry a dump container and couple extra filters.

If more then that, could remove the fuel sending unit and use a shop vac (IN a well ventilated area) and suck it out

 

[Husker force]

I don't think there's a whole lot left in there but will try your advice. I was told to never use e10 in this boat, but I am guessing that's because it's drier gas. Which would probably get the remaining moisture to attach to it(absorb it) ?

 

[Husker force]

Depending on how much is left, will depend on what needs to be done. If its just a quart, use E10 gas and carry a dump container and couple extra filters.

If more then that, could remove the fuel sending unit and use a shop vac (IN a well ventilated area) and suck it out

Would 91 octane do the same as e10?

 

[alldodge]

E10 means any gas with ethanol, mostly its 87, but can be higher grades. There is nothing wrong with using E10 except it has to be treated during periods of non-use like the winter.

I don't use E10 because I can get E0 (non-ethanol) easy

Higher Octane rating is only needed if you motor requires it, otherwise your just spending more money for no benefit. Actually if the motor is designed for 87 and you run high, it also looses a slight bit of power the higher octane you go

Yes, the ethanol will absorb the water and burn it

 

[matt167]

If you have a tire shop local that does AG tires, see if they can sell you a gallon of methanol. Failing that a race track might have methanol available..

ISO HEET ( gas line antifreeze/ water remover ) is mostly methanol.. 1 quart would treat 20 gallons should this ever happen again, and your onboard water seperator would take care of the rest... Buying straight methanol would be cheaper if you can find it, and work quicker.

 

[Texasmark]

I don't think there's a whole lot left in there but will try your advice. I was told to never use e10 in this boat, but I am guessing that's because it's drier gas. Which would probably get the remaining moisture to attach to it(absorb it) ?

In my area you can find Gasoline pumps as some ethanol suppliers. They are located near lakes......wonder why????? Don't find them anywhere else. Gasoline works great in your small engines too that are seldom used, like the weed eater, or chain saw. I like the 91 premium. My outboard loves it.

 

[dingbat]

Most of the horror stories you hear about E10 are perpetuated by those selling snake oils to protect you from its evils and those selling oil futures.

E10 is the best fuel system cleaner and drier on the market. Top off the tank with fresh E10 and go boating

 

[Captain Caveman]

Something else to think about, since it wasn't mentioned in your original post, but how did the water get into the tank? A water separation filter could help prevent water from getting into your motor.

 

[Husker force]

Thanks for all of the input!! Definitely went through most of those steps. As far as how it got inside the tank to begin with...I have no idea. First I thought maybe condensation because I didn't fill the tank full before storage. Or once last year I forgot to pull the plug in the boat and had a heavy down pour that night and thought maybe it leaked in though the sending unit gasket. But, both of those were quickly shot down by some mechanics that I talked to. So, I guess I'm back to no idea.

 

[Texasmark]

E10 means any gas with ethanol, mostly its 87, but can be higher grades. There is nothing wrong with using E10 except it has to be treated during periods of non-use like the winter.

I don't use E10 because I can get E0 (non-ethanol) easy

Higher Octane rating is only needed if you motor requires it, otherwise your just spending more money for no benefit. Actually if the motor is designed for 87 and you run high, it also looses a slight bit of power the higher octane you go

Yes, the ethanol will absorb the water and burn it

My small equipment and outboard love 91 gasoline and NGK iridium plugs. How do I know...they tell me.

Once upon a time I had an inboard mounted tank and got to worrying about water (condensation)...back in the days of gasoline and prior to storage goodies like available today. I looked around and found a water absorber for fuel tanks and following directions used it.

Some time later, right in the middle of a 37k acre lake with the usual 15+ MPH wind blowing, at a good clip bouncing along, the engine instantly died. Trouble shooting with one hand while hanging on with the other, I found a big whitish blob lodged at the fuel line to engine removable connector. Not a problem to remove and be on my way.

Moral here is that they (this one did) absorb water in fuel and apparently if you have lots of water and an adequate supply of snake oil to absorb it, it will.