Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

[seadog411]

Guys:

I have had problems with my boat all summer! Bad relay on tilt motor, cracked cylinder. Boat ran fine a couple weeks ago, but last weekend I couldn't get it to idle. Took it back to my Excellent Mechanic and he said I had water in my gas tank.

Today, I drained the tank and the picture shows what was in the tank.

I have a plastic tank, mix my own oil & gas.

Any ideas what this stuff is and how I can avoid it in the future????

Thanks

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

Agree, likely from water.

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

I'd say water for sure.

 

[seadog411]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

Any idea how it could have gotten in my tank??? Ethanol Related??

 

[JB]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

It could have gotten in with air, then been adsorbed by the ethanol. StaBil for Ethanol will help control that, but only a water separating fuel filter will keep it out of your engine.

 

[seadog411]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

It could have gotten in with air, then been adsorbed by the ethanol. StaBil for Ethanol will help control that, but only a water separating fuel filter will keep it out of your engine.

The thing is, I put StaBil ethanol treatment every time I fuel - never go without. I pulled at least a gallon of the milky substance out of of the tank. The Mechanic, who I trust implicitly, said ethanol was most likely the culprit, but given the amount I removed, I wonder. He checked the fuel cap and said that it looks fine. The tank is empty and dry - I think I am going to just pay the premium for Ethanol free fuel.

Is it worth it??

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Milky White Substance in Fuel Tank?

It's possible you just got a load of bad gas with water already in it.