Possible water in fuel (photo)

[smartt]

Can't imagine what else this could be but is this obvious water in my fuel in photo? I've started a fresh tank several times this year and think water must be getting in tank somewhere. Thinking of getting a fuel water separator but not sure if it could be something as simple as the gas cap or as extreme as a cracked tank/leak by fuel gauge seal or some other seal. (or maybe any of the above)It's about a 16 gallon plastic tank inside a 2002 Bass Tracker.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Possible water in fuel (photo)

It sure dose look like water in the gas. If using ethanol gas this could be some of your trouble. Go to Pure-gas. org. and you can find gas dealers near you that sells non ethanol gas. A good fuel separator is almost a need when using a built in fuel tank, as the fuel vent will let moisture into the tank. The only other reason is that where you buy gas has water in their tank and a switch to a different dealer would help. If the fuel sets for extended periods of time, the use of a fuel stabilizer will help. Stabile and Sea Foam are just a few that can be used. The use of a small electric pump to pump the fuel in the tank and thru a filter and back into the tank will get a lot of the water out of the tank and make the fuel more easy to burn. I always recirculate mine this way , if it has set for a period, before using my boats. JMO
Oldman570

 

[smartt]

Re: Possible water in fuel (photo)

It sure dose look like water in the gas. If using ethanol gas this could be some of your trouble. Go to Pure-gas. org. and you can find gas dealers near you that sells non ethanol gas. A good fuel separator is almost a need when using a built in fuel tank, as the fuel vent will let moisture into the tank. The only other reason is that where you buy gas has water in their tank and a switch to a different dealer would help. If the fuel sets for extended periods of time, the use of a fuel stabilizer will help. Stabile and Sea Foam are just a few that can be used. The use of a small electric pump to pump the fuel in the tank and thru a filter and back into the tank will get a lot of the water out of the tank and make the fuel more easy to burn. I always recirculate mine this way , if it has set for a period, before using my boats. JMO
Oldman570

Thanks. Sorry forgot to mention that I've went out of my way to avoid ethanol and have only been using non-ethanol. Can you show me your recirculating setup, or give me a better idea of how you rigged it up? I have a pretty good idea but nothing like seeing how someone did it that already experimented with all the ways not to do it. Also, no fears on electric pumps and the risk of fumes?? Thanks again.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Possible water in fuel (photo)

It is a simple setup. Get a water separator and needed barb fittings. Cut the fuel hose between the primer bulb and motor place the water separator in the hose. If the hose end to the motor is removable, remove and hook the electric pump to the hose and using another piece for hose from it to the tank fill cap and turn on. Set the pump as far as possible from the boat and tank. Leave it run till you know that all the fuel has been recirculated. Check the separator and replace the filter if needed. Place the motor hose fitting back in the hose and your done. If the filter is replaced, it will take longer to prime the new fuel filter unless you fill it with new/ clean fuel first. Always have a fire extinguisher at hand anytime you work with fuel. Small automotive electric pumps can be bought at most auto supply outlets or on Ebay or other online outlets. JMO
Oldman570