Boats are supposed to be for pleasure…….that is why the boating industry coined the phrase “Pleasure Boating” and taking a “Pleasure Cruise”. However, since the congressional acts some 13 years ago that brought in Ethanol Blended Fuel into the marine market, many “Pleasure Cruises” and Family Boating outings have turned sour due to water contaminated fuel. Even if the serious boater purchases “Rec Fuel” which contains no alcohol, there still can be water contaminated problems. This article / blog post will help shed some light on what causes such problems and what boaters and service techs can do to minimize the problems. First, let’s explore some issues. How Does Water Get Outboard Motor Fuel Tanks?
Why Is My Fuel Cloudy Sometimes, But Other Times Clear?
What Is So Bad About Suspended Water in My Fuel????
Corrosion on Fiberglass (l) and Steel (r)But What if I Already Have Fuel Water Separators to Catch Water? Won’t That Stop Water Entering My Engine? Not all fuel water separators work the same or catch all the water. Yes, you can buy a nice exterior fuel water separator that is easy to install, and has a clear bowl to let you know the water has been caught. However, what this type of filter does not tell you is how much water was able to get through to the engine. One principal used by fuel water separator manufacturer’s is called “coalescing” or the use of a coalescer. This technique takes small droplets and has actions to form them into bigger droplets, which when are directed to the outside of the filter housing. This water then falls down to a bowl and is easily drained with a pet cock valve. So, if you have such a fuel water separator, and you are experiencing poor performance, hard starts or black smoke, plus injector damage, it might that small water droplets are passing through and wreaking havoc. Examples of filters with glass bowls...how much water is getting through?So, What Are Some Steps I Can Take to Prevent and Remove Water, So I Don’t End Up With Water Contaminated Hazy Fuel in My Outboard Engine?
Water Absorbing Socks for Ethanol FuelsWhich filters are letting water through to the engine?
Fillrite RD 8 and Steel Camel Filters getting it doneSummary:
Water is meant swimming in pools, drinking, cooking, washing, sustaining life and many other great things. It has no good reason to be in outboard motor fuel tanks. Whether you are a boat dealer, marina, boat captain or service repair shop, pay attention to water and your headaches will go away.
5 Comments
8/31/2021 08:33:44 am
I didn't know that condensation could get water in the outboard motor. That sounds terrible but also a little unavoidable. I'll get my car looked at but it hasn't died yet so I think it'll be fine.
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1/12/2022 10:54:37 am
I took a look at the fuel from my boat, and I noticed that it's pretty cloudy. I didn't know that this could be an issue with water in my fuel tank. It makes sense that I might need to have it looked at to ensure that there's no leaks!
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1/25/2022 10:49:15 pm
It really helped to prevent when you mentioned that it is important to prevent your gas to have water. My sister mentioned to me last night that she is hoping to find an ethanol-free gas station as she currently moved into town, she asked if I have any idea what is the best option for her. Thanks to this helpful article, I'll be sure to tell her that it will be much better if she visits a trusted gas station in town.
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7/7/2023 09:05:45 am
I was captivated when you mentioned that hydraulic filters allow you to remove solid contamination from lube and fuel oil systems of marine machinery. My friend told me that their unit needs marine fuel filters. I should advise him to look for a vendor that provides quality components.
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