Katerina Swanson
Water in a boat's fuel tank can lead to engine performance issues and costly damage. Water can enter the tank in several ways, including condensation, ingress from a crack in the fill cap, or the natural water content in today's biodiesel. To keep water out of a boat fuel tank, it is important to regularly check for the presence of water and remove any water that is found. This can be done through the use of fuel water separating funnels, oil change pumps, or fuel tank water absorbers. Keeping the tank almost full of fuel can also help to reduce condensation.
How to keep water out of a boat fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water in the fuel tank | Water can enter the boat's fuel tank in several ways, including condensation, ingress from a crack in the fill cap, and the natural water content in biodiesel. |
| Issues caused by water in the fuel tank | Water in the fuel tank can cause engine performance issues, such as engine failure, fuel system corrosion, and poor fuel efficiency. It can also lead to the formation of diesel "bug" sludge, which blocks filters and damages pumps. |
| Preventative measures | Keep the tank almost full of fuel to reduce condensation. However, do not fill it more than 95% to allow for expansion. Use a fuel additive to absorb residual water. Regularly check for water by sampling the fuel and inspecting for cloudy fuel, a layer of "free water," or bound water. |
| Removal methods | Pump out the liquid, then pour in fresh fuel and an additive to remove residual water. Use a fuel water separating funnel or a fuel water absorber, such as the Aquafighter Finger model. |
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What You'll Learn
Check for water in your fuel
Water in your boat's fuel tank can lead to engine performance issues and costly damage. Water can enter the fuel tank in several ways, including condensation, ingress from a crack in the fill cap, or the natural water content in today's biodiesel. It is important to regularly check for water in your fuel to prevent these issues.
There are three ways water can appear in your fuel:
- Cloudy fuel: The water has become emulsified in the fuel, causing a milky or cloudy appearance.
- Fuel with a layer of "free water" at the bottom: The water is too heavy to cling to the diesel and sinks to the bottom in a clear layer.
- Bound water: The water has dissolved into the fuel, making it harder to detect until diesel bugs start forming.
To check for water in your fuel, you can take a sample of your fuel and inspect it for any of the above signs of water contamination. If you find that your fuel is contaminated with water, you will need to remove the water from your tank as soon as possible. One way to do this is by using a pump to remove the water and fuel from the bottom of the tank, as water will settle at the bottom. You may need to do this several times as the water resettles. You can then dispose of the water and fuel mixture at a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Additionally, you can use a fuel additive to help remove any residual water from your tank. There are also fuel water separating funnels available that allow you to separate the water from the fuel. By regularly checking for water in your fuel and taking prompt action to remove it, you can help prevent engine damage and maintain the performance of your boat.
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Use a water-separating funnel
Water-separating funnels are a great way to keep water out of your boat fuel tank. They work by utilising the fact that water molecules are larger than fuel molecules, meaning that the water molecules are unable to pass through the funnel.
To use a water-separating funnel, first choose a filter funnel with the appropriate flow rate. Different models flow at different volumes of gallons per minute. Ensure that the funnel's fill tube fits inside the fill point on the boat. When ready to top off the fuel tank, insert the funnel into the fill tube and keep the funnel level. Pour the gasoline or diesel fuel into the funnel, but not directly onto the filter element. Swirl the fuel around. Tilt the funnel to one side to reveal water or dirt accumulating under the fuel. About a cup of water means it's time to dump.
It is important to note that fuel filter funnels will not remove emulsified water, which is droplets of water suspended in the fuel. Additionally, your refuelling system needs to be grounded. Conductive funnels (which are black) should be used to reduce the chance of a static fire.
Some models of water-separating funnels include the West Marine Fuel Filter Funnel, which is privately labelled as the Mr. Funnel, and the Racor, which is a heavy-duty fast-flow filter.
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Try a fuel additive
Water in a boat's fuel tank can lead to engine performance issues and costly damage. If left untreated, water in the fuel tank can cause diesel "bug" sludge, which blocks filters, damages pumps, and gets pulled into the boat's fuel system, leading to potential engine failure, fuel system corrosion, and poor fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to address water in the fuel tank promptly and effectively.
One recommended method to address water in a boat's fuel tank is to use fuel additives. Fuel additives are designed to mix with the fuel and help absorb and remove water from the tank. They can also help prevent water-related issues and protect the engine from corrosion.
There are several effective fuel additives available on the market, such as Power Service's Clear Diesel Fuel & Tank Additive, CRC's OzzyBooster Microbial Enhancer, and Johnson's 2+4 Conditioner. These additives can be easily purchased online or from marine supply stores.
When using fuel additives, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Typically, the additive is added directly to the fuel tank, and it is recommended to run the engine after adding the treatment for it to take effect. Some additives may require multiple treatments or regular use to maintain the fuel system's optimal performance.
Additionally, it is good practice to combine fuel additives with other water removal methods, such as pumping out the water and fuel from the tank and refilling it with fresh fuel. This multi-step approach ensures that any residual water is removed and that the fuel system is adequately protected.
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Pump out the water
Pumping out the water is a crucial step in removing water from your boat's fuel tank. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this process:
Firstly, it's important to identify the presence of water in your fuel tank. Water can enter the tank through various means, such as condensation, ingress from cracks, or natural water content in biodiesel. Water in the fuel can lead to engine performance issues, costly damage, and the formation of diesel "bug" sludge, which can cause significant problems.
To pump out the water, you'll need to gain access to the tank. This can be done by entering through the fuel gauge sender and probing down to the bottom of the tank, as water settles at the bottom due to its higher density. You will need to remove both the water and some fuel, so be prepared to empty the pump multiple times. It's important to note that most pumps hold just a gallon or two, and you may need to pump out the water several times as it resettles.
When choosing a pump, consider the height it can lift fuel and the height required to pump the liquid out of the tank. For example, a Facet-style pump can lift fuel more than 12 inches, which should be sufficient for most boat fuel tanks. You can also use a fuel water separating funnel, which is slower but effective. Additionally, you can utilise a jiggler siphon from suppliers like Napa to remove the water.
After pumping out the water, it is essential to dispose of the water and fuel mixture responsibly. You can use the pumped-out fuel in your car or lawnmower, adding it gradually to your tank. Alternatively, you can dispose of it at a local hazardous waste disposal facility.
To enhance the effectiveness of this process, consider using a fuel additive to address any residual water. There are various products available on the market, such as those offered by Power Service, that can help manage any remaining water content in your fuel tank.
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Keep the tank full
Keeping your boat's fuel tank full is a good way to prevent water ingress and the issues that come with it. Water can get into your boat's fuel tank in several ways, including condensation, ingress from a crack in the fill cap, and the natural water content in today's biodiesel. This water can cause engine performance issues, costly damage, and even engine failure.
By keeping your fuel tank full, you reduce the amount of space available for condensation to form. This is because warm fuel can cool and condense, and a full tank leaves less room for this process to occur. Additionally, when the tank is full, there is less exposure of the tank walls to the air, which can also reduce condensation.
It is recommended to keep your tank almost full, reducing the amount of condensation without overfilling. Filling the tank more than 95% can be dangerous, as it does not allow for fuel expansion.
While keeping your tank full can help prevent water ingress, it is not a foolproof method. Condensation can still occur, and other sources of water ingress, such as cracked fill caps or contaminated fuel, can still introduce water into your tank. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your fuel for water and address any potential sources of water intrusion.
In addition to keeping your tank full, you can also use fuel additives to help alleviate issues with water in your fuel. These additives can help disperse the water into the fuel, allowing it to be burned off during engine operation. However, it is important to do your research and consult professionals before adding any additives to your fuel. Some additives may have limitations or specific use cases, and incorrect use may cause further issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Water can appear in your boat's fuel in three different ways: cloudy fuel, a layer of 'free water' at the bottom, or bound water. Cloudy fuel will have a milky or cloudy appearance. Bound water is harder to spot as it has dissolved into the fuel and mixed.
Water can enter your boat's fuel tank in several ways, including condensation in the tank, ingress from a crack in the fill cap, or from the natural water content in today's biodiesel.
You can use a pump to remove the water from your boat's fuel tank. First, pump out all the liquid from the tank. Then, pour in some new fuel, and an additive to get rid of any remaining water. You may need to repeat this process several times.
To prevent water from getting into your boat's fuel tank, you can try to keep the tank almost full of fuel to reduce the amount of condensation. However, do not fill it more than 95% to allow for expansion. You can also use a product like the Aquafighter Finger fuel tank water absorber, which is designed to be added directly into the boat's fuel tank.
