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I Have Water in My Fuel Your are not alone. Water in the fuel is a very common occurrence. Most boat owners will experience water in the fuel. Water in your fuel can prevent the engine from running correctly or it can stop the engine all together. It is not uncommon to find a little blob of water in the bottom of your Water Fuel Separator when performing your scheduled maintenance. The problems arise when you get too much water and it passes through the filters into the engines fuel system. Once water has passed into the engines carburetor or fuel injection system it will stay there until it is physically removed by you or a technician. Water in the engines fuel system will often cause hard starting, low power, backfiring, surging or stalling. A few items need to be addressed when servicing a boat with water in the engines fuel system. 1. The carb or injectors will have to be removed and cleaned and/or rebuilt. 2. All the fuel lines, fuel pumps and VST or fuel injection components must be properly flushed and cleaned. 3. All the fuel filters must be serviced. 4. Review the Water Fuel Separator and install one if not present. 5. Remove all water from the boats fuel tank and inspect the tank for possible areas for water to leak in. 6. Inspect the fuel fill assembly and the fuel vent fittings and hoses. 7. Change gas stations if you suspect the station as the water source. 8. Do not use or depend on "Dry Gas" to remove the water from your fuel system. 9. Address the problem right away. Water sitting in your engine will cause much more damage. Safety Boats can explode. Moving parts can rip off your fingers. Hot exhaust can burn you to the bone and props can slice you up. One spark near a battery can cause an explosion. You can never be too careful. Remove the battery from the boat before working with fuel. Always disconnect the batteries negative terminal first. Clean up any spilt fuel and let ALL of the fumes dissipate before installing the battery and starting the motor. Pulleys and Belts can grab your clothes and hair. Don't wear loose clothing and keep your hair up under a hat. Always wear safety glasses. Be smart. |
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