Boat fuel tank problem

Hi PJ,

I believe that with the normal expansion and contraction of a fuel tank due to diurnal variations (been wanting to use that word for ages) it will suck in moisture-laden air through the breather. When the tank cools at night, the moisture will condense and stay in the tank. It will only be a drop or two but it adds up over time. Problem is worse in humid climes, and where there is a big night/day temperature variation.

I even know how to get the water out! With the tank nearly full, pour in some methylated spirits and use the fuel or pump it out. The meths mixes with the water and it in turn mixes with the fuel. I'd use about half a litre in a 20 litre tank - not sure what the right amount is if you have a full litre of water though.

It's an old trick I used with the fuel tank on trailer sailers which didn't get a lot of motor use. We'd do a whole season on about $10 worth of fuel.

Most probably condensation, is the boat stored in a shed? or in the open? If you leave the boat idle for lengths at a time you will find condensation forms in the tank due to temperature fluctuations. If the fuel level is quite low this can make the problem worse.
I suggest
1. Fit a water separator if not already fitted.
2. Fill the tank before putting it away.

Unfortunately you may find suggestion 2 could lead to fuel going stale if the boat is left for extended periods but for a month or two it shouldnt be a problem.

Hope this helps

Cheers and Beers

PJ73,

Condensation??

Regards
Michael B (SA)

Hi PJ
The problem is caursed by leaving your boat with nearly empty tanks and is a combination of condensation and moist air being sucked into the tank through the breather tube.
The only way to lessen the problem is to put the boat away with full tanks.
I have a boat with 150 lt underfloor tank and this is how my mechanic told me to overcome the problem.
Pmacks

Thanks for the replies, with a combination of storing boat with full tanks and Nifty1's metho idea I think I'll manage a bit better now.
Cheers.

PJ

Nowadays you don't need to use metho any more - just fill up with the 10% Ethanol blended fuel (or if you like 50/50 with normal fuel for a 5% blend) and the water will be gone as well. Plus you have a higher octane fuel which might make your motor run better.

G'day PJ73

Not sure about using ethanol blended fuel. The BP depot where I buy my fuel recommends not to use ethanol blend for any marine use. Don't know the reasons but would be worth asking. I will ask again myself next time I get fuel.

Regards
Darren

Hi PJ73

The breathers on my underfloor tank are rolled into 2 full 360° vertical coils before they attach to the external breather caps.
This means that there is always a 'seal' of fuel held in the coils that prevents moisture from entering.

Well I think that is the theory.

Happy boating and

Would fitting something like a filter in the breather line, as is often done in diff breathers not assist in these cases?

Something like a water trap like used on compressor air lines? They even self drain (some of them) and they're designed to get water out of humid air?

Dave