Water In Fuel

**Titan222** · 08-09-2022, 11:33 AM

I have a 27 gallon fiberglass built in fuel tank that keeps getting water. It stays in cover boat lift and out of the rain. It has a large spin water separator filter and then another spin on filter on the motor which is where the water alarm sensor is located. I've been fighting this problem for over a year. I am positive there are no leaks in the tank, new nylon fuel fill, sealed fuel gauge and vent access. Never any water being added with the fresh fuel. I have pressure tested the system and found no leaks anywhere in the fuel system. Ive even ruled out sabotage. LOL I haven't wanted to accept that it is condensation considering the amount of water, usually over 6-8 ounces in a months time.
I know the alcohol in the water these days causes problems but not in any other of my other boats and they have aluminum tanks rather than fiberglass..
I can drain the tank and filters of water, run it for a couple of hours on the lake before putting it up then I'm reluctant to take it out again not wanting to be disappointed with finding water in the fuel again. I'm in Houston with high humidity but it does it year round. One friend even asked if it could be entering through the fuel line on the motor which I can't imagine how. Is it possible for there to be much condensation or am I still overlooking something? The fuel is always treated with Quicksilver conditioner year round.
I'm open to any new ideas or suggestions.
Thanks for your help guys.

**Titan222** · 08-09-2022, 12:18 PM

A little more info on the boat. It's a Titan 22, 22' Pleasure Tunnel, which i built from the Talon molds of their Talon 21 that i bought through Robert Wilkens.
ETec 250 HO 2007
I seldom completely fill the tank full due to the extra weight so it is usually left half full.

**FUJIMO** · 08-09-2022, 02:29 PM

...use "rec 90" gas for starters. its alcohol free gas. if you only use the boat occasionally, alcohol gas will do what you describe...

**Jim Speros** · 08-09-2022, 02:43 PM

Texas does not have REC 90. Just recently QT has offered ethanol free 90 but it still has road tax on it.

Is it possible water is splashing on vent or does it get close to water coming on and off plane?

**FUJIMO** · 08-09-2022, 03:50 PM

...through hull side vent is an idea. when we rigged the vent(s) through the hull side, we would create a circle of extra vent hose at the vent fitting. sorry bout the rec 90. we sell the hell out of it down here...

**perfmarine1** · 08-09-2022, 06:40 PM

Do You get dew on your cars or grass overnight if so your gas tank inside being vetted is getting dew droplets as well. If you would keep your tank full this will happen less. If you get dew every night this is putting water in your tank in a small amount but the ethanol in the fuel is being attracted to that water puddle and if you're running the fuel Conditioner that is made from a form of alcohol you are adding to the problem.

**perfmarine1** · 08-09-2022, 06:43 PM

Or you have made some of your neighbors mad and they're dumping water in your boat.

**4Speed** · 08-10-2022, 02:09 PM

Do you get your fuel from the same place, possibly already in the fuel when you fill up?

**rgsauger** · 08-10-2022, 11:22 PM

Hi neighbor. I’m in Huffman in the Commons. Definitely have to watch where you buy your gas. I’ve had good luck at the RevMax stores as they turn a lot of fuel.

**doug7488** · 08-12-2022, 06:46 AM

Always install a “J” bend in the vent line-
run vent line up and over vent then back down to fitting
This will prevent water splashing into vent line

Id imagine your fiberglass tank must be made of an alcohol resistant resin
Most of the fiberglass tanks in the north east had to be replaced 15 years ago with the introduction of E10 fuel

**jlay** · 08-12-2022, 07:47 AM

I live in south Louisiana, current boat stays outside, uncovered. Between rain, morning dew, and hurricanes, never have fuel in the water, but I ALWAYS use non-ethanol fuel.

May want to try a desiccant breather on your vent if you can't find non ethanol fuel?

**Titan222** · 08-12-2022, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by doug7488

Always install a “J” bend in the vent line-
run vent line up and over vent then back down to fitting
This will prevent water splashing into vent line

Id imagine your fiberglass tank must be made of an alcohol resistant resin
Most of the fiberglass tanks in the north east had to be replaced 15 years ago with the introduction of E10 fuel

Yes the fiberglass resin used is impervious to gas.
The vent is in a place that can't have water splashed on it.

**MattGreen** · 08-14-2022, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

...through hull side vent is an idea. when we rigged the vent(s) through the hull side, we would create a circle of extra vent hose at the vent fitting.

This is a really good idea. There's also vent fittings that have features (not quite a check valve, but close) to minimize the potential for water ingress, but still let the tank "breathe". I just installed an Attwood one.

Sounds like a cool boat, sweet motor

Good luck,
Matt

**XstreamVking** · 08-14-2022, 09:23 AM

Empty the tank between uses of the boat if it sits for months between outings. Solved my problem of having several boats that sit between uses. I never have water in the fuel and also use the ethanol fuels. Fresh fuel is the only way to go....