Water in Gas?

1992 Horizon 5.0 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:44 pm **Posts:** 2

During a storm a few weekends ago, I suspect water got into my fuel through a bad vent cover. Started the boat, it ran for about 10 minutes idleing out to deeper water, then shut off. It would fire and run for a couple seconds or until I tried to give it more gas, then it would die. Could not keep it running so was towed back to hoist.

It seems I can rule out battery (it turns over/starts). Does this sound like water in the gas?

If so, what fixes work best? I put in a bottle of "dry gas" (Heet brand) before I left the cottage.

As a coincidence, the motor started to die after I ran the bildge pump...but I suspect this is a coincidence, and nothing electrical, but comment on this, too.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 7:10 am

It certainly could be water in the gas, and if you use gas/ethanol (E10) you probably want to have the tank pumped out. There are a lot of threads on here about water in fuel problems that are much worse with ethanol because the ethanol attracts and combines with the water. The first thing to check is to remove your fuel filter (being careful not to spill any fuel in the bilge) and pour its contents into a clear container. You will see if there is both water and gas in the filter because water will settle to the bottom.

My 2000 Horizon 240 got water in the gas because of a missing O-ring under the gas fill cap. Mine has the vent integrated into the same gas cap. The vent blocks rain water from coming in, but the missing O-ring allowed water to come in around the threaded portion of the gas cap.
Here is a thread about that: http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9901

Of course, there are other things which could cause this stalling besides water in the gas. An ignition system problem could cause the same symptoms, and could explain why it running the bilge pump affected the engine? Perhaps a bad ground or positive connection? A loose power connection going up to the console and ignition switch?

I'll leave it up to others to suggest what to check there.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Aug 21, 2012 9:15 am

Yes it could be water in the gas but it takes a lot of it to do that.
The way to know if that's the case takes a little work, but is basically easy.
You have to get a big glass jar, like a mayo jar, clean it out well and dry it out.
Then you are going to have to remove the water separating fuel filter (looks like an engine oil filter, you may need an oil filter wrench to get it off) be careful not to spill gas because it will be full of gas. Next dump out the contents of the filter in the jar. Let it sit for a while, if there is water it will be obvious, there will be a layer of water on the bottom. Water is heavier than gas. If you do see water, if it's a lot you might have to get the tank pumped out. Replace the filter (put oil on the gasket, and get it on hand tight).

The other option, which is often used on outboard boats, is a Racor filter, these can fit on the standard base and have a cup on the bottom that collects water. They can hold a lot more water than the standard filters before they have too much water for the engine to still run properly. You must use the version with the metal bowl not the plastic one which is only for filters not mounted in an enclosed compartment. They cost more but are a better filter. I have used the Sierra 10 micron ones for years and they are good for the price.

I like to replace the generic Attwood gas cap I have on my boat every couple of years because the gaskets do deteriorate over time.

vipergg · **Joined:** Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:24 pm **Posts:** 29

First I would get a bottle of Startron fuel additive , it's pretty good at breaking up any water in the fuel and cleans the fuel system too. Not real cheap but worth it imho. Depending on what size bottle you get , one bottle treats 48 gallons while the more concentrated version treats 128 gallons and cost more. Shouldn't need more than half a bottle. I run it in every tank.

1992 Horizon 5.0 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:44 pm **Posts:** 2

I removed the fuel/water seperator, drained it (full of water), refilled with gas to prime pump and boat is running excellent. Actually, does not bog when first "floored" to get up on plane like it used to. Boat running better than before. Problem solved, for now. Now, need to replace fuel cap and vent....would like to know a good source to get the right stuff...looks like Atwood.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:23 pm

1992 Horizon 5.0 wrote:

Now, need to replace fuel cap and vent....would like to know a good source to get the right stuff...looks like Atwood.

Yep, good company with excellent customer service. Glad your prob worked out for the best...and didn't cost ya a lot of $$$

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:15 pm

Mine was definitely an Attwood, the little cheap plastic cap...I replace them every few years, the o-rings eventually swell and don't seal well.
Its good to be in the habit of checking for water in the gas at the winter layup as well, I have done that every year I have done my own winterizations, and never actually found water but I did find some red gunk in the bottom of the filter the year that E-10 was introduced here...
If you have a chronic issue with it in the future, consider getting a Racor with the metal bowl, they are the best water separating filter there is, they filter better and hold more water than the standard ones.

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:29 pm

My cap was a Perko cap with integrated vent. Looks something like this:

If you have the Perko fuel cap with integrated vent, the correct O-ring is:
#222: 1.50" ID, 1.75" OD, 1/8" thick
(Standard Buna-N O-ring from auto parts store or hydraulic supply store)

www.iFourWinns.com

Water in Gas?

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