Water in Fuel
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 2:58 pm
I've had my 712 down for repairs for a couple of months. Doing the brakes, chipping and painting (lots of chipping and painting), and various other projects.
I have not ran the motor in that entire time.
Today I had everything assembled back on the motor that I had taken apart. Engaged the choke and she fired up on the second hit of the starter.
Ran for about a minute maybe.
Disengaged the choke and she died immediately.
I had all the fuel linkage taken apart as part of the downtime so I thought hmmm maybe something is out of adjustment.
Nope all looked good.
Engaged the choke and fired up again. Dropped the choke and motor died.
So...…...fuel delivery was my first thought. Nope. Electric pump okay.
Took fuel line off of carb and engaged electric pump to pump some fuel out to inspect fuel. Filled an empty water bottle with fuel.
Well, that was it. Water in the fuel. Quite a bit of water.
Anyway...……..I drained the tank via the electric pump (couldn't get the tank drains to budge). Had about 8-10 gallons of fuel in the truck. The fuel quality improved as I got nearer to empty but I drained til the pump could pick up no more. (obviously water is denser than gasoline so the good stuff was on top and came out last)
Put some fresh gas in the tank. Ran it through the pump for a bit. Then I reconnected to the carb. She fired up rough at first but smoothed out and now it is idling and running as she should. I woulda taken her out for a spin but I still have two brake drums disassembled.
My question to you all is what else should I do to the motor now because of the issue that occurred? Do I need to rip into the carbs? Drain the bowls? Or is just running the brand new fresh fuel in them enough?
Also...…...any suggestions how to get those stubborn drain plugs out on the fuel tanks? They got a good blast of PB blaster and a few raps with a hammer. I'll soak em more later today. Vice grips? Blow torch? (haha)
Also, I do not want to go through this again if I can help it. Is it the damn ethanol in the fuel going hygroscopic and attracting water into the system? I live in a VERY high humidity region. I do use Ethanol Defense additive when I fuel up if anyone cares to know.
Could I have a bad gasket on the top of tank at the filler pipe? Bad seal at the fuel cap? I suppose I could pressurize the tank and see what happens? I would have to borrow some tools for that or something...……..
Anyway...……...anyone who wants to weigh in on the matter I sure would appreciate some feedback on this.
Thanks a bunch.
Scott
I have not ran the motor in that entire time.
Today I had everything assembled back on the motor that I had taken apart. Engaged the choke and she fired up on the second hit of the starter.
Ran for about a minute maybe.
Disengaged the choke and she died immediately.
I had all the fuel linkage taken apart as part of the downtime so I thought hmmm maybe something is out of adjustment.
Nope all looked good.
Engaged the choke and fired up again. Dropped the choke and motor died.
So...…...fuel delivery was my first thought. Nope. Electric pump okay.
Took fuel line off of carb and engaged electric pump to pump some fuel out to inspect fuel. Filled an empty water bottle with fuel.
Well, that was it. Water in the fuel. Quite a bit of water.
Anyway...……..I drained the tank via the electric pump (couldn't get the tank drains to budge). Had about 8-10 gallons of fuel in the truck. The fuel quality improved as I got nearer to empty but I drained til the pump could pick up no more. (obviously water is denser than gasoline so the good stuff was on top and came out last)
Put some fresh gas in the tank. Ran it through the pump for a bit. Then I reconnected to the carb. She fired up rough at first but smoothed out and now it is idling and running as she should. I woulda taken her out for a spin but I still have two brake drums disassembled.
My question to you all is what else should I do to the motor now because of the issue that occurred? Do I need to rip into the carbs? Drain the bowls? Or is just running the brand new fresh fuel in them enough?
Also...…...any suggestions how to get those stubborn drain plugs out on the fuel tanks? They got a good blast of PB blaster and a few raps with a hammer. I'll soak em more later today. Vice grips? Blow torch? (haha)
Also, I do not want to go through this again if I can help it. Is it the damn ethanol in the fuel going hygroscopic and attracting water into the system? I live in a VERY high humidity region. I do use Ethanol Defense additive when I fuel up if anyone cares to know.
Could I have a bad gasket on the top of tank at the filler pipe? Bad seal at the fuel cap? I suppose I could pressurize the tank and see what happens? I would have to borrow some tools for that or something...……..
Anyway...……...anyone who wants to weigh in on the matter I sure would appreciate some feedback on this.
Thanks a bunch.
Scott