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"Water in Fuel" 2005 190 Nantucket
Rising Tides
#1 Print Post
Posted on 05/26/17 - 4:34 PM
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Water in fuel message came on after first time out of storage. I emptied the water/fuel valve and beeping persisted. I replaced the water/fuel separator valve. message/beeping continued. I took it to my local dealer. They drained the tank completely, replaced the fuel filter and filled with 15 gallons of new gas. They reset the computer so no alarm. I ran it for 1 hour (in the rain), with no beeps or alarms. One hour into it "Water in Fuel / check engine" came back on. Its running like there is water in fuel, at mid to high speeds it was stutter as if bad fuel, and will at times self govern down. Clearly water is getting into the fuel line/tank somehow.

What should I check/fix next? Tank? Gunal Valve?

Thanks, great boat crappy problem

 
blaster
#2 Print Post
Posted on 05/26/17 - 9:17 PM
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I'd contact the dealer you went to. Contaminated fuel is frustrating but not rocket science. Other than the code you get, how do you know there is water in the fuel?

When I have had a water situation, I pour the contents of the filter/float bowl in a clear container. After it settles water would be on the bottom.

Do you smell odor of gas? Does the motor run poorly at all speeds?

What make and model motor do you have?


Edited by blaster on 05/26/17 - 9:18 PM
 
Rising Tides
#3 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 3:24 AM
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Thanks for the reply

It is a 2005 150 Optimax. The engine runs great below 3000RPMS Once I go above that it randomly will buck. decelerate or self govern down. Below 300RPMS it runs perfectly. For the first hour after the new fuel and filter was replaced it ran great. Then the fuel in water alarm came back. It did rain considerably here.

 
Phil T
#4 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 6:42 AM
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I have no doubt you have water in the fuel tank. The question is how did it get there.

A detailed hard target search is required BEFORE you go back to the dealer.
So many questions..where to start.

We have to eliminate things first.

How full was the tank last fall?
Did you treat your winter fuel with stabilizer?
Was the boat tarped, covered, wrapped or stored inside?

Does your boat have a stand alone water separating filter? If yes, does it have a clear bowl under the filter or just the cartridge? If cartridge, unscrew and pour into a clear container. See water?

Where did you get the fuel last fall, gas station on land or marina? Where did you get new gas?

Is the fuel tank cover seam have a clean, uncracked, bead of sealant?

Lets hear back on this before we continue further.


1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
 
Rising Tides
#5 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 8:36 AM
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Taking the boat out today, trailering it home.

I purchased it over the winter, it had 50 gallons of gas. It was left exposed outside, in the elements. When I first got it going it immediately said water in fuel and began to beep. I drained the fuel/ water separator filter which is attached to the engine. It was bad fuel with water in it. I drained 10 gallons from the bottom of the tank and after the first five it became clear again. I replaced the fuel / water separator. Started it agin and ran it, immediately fuel in water alarm, then I took it in.

I informed them off my steps, they drained the entire boat (not cheap) and replaced the filter again, put new gas in. I drove it home from the marina in the water with no issues. 3 inches of rain while it was on slip, I took it out last night and immediately it was beeping again.

More info, not sure if related, when I launched it I drove it with bilge sump drain unplugged (which is allegedly ok with whalers). I since have pugged that. I will take your suggestion and check the fuel in the filter again. Its getting water in there some how. I really appreciate the advice. I am trying to avoid the mechanic fees again. I am 650 into being no closer to having this repaired.

 
Phil T
#6 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 8:49 AM
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So we know that the second instance of water in the fuel is not connected to winter fuel phase separation.

Water is getting into the engine via a hole in the tank, hole in a hose or a loose hose connection.

Remove all the inspection ports in the floor, splashwell etc. At the tank, pull on the fill, vent and supply hoses to ensure they are securely attached to the tank feeds.

When remove the inspection port and you look in the tank cavity, does it appear wet or not?


1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
 
Phil T
#7 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 8:58 AM
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Do you have the livewell option?


1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
 
Phil T
#8 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 9:04 AM
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Here is a diagram from the owners manual showing the fuel tank and hose routing.


Phil T attached the following image:


[64.77Kb]
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
 
Rising Tides
#9 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 9:33 AM
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it does have a live well option

 
JRP
#10 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 10:08 AM
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With 3" of rain during the intervening period, in all likelihood the fuel was contaminated again by a leak somewhere in the fuel system.

Have you inspected the fuel fill cap and gasket carefully?

 
Rising Tides
#11 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 12:32 PM
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I just emptied the fuel / water separator. There is zero water in the fuel.

I guess thats good news as it means there is no leak, bad news is the WIF sensor is not functioning properly.

now what?

 
Phil T
#12 Print Post
Posted on 05/27/17 - 2:33 PM
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Do you have a service manual for the motor? If not, I would invest in one, order the part and replace it DIY.


1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
 
Rising Tides
#13 Print Post
Posted on 05/31/17 - 4:25 PM
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Just pulled a gallon of gas out of the bottom of the tank, sure enough Water in Fuel. Thought it was fixed, its not. Recoonected WIF sensor (Asit was clearly doing its job. And this is clearly why it was crapping out at idle speed (thirsty for good gas)

Have to find the source of the leak, visibly all seems fine.

I also believe I am going to install a racor 10 micron inline 60 GPH sin on. Any thought on these?

Good news this time I have only 9 gallons in the tank.

Trying to avoid another huge marina bill

Thanks for any insight

 
wezie
#14 Print Post
Posted on 06/01/17 - 3:14 AM
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Back to Phil's question of the fuel fill cap and gasket.
Some of these allow water to stand on top of the cap and deck fitting.
The o ring gasket is very important. If it is only cracked, it can allow water to pass.
Please check the whole fitting and gasket. They do fail, and if so will collect a surprising amount of water.
Good luck.



 
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