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I've read here about Ethanol and Gas in the past and have really come to HATE the stuff. I was made aware of the issues related with Ethanol when my motor was rebuilt this summer[90 yammi] and my mechanic informed me my tank was contaminated with water. Carbs rebuilt . Started using Sta-bil marine. But didn't drain old gas [DAA] so I cleaned out carbs ,drained gas .Totally started fresh with New gas ,Sta-bil , Oil ran great 1 month later runs poor . Yesterday pulled carbs ,water and debris in bowls.Pumped water from bottom of tank .Cloudy and separated to a layer of yellow water on bottom . All the gas was cloudy after emptying tank and settled water to bottom of containers. . I'm totally frustrated . Newer fuel line completely emptied tank . Whats going wrong ? HELP Please

I haven't run boat to see how yesterday's attempt worked .Maybe tomorrow

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What type of tank? Portable or in deck?
Metal, plastic, fiberglass????

If it is an external tank, can you try a different tank?

How are the gaskets between the carb body halves?
Ethanol will eat older style gaskets. You don't give the year of your motor.

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Joe, It's a Tempo 18 gallon tank 2 yrs old. changed lines also. I totally emptied and dried it out. Motor is a 98 C90 Yamaha. Carbs were totaly rebuilt this summer along with the motor. When I pulled the carbs yesterday the only problem I saw was water and crud. I also took apart the on motor fuel filter. Plan on installing a 10 micron seperator ASAP. Last running symptom was top RPM 4000 and sluggish not the usual popup on plan top RPM 5200. My plan was to take another tank to test. Primer Bulb looks and feels good. Thanks for your interest

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My next question would be, where did you buy the last fuel you put in the tank?

You could have gotten some bad gas...

I would definitely put on an external fuel/water separator. This will stop anything from getting to the engine as long as you change the filter regularly.

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Joe,Its kicked my butt a little but new gas ,seperator and calm seas and hungry fish are calling. Thanx again

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Try a second source for fuel just to eliminate it.

My Tempo tank, I think it was the 28 gallon, leaked at the site gauge and caused me all kinds of problems till I figured it out. Turned out the gasket was worn out and the mounting screws were stripped. Rain water would collect and seep into the tank.

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I agree with Joe, I would try a different tank, fuel filter and different gas station.

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How did you pump the bad gas from the bottom of the tank?

I've got a 30 aluminum gallon tank. I pumped the tank empty (until I got air at least) via the regular fuel pick-up. I used a one gallon pickle jar with 3/8" barbed fittings in the lid as a homemade separator. The pumped fuel ran through the separator then through a particle filter before going into portable gas cans. Out of about 18 gallons, I collected about 1/2 gallon of water/alcohol in my homemade separator. I then jacked up one side of the trailer about 10" and lifted the trailer tongue about two feet above level. This made the rear-port corner of the tank the low spot. I then removed the fuel float and used a long section of stiff polyethylene tubing to reach the low corner of the tank. I was able to pump three more gallons of water/alcohol out of what I thought was an empty tank.

I had been using Stabil Marine since it was available and regular Stabil before that. To say I was surprised at the crap I pumped out of my tank would be an understatement. The boat is used pretty regularly but does sit 4-6 weeks every so often. I try and keep the tank full between use.

I wish I had a low sump area in my tank with a fitting and drain. I'd drain off a gallon every so often just to be sure.

As far as I'm concerned, an external filter/separator is absolutely mandatory especially if you have no choice other than running E10. A separator with a clear bowl and drain is my preference. I also change the under cowl filter/separator and external filter/separator every six months.

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I'm not sure if it's a federal, state, or county law but, in NY the dept. of Weights & Measures check's a fuel sample regularly at the pump and tank, A decal is put on the pump stating "How much water" was found in the Gas station's supply tank, you don't want to take on any fuel that has more than 5% water rating in it. I'd put some "Sea Foam" in the tank too.

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JohhnyCW, Did you burn the gas you filtered ? I considered doing this but this time its only 8 gallons .Last time it was almost full. Then I thought about cutting my pickup tube 1" shorter but Im going to test tank again for leaks around gauge as suggested add seperator fresh mixed fuel and pray no damage to fresh rebiult motor happened,I had a 10 mile trip home.Can't really complain it's been a trouble free rig for 3 years and plan to get thru this and get more time on the water

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I agree with Joe and Phil, a new water/fuel separator,like a Racor with a see thru bowl, and check the tank thoughly for any way water could get in, guage or fuel cap. Try a different station for your fuel. Make certain that the water in the tank is all out .

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I did burn the fuel but in my truck. Mixed it about 90% fresh 92 octane gasoline with 10% old. The nearly four gallons of water/alcohol went to the local county disposal site.

I burned about a 1/4 cup of the water/alcohol in a metal can. It burned all away leaving a thin ashy residue layer behind. I think whatever water was mixed in steamed off as the alcohol burned.