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I have a problem with water in my gas tank (Tempo Tank, '86 Montauk). My mechanic tells me that it's settling of the ethanol gas. I'm getting tired of dumping old gas out of the tank. Has anyone had and successfully resolved this problem? If yo, how?

Thanks!

Barney

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Hey Barney, you need to add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank. I personally use "Sea Foam" in my gas tank which you can buy at any automotive store. I think another one is "Sta-bil". Ethanol does attract water/condensation in the gas tank so adding either of those will help the boat and also auto engine too. Good luck to you.
Marty Durham
Johns Island,SC
1991 BW 15' Sport GLS

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There are many articles available about "phase separation" with regards to E10 ethanol fuel. Just do a search and you'll be able to read more than you ever wanted about it's effects. Bottom line, fuel additives have become necessary against the evil ethanol.

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This has plagued me all year.I'm totally frustrated . Went to Sta-bil Marine and still had to drain tank.Sounds like we have the same set up. Drained tank pulled carbs again ,drained them and its been empty for 6 weeks .I am going to fill her up AGAIN put on fuel water separator and if that doesn't work I'm considering a Viking Funeral.LOL. If you solve it please tel me how.

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I recommend a water separator.

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Water separator with a spare filter on board at all times. I know a lot of guys do not like separators with on deck tanks but I know they keep a lot of water out of the motor. I have had to spin mine off and dump it to get the boat running. From that I learned to dump it often at home and keep a spare in the boat.

The problem is you will have the same amount in your tank. I would not dump the entire tank. as water settles I would drop a tube and siphon the bottom until you get good gas. I know this can be done I used to have to do it to my 20 outrage. I would just pump the primer bulb in the yard until I got good gas then reattach it to the motor. After that the separator will help keep the smaller drops out of the motor.

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Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I've got a lot of company.

So who makes the best filter system for outboards? A brief search turned up one called the Moeller "Clear Site". Which do you guys like?

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I filled my tank yesterday with non-Ethanol fuel. In my area Chevron sells gasoline sans ethanol. I am glad that I have a relatively large tank for my boat. Chevron stations aren't too plentiful but I know where one is now on my route to a fishing hole.

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I have a Racor with the clear bottom on the filter.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/...o?pid=6427

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Hey guys, I am looking at fuel water separators and will probably go with the one Kevin recommends above.
I assume that is a 3 part assembly and the bowl attaches to the bottom of the filter. Is that correct?
After searching around, it looks like the replacement filters cost about $20.

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A few things to keep in mind regarding ethanol and fuel:
- keep your tank full.
- treat every fill-up.

For those with portable tanks:
- inspect any O rings/gaskets. If worn or old and dried out, replace
them.
- Remember to close the vent when the boat is not in use.

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Thanks for the advice Phil.
How do you close the vent on a 84 Outrage 20?

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Star-tron is another additive specially made to treat ethanol. List guys, the best way to keep this from happening is to use the boat. Ethanol is not nearly as big a problem in cars because we use the fuel so fast. The best thing you can do for yourself is run the engine a minimum of 30 minutes a week, and make sure you're doing a complete gas turnover in your tanks every 45 days. Also, be careful to use a fuel water sep that is factory recommended for your engine. Many of them will restrict your fuel flow to an extent of causing flow problems higher throttle demands. Right now there is only 1 sep that Mercury approves and it's restrictive measure is less than 2.5 inches of mercury(the stuff in the thermometer, not the engine manufacturer). Anything higher than that is known to cause other problems.

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Arthur-

For all the models with below deck or saddle tanks there is no way to
shut off the vent. By keeping the tank full, you reduce the amount of space for condensation.

Condensation, over time, can lead to phase separation and this what needs to be avoided.

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It's great that I can post my plans and you guys jump in with suggestions.
That along with searching the net sure makes life easier than the old days.
The fittings from my old filter aren't the same thread as the new one.
I guess I should have thought of that when I was at the store.
As rusted together as my old unit was, I don't want to use any of the old parts anyway.