![]() ![]() In the January 2013 issue, testing showed that free water can condense and fall to the bottom of fuel tanks, primarily in cool, damp weather, but we also know that substantial dissolved water can be present in warmer temperatures-not visible, but still working its mischief. Water can also enter through the fuel tanks daily vent breathing. Neither should be surprising, given how many coastal tanks have gone under during storms. Wet fuel can also come from the fuel dock as either free water or as water-saturated fuel. Any flowing water-rain or sea water-should be diverted away from the cap with rails or by relocating the fill cap. A light coating of Vaseline will prevent sticking and help repel water. Boat owners should inspect the fill cap O-ring regularly, and replace it early. The most common way for water to contaminate fuel is through leaky fill caps-this is particularly disconcerting because corrosive salt water is in the mix. We’ve learned that while effective additives can help, the bottom line is that clean, dry fuel is the only sure path to fuel-system protection and reliability. Weve investigated ethanol phase separation, anti-corrosion additives, biocides, and gasoline-tank vent filters ( PS, January 2013, February 2013, and August 2013). Over the last two years, Practical Sailor has dug deeply into ways to keep gasoline and diesel fuel tanks healthy. ![]()
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