Water,(from condensation), in unused vehicles that sit for a long time,and then are started,then are moved mixing up fuel and water in the tank can then become a non starter. That's because the water is on top of the fuel until you drive it and it gets mixed and water then upon restart attempts is drawn into the fuel lines and won't fire up. That's why using water dissolving and algae preventer is necessary to allow fuel to fire at the cylinder upon start. Otherwise the fuel gets into the cylinder, upon trying to start, and floods into the oil pan, by gravity and pressure, contaminating the oil and then the entire engine. So add the proper amount of what your engine design suggest to keep the mix up from happening so you don't get all shook up.

Close, but no cigar. Water is denser than gasoline products so it normally sits in the bottom of tanks. Pour some motor oil and water into a clear glass and see what happens.Water is soluble in alcohol and you could be tempted to dump a bottle of alcohol in the tank, but the alcohol is not pure (maybe 30% water) so you're better off getting a commercial product.Valvoline sells a water removal product and most automotive aftermarket stores will have similar products.

Old-Biscuit wrote::HI'll second that.:h:h

Water on the......Water on the......Water on the.....knee (that's not breaking decorum)?

Condensation occurs on the top of the tank, that's why a full tank has less than a not full tank. It may drip into the fuel and go down but it sits up top until you move the vehicle and the fuel washes against it. That's why it starts while static, (not moving), but when moved and mixed, with both top condensate and bottom water the fuel gets the mixture that won't ignite. The pick up is not sitting in the bottom, but floats and sends a signal to the gauge while getting the fuel just below surface. Smoke that cigar.

Won't start, maybe it's all shook up | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
Dang! If I had grass I damnsure would get a putter and a box of dimpled balls. Matter of fact upside the arroyo would make a fine 2 hole practice green.
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
Watching paint dry. Is more fun than watching grass grow.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
Refineries have floating top storage tanks to reduce risk of vapor/static electricity, ignition.

With TEN PERCENT ethanol now mandated, someone expects me to believe H2O is going to somehow coalesce out of solution? You know, like a 20 gallon tank of gasoline, with TWO GALLONS of Dri-Gas added?

Hmm, I think I'll go do something useful like watch paint dry...
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014
On a sealed system it will. But storage system are vented. Gas storage systems do have a different system. But gas and water do not mix in storage.Condensation does not hang on the top of a tank. It will slide down the sides or drop down and settle in the bottom.
red31
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
My system is basically sealed, the vapor pressure of the evap gas keeps the partial tank full of evap gas.
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
Don't know where you get your information but it is wrong. In over forty years working fuel systems. Everything from AVgas,diesel,gasoline,jet fuel and the rest.I have never seen a tank with a floating top.Once gasoline evaporates it is gone. No getting it back.
trop-a-cal
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
Storage tanks have floating tops inside to make a bonnet that allows condensation to drip onto and then out of the tank. The bonnet also stops much evaporation that could explode. Water attaches to particle of additives that float the water they capture just like a wet bread crumb would float in lighter liquids. Gasoline evaporates while in tanks also whether they are stationary or moving. The evaporated fuel then condenses with the water on the top and sides returning the mixture to the gasoline. This is constant and is why there is always some water in fuel. The bigger difference in temperatures the more condensation. The longer the fuel sits the more water.
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
Water weight is 8.3 pounds per gallon. Depending on temp. Gasoline is around 6 pounds. Water does sink to the bottom.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
Something that isn't funny regarding alcohol is when you purchase twenty gallons of gasoline it is mandated to contain TWO GALLONS of so-called gas tank dryer. I inform the OP, come on down here to the seashore tropics and I will show you what fuel tank condensation means. I think the only saving grace is somewhere along the line the DOT forced manufacturers to galvanize their tanks inside and out.

OP, just think of all that homogenized water running through the cylinders...

And to think of all the "Okie Tuneup Artists" it has put out to pasture.

Being this is from Mexico I am eligible to pick on other minorities...
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
How do you explain. Storage tanks with treated fuel. That do not move having water in the bottom.

Guess I missed something in forty years.

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Won't start, maybe it's all shook up

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