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trop-a-cal's avatar
trop-a-cal
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014

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

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.

25 Replies

  • 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.
  • Water on the......

    Water on the......

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

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