Ethanol and gas phase seperation

df12051

Cadet
Joined
Jun 3, 2003
Messages
20
I just pumped 10 gals of water from my 24 gal tank. The boat which has a '93 70 horse Evinrude had been sitting for a number of months so knowing with the ethanol on in the tank I would have a water problem. FYI-I use Sea Foam as a fuel stablizer.

Here is my question does the ethanol ever come to a water absorption max point? The reason I ask this is when the boat was stored (under shed roof as well as canvas cover) the tank showed 1/2 fuel.
When we started pumping the water out the tank showed full like the needle was stuck (mechanical gauge). As the pumping went along the gauge started to work.



Could about 12 gals of E10 collect 10 gals of water? Does

ethanol keep collecting water until it is removed from the tank?
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
794
Re: Ethanol and gas phase seperation

I don't think ethanol is your problem, I have all kinda of seasonal equipment that sits with e10 in it for months, sometimes years and have zero water problems with it. Ethanol has become a scapegoat for anything that goes wrong.
 

Kaplooi

Seaman
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
64
Re: Ethanol and gas phase seperation

For that volume of water to get into your tank in that period of time someone or some thing is physically dumping liquid water into your tank. You're more likely to be the victim of vandalism than of ethanol water intrusion. Is your boat sitting outside or is it enclosed? I can't think of another way for that much water to get in other than intentionally dumping it in.
 

hidef

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
1,465
Re: Ethanol and gas phase seperation

You have other issues. 12 Gallons of gas would have 8 to 10 % ethanol which would be 1.2 gallons if it was e10. Alcohol will absorb water up to 100% but that would only be 1.2 gallons so would have some where around 13 gallons in the tank. I would be looking for leaks in the tank. Checking all the fittings to make sure they tight. Also is it possible someone filled your tank for you?
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Ethanol and gas phase seperation

Save that tank for scientific investigation! We may have found a solution for the wide-spread drought.

Someone is hosing you.
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
794
Re: Ethanol and gas phase seperation

Save that tank for scientific investigation! We may have found a solution for the wide-spread drought.

Someone is hosing you.

That was funny, wish I'd have thought of that one!!
 
Top