Water in the Fuel Tank of Your Car

by Ronel Forbes

February 3, 2022

The fuel tank of a vehicle is critical to its operation. Fuel-powered vehicles require either gasoline or diesel, which is obtained from the tank.

A vehicle’s engine, whether it’s a car or a motorcycle, is reliant on the fuel tank for constant fuel supply. As a result, contamination in the fuel tank must be avoided.

Vehicle owners frequently encounter water in the fuel tank. If there is a significant amount of water inside the fuel tank, it might be a challenging problem to solve.

A situation like this can lead to a slew of problems with the engine, lubrication, and rust. Read on to learn more about the issues, symptoms, and treatments associated with water in your vehicle’s gasoline tank.

Water can enter your vehicle’s fuel tank in a variety of ways. And there are a variety of methods for removing water from the fuel tank.

Typically, such an issue is discovered when vehicles experience ignition problems, unexpected halts, and other issues, and it is then necessary to remove the water. However, before you can identify the best remedy, you must first determine the amount of water in the gasoline tank.

You can clean the fuel tank by changing the fuel filter, adding additives, or draining it. All of this, however, necessitates knowledge.

Speak with a reputable mechanic and make an informed decision on the best course of action. If you are familiar with automobiles, proceed with caution and select a solution based on the amount of water in the gasoline tank.

How to Examine a Fuel Tank for the Presence of Water:

When your vehicle’s gasoline tank is contaminated with water, it can cause problems with ignition, acceleration, and unexpected stopping. If you notice these symptoms on a regular basis, you should have your car tested for water in the fuel (diesel/petrol) tank.

You can use the following methods to check for the presence of water if you wish to take an active role in the process.

Check the color of the gasoline — If there is water present, the color of the fuel will appear darker.

Examine the odor – Water in the fuel tank can produce a bad odor.

Check for microbes – Water can promote microbial growth.

Water-finding paste — Detect water in a car or motorcycle’s gasoline tank using a dip-stick laced with water-finding paste.

What Should You Do If Your Fuel Tank Is Full of Water?

It doesn’t matter if the water is in your car’s or bike’s gasoline tank; it can cause damage to any vehicle. If you notice water in your (diesel/petrol) fuel tank, seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Water in the fuel tank causes the following issues:

The presence of water in the fuel tank of a vehicle can cause disaster. After all, it’s a foreign substance in a machine that’s supposed to perform like clockwork.

The admission of a foreign entity might cause serious problems by disrupting the engine’s and supporting systems’ mechanisms. Here are some of the issues that can develop when water gets into the fuel tank of a car or a motorcycle.

Rusting

Rust on the inside of the gasoline tank might be triggered by water in the tank. Water and gasoline do not mix. Water will eventually sink to the tank’s surface.

Rusting will occur if the water remains at the bottom for an extended period of time. The rusting process will be accelerated if the fuel tank has any ridges or edges.

Fuel Injector

In today’s cars, an injector is included. Previously, they were equipped with a carburettor. Modern injectors make it easier for fuel to flow into the combustion chamber. The pores of the injector are engineered in such a way that only the amount of fuel required is sprayed through them.

The injector’s efficiency is also influenced by the density of the fuel.

The presence of water here adds to the confusion. Because water is thick, it is not sprayed through the pores of the injector as efficiently as gasoline. This puts strain on the injector, which might lead to problems.

Fuel Pump

The engine receives fuel from the tank. Water will interfere with the cooling and lubrication functions of the fuel. The fuel pump can be harmed by rust and problems with the fuel injector.

Lubrication

Water can contaminate engine oil, causing the lubrication process to fail. The more water there is, the more serious the problem becomes.

Seizure

Engine seizure can occur if all of the above problems occur at the same time or if a combination of them occurs at a higher intensity. You may need to replace the engine if the situation is severe.

Water in the Fuel Tank Symptoms:

Keep an eye out for the following signs of a water-in-fuel-tank situation. If the symptoms last for a long time, have the tank checked as soon as possible. One-time occurrences could be due to something other than water-related difficulties.

Power & Mileage Issues

The presence of water in the gasoline tank of a car or a motorcycle will reduce combustion capacity. Because of the water, the vehicle’s combustion efficiency will be reduced. This will reduce the power and mileage of the four-wheeler or two-wheeler.

If the condition is not addressed, it may become more serious.

Engine Stalling

Engine stalling is a common complaint among drivers and riders whose vehicles have been exposed to water. This can happen while driving or when the vehicle is parked.

For example, a bike’s engine may cease working while on the road, or a car’s engine may fail to start. Such problems arise as a result of problems with combustion and compression, which are exacerbated by the presence of water.

Shaking

If there is water in the tank, a car or a bike can shake violently when accelerating. It’s possible that you’ll feel compelled to throttle down even more. The juddering could be caused by a power lag.

Steam Release

It’s possible that the vehicle will emit steam. The vaporization of the water produces steam, which escapes through the exhaust pipe of the car or motorcycle.

Water Dripping

Water droplets may be emitted from the exhaust pipe at the same time as steam. Condensation is to blame for this.

Bottomline

Some car problems can be seen with the naked eye. Tire issues, door dings, and windshield scratches can all be easily identified and resolved.

However, sophisticated internal problems, such as the presence of water in the fuel tank, are difficult to detect.