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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Dry Gas ?

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/10/2009 : 05:40:16

I've recently read a few articles about keeping the O/B tank close to full to avoid condensation, and water in the fuel...not knowing any better, we've let the tank get down to 1/3..and w/ the amount of fuel we use, that takes about 1/2 the season...SO, now I'm obsessing on water in the tank...anyone use any additives to combat the condition

Many thanks!

Jerry

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 05:59:23

Jerry,

It's not worth worrying about! Spend your time sailing! Pull the tank out of the boat, suck the fuel out, and use it in your lawnmower or car. We're talking about $20.00 or less to refill the tank. It will cost you nearly as much to buy some type of fuel conditioner that may or may not get the water out.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 06:39:42

Keep the vent closed when you're not running the motor--that'll keep the tank from inhaling damp air as temperatures rise and fall. The manufacturers are saying to use a stabilizer all the time, especially if you keep gas for a month or more--the ethanol makes it lose its octane more rapidly. Finally, if you really want insurance water problems, add a Racor fuel filter/water separator.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 09:40:25

I think the better solution is to stop reading those articles.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 10:36:57

After I first bought "Gypsy" 4 1/2 years ago, I didn't understand the idea of keeping the vent shut to keep moisture out. Keeping it open that year gave me a golf ball-size pool of dark colored water that sloshed around under the gas, and by the end of the season the engine stalled a lot and I needed to replace the fuel filter.

Now I buy new gas each Spring and only open the gas tank vent while the engine is running. I have had no more water in the tank, and no more problems with the fuel system. Sometimes I think about gas stabilizers, but I haven't bought any yet.

I use my boat about once a week.

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 11:37:41

I've never had a water/fuel problem (Have had old gas probs). Maybe because of our heat in FL? I leave the vent open always and don't worry about how full the tank is. Now I like to keep my refill tanks topped off so there's very little air to expand and contract (makes the can look like it's going to explode!!) with the temps but ...........

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 12:42:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JohnP
 After I first bought "Gypsy" 4 1/2 years ago, I didn't understand the idea of keeping the vent shut to keep moisture out.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Neither did I... till now. Thanks!

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 12:46:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by windsong
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JohnP
 After I first bought "Gypsy" 4 1/2 years ago, I didn't understand the idea of keeping the vent shut to keep moisture out.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Neither did I... till now. Thanks!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Just remember to open the valve when you are motoring or the OB will conk out at the worst possible moment.

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 12:58:25

If it will make you feel better, get some Sta-Bil at Wal Mart. Then come fall, you can put it in your boat gas tank, mower, weed wacker, blower, etc...then in the spring put it in the chain saw and winter tools. When using Sta-Bil you don't have to empty the tanks, just add SB to the full tank.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 14:32:03

I never worried about water in the gas with my outboard, because the tanks are small. I usually kept the valve open and the tank nearly empty in the off-season, because the tank expanded and contracted alot with changes in temperature. Also, I wanted to start the new season by putting in fresh gas. I never had water in my gas. My local Catalina dealer at that time believed that most people who had water in their gas got it from the marina's contaminated tanks, when they fueled up. I agree with the dealer that marina tanks are a far more likely source of water and other contaminants. I usually bought my gas on the way to the lake, where I knew the tanks were emptied and refilled into thousands of cars every week or two. Wherever sailing is seasonal, the marina's fuel tanks are just like our boat tanks - they sit idle all winter, while the gas in them gets stale, and who knows whether they keep their tanks filled or put any additives in it during the off-season! Probably not! In many places, boaters will be filling up with stale gas for 2-3 months after they launch.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 08/10/2009 14:58:17

jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 15:09:00

It does not seem likely that gas station tanks are completely emptied on any short term basis. Just as you add gas to your car's tank when it gets low so does the station operator. The worst time to buy gas at any station is just after a tanker truck has refilled the tank and stirred up the water and debris at the bottom.

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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2009 : 15:24:40

At-Ease mentioned Sta-Bil fuel additive. There are now two versions. The new one has a red label and is intended to deal with alcohol in gasoline. If you have an older engine, how old is a good question, then you need to use the red label Sta-Bil to prevent alcohol damage to fuel lines.

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