[Rick Senn]

My 240z talari has started to run rough and now not even idle. I pulled the fuel filter and it was completely full of water. Emptied it and put it back on to run for a few minutes. Once again, it filled with water. I have a 1/2 tank of fuel and I have emptied the filter 11 times, (about a gallon in total) each time full of water. Boat barely starts now. Once I get all of the water out and new gas and additive in, any other things to do to prevent water issues? Is this related to using ethanol?
Thanks

[Dozer]

Not with that much water. Sounds like you have water pouring into your fuel tank somewhere. Does the filler seal when shut? Is rainwater finding its way in somewhere?

[ShabahZ280]

It could be ethanol related, but I highly doubt it'd cause THAT much water. Like dozer said, check for other points of entry for water.

Once you get your tank emptied I would seriously look into some of this stuff called Gas-Shok:

USA Fuel

I've used it many times, and seen it actually make water mixed in a jar with gasoline disappear and leave nothing but clean fuel. It changes the molecular structure and does some other fancy science things I can't explain. But I can tell you honestly that it works, and my boats have never run better since I started using it.

[Rick Senn]

I took another gallon and a half out tonight. Could the tank have a leak at the top by the connections to allow rain water to enter throught the intake? Seems unlikely and daunting to fix to access. How does the tank get removed for servicing? I checked the filler cap and it is not a great seal. We have had alot of rain the past two months and the cover funnels it over the back. Maybe that is the cause of my water drama in Vermont.

[Dozer]

I would think that's the cause. I'm in NY and we have the ethanol. I've never had an issue like this. My seal on the filler is very good. When I winterized my boat I checked for water in the filter and had none. Had a half tank all winter and had no problem starting this spring.

[ColoradoDiablo]

I think I'd run a bore scope in the tank and look for problems. They rent them around here at Autozone.
That would give you a birds eye of what is in there and going on.
You could drain the tank and see if it gets water in from rain.
The gasket on my Diablo was so shrunk and rotten , that it had a lot of give in the cap. Couldn't find a replacement , so made one from a truck tube X 2.
JMO

[Rick Senn]

i am sure you guys are correct. The water in the filter is very clear, no particulates or color. I can fix the fill cap after I get the tank emptied and see. How can you drain the tank without gas going into the bilge. Do you run a long flex line down the fill hole? Thanks!

[ColoradoDiablo]

Take fill hose off at tank inlet and run a siphon hose in the tank and out the bilge drain hole. Takes awhile , but it is the easiest way. Unless you have a electric pump laying around.
Just be very careful working with the fuel. Make sure you are outside and keep all spark of any kind away!

[Rick Senn]

Check the fuel lid seal and it is tight. After I get all of the fuel out, how can I inspect the tank, intake, vent and sender connections? They appear to be on top if the tank and I dont see an access from the back or floor storage containers. It has to be rain water given the amount we have received the past month. Has anyone heard of the tank leaking or breaking at a weld?
Thanks!

[ColoradoDiablo]

[QUOTE=ColoradoDiablo;45979]I think I'd run a bore scope in the tank and look for problems. They rent them around here at Autozone.
That would give you a birds eye of what is in there and going on.


Should have access to the sending unit just in front of the engine on the 240 I believe.
Maybe a bad gasket at the sending unit , but man I'd think you would see and smell gas big time for that amount of water.
Can't say as I ever heard of a tank breaking at the weld , or any other place for that matter.