Condensation in Fuel Tank

Janesy B

Janesy B

Janesy B

Caporegime
Joined
19 Apr 2008
Posts
26,379
Location
Essex
The fuel tank for my fiesta is currently off the car and in the garage, I noticed that there was quite a bit of condensation in the tank and I can see droplets of water in the 1l of fuel that's still in the tank. This has formed while the tank was in storage.

Is there any way of getting rid of this because I obviously don't want to have a tank full of condensation/droplets in the fuel. Would swilling the tank with fuel and emptying it suffice?
 
The little condensation that forms in a fuel tank is not really a problem for the combustion process, just think of it as a free water-injection setup.

To get a lot is rare, how long has it been in storage?

What roughly is the mixture in your tank petrol%water wise?
 
It's been in the garage for a week now. The amount is quite tiny and by the time I've swilled it out it'll be about a few drops to every litre of fuel. It's mainly down to how bloody cold it is and the tank being metal.

I'm not overly concerned, I'd just like to get rid of as much as possible because I don't want to remove it again after refitting as it's such a pain.
 
They'll be condensation everywhere in the car. exhaust etc

It'll clear through no problem if its a small amount as you say. Water can wear fuel pump system but I wouldn't worry.
 
Its only a fiesta, the worst thing that can happen is it doesn't blowup when you start it.....







On a more serious note, i'd be tempted to ditch the fuel in it and clean the tank out and put some fresh fuel in.
 
It's only got 1l in it anyway, I syphoned most of it out before I removed the tank to make life easy. What can I clean it out with? More petrol and keep rinsing it through with petrol?

InvaderGIR said:
A match should fix this problem, no?
Click to expand...

It would set my garage on fire whilst the car sits on the front drive safe as houses. Problem not solved :(
 
Warm the tank to above air temperature. Won't help with getting rid of the current condensation but will prevent any more forming.

You could pour it into a container and 'skim off' the water/petrol depending which is lighter and assuming they're immiscible.. meanwhile heating the tank to remove remaining moisture.
 
Dave L said:
A shot of Wynns "Dry Fuel" additive will sort it out if it really bugs you.

Brilliant stuff.
Click to expand...

That's great thanks, I'll look out for that tomorrow when I go on the hunt for some exhaust rubbers.

The tiny bit of water probably won't cause any problems but a fiver isn't much for piece of mind :)
 
I managed to get rid of all the water by cleaning out the tank with petrol and keeping it in the warm for a bit. No problems so far.

DSC00486.jpg


Found this nice bit of fuel line though, I reckon replacing that will earn me +50bhp ;)
 
HAY WAITE

that fuel line has a kink in it which looks about half way down, how powerful should your engine be? I'm guessing no more than 80bhp, I'm afraid by my calculations we are only looking at an increase of 40bhp max :(
 
You're looking at a 300 Horsepower increase there minimum.

The hose kink is a ford factory modification to restrict the power.

Enjoy lighting those front tyres up at junctions from now on! :D
 
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