H2O in fuel??

[kirkster5]

I know prevention is the best cure for phase separation but, just in case....would an in-line Racor system catch the H2O that may be in the tanks due to e-10 phase separation. Due to some unforseen circumstances the last time I fueled my 36 Uniflite DCMY (twin/carborated/454 gas crusaders) was last September. I did run the engines in late November. I have twin saddle tanks of 100 gallons per with about 80 gallons in each tank. Of that fuel apx. 35 gallons per tank were fueled from e-10 gas. I'd rather not drain the tanks and start fresh. Plus it is about impossible to find a yard that will do this for you. Any thoughts?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Yes, your Racors will catch the H2O. Your Racors re-useable and or have a drain at the bottom? If not, better have extra filters just in case. Next time, you can help slow down any phase separation by taping over the tank vents over the winter to minimize the tanks "breathing".

[kimosammy]

I was in a marine shop the other day. Noticed a fuel breather filter thingy which conects between the tank and vent. Cost was $150. I wonder if that might be worth it?

[Papa Charlie]

My opinion is that you are better off running your engines periodically if possible. That will get rid of any accumulation of water in the tanks better than anything. Any amount that remains or is picked between runs will be removed by the filters.
I am not familure with this filter you describe but too often they are only another thing for us to spend money on.

[kirkster5]

The Racor filters are a very comon in-line fuel h20 seperator used in most larger vesels. In the Diesel version they have a glass bowl that lets you see the H20 accumulation and actually drain it out the bottom. Unfourtunatly in the Gas version you are not allowed the glass bowl to see when to drain. I'm just not sure they were intended to deal with the potential volume of H20 that this phase seperation problem could cause.

[MartySchwartz]

Just remember that if you actually have phase separation in e-10 fuel the remaining gas is Very low octane. If you have reached that point it is time to have the fuel removed and replaced. A water separating filter will help keep the water out of the engine though.

Marty...................