How to Know If Your Gas Tank Has Water

Sometimes, water may get into your vehicle's gas tank when filling up your tank using a pump. Cold weather may also cause condensation within your gas tank, resulting in water. Additionally, water may enter your gas tank if your fuel cap falls off during the rainy season.

If your gas tank contains water, your car may start experiencing some problems. Water may degrade your engine, affecting the performance of other car parts, including the fuel injectors and pipeline.

This article highlights four signs indicating the presence of water in your fuel tank.

1. Poor Fuel Consumption
When fuel, air, and water burn together, your engine's power output will reduce. As a result, the engine control unit (ECU) will try to improve your engine's power by injecting more fuel. When the ECU injects more fuel, your vehicle will consume more fuel.

The amount of water in your gas tank determines your fuel consumption. If your gas tank contains a lot of water, your vehicle will consume more fuel. A car that consumes a lot of fuel may lead to financial difficulties.

2. No Car Startup
For your engine to start, the pistons need to complete a rotation. However, when your fuel tank contains water, your pistons may not complete a rotation since water is not compressible like air. As a result, your engine may lock up completely.

Additionally, water may destroy your engine's internal components, including the crankshaft rod.

3. Acceleration Issues
Your car may start normally sometimes, but you may experience issues when pushing the accelerator down. This issue normally occurs when your vehicle's fuel system stops injecting gas into the engine. Instead, the fuel system pumps excessive water.

The two common types of acceleration issues that you are likely to experience include:
1. Rough acceleration: When you press the gas pedal, your car may produce jerky movements.
2. Slow acceleration: When changing your vehicle's speed, you may notice that your car takes a lot of time to pick up the speed. Slow acceleration prevents your vehicle from operating normally, causing wear and tear to the engine and your car's transmission system.

Driving a car with acceleration issues poses a great risk to you and other road users. Therefore, once you notice your vehicle has acceleration problems, take your car to an auto repair shop.

4. Separation Phase
The separation phase refers to when gasoline and water in your gas tank separate. Several factors can cause fuel separation. First, when temperatures suddenly change, fuel and water will separate. Another factor that can cause this issue is if your gas cap becomes loose. Additionally, if you like using gasoline that contains ethanol, you are likely to experience fuel and water separation.

Since water is dense compared to fuel, it will settle at the bottom of your gas tank while the fuel floats. This water may corrode your tank, especially if your gas tank is steel, causing extensive damage. The rust may also affect your entire vehicle's fuel system.

The main problem here is that you will only notice the damage when the tank is almost empty. By this time, the damage may be irreversible. As a result, you may need to replace the entire tank.

To avoid this issue, do not leave your fuel idle for long. Also, buy good-quality fuel for your vehicle. Finally, consider buying a vehicle with engines made from materials like plastic polypropylene, regrind plastic, and high-density polyethylene.

Dealing with a gas tank containing water can be frustrating. Therefore, if you notice any of the above signs, contact Kell Radiator Service to help you get rid of the water.