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Water in the fuel tank

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Jose Ortega, Aug 2, 2021.

  1. Jose Ortega, Aug 2, 2021
    #1
    Jose Ortega

    Jose Ortega New Member

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    I have a 2013 40' Azimut Flybridge. I continue to have problems with water in my diesel tanks. I have polished my tanks 4 times in the last 9 months. I cannot figure out how the water is getting in. I have determined that the problem is not the marina where I get the diesel. I have changed the o rings so that isn't the problem. for some reason no one can figure out what the issue is. ANYONE else have had this issue and if so how did you correct it?

    Appreciate any help with this matter.
  2. classic, Aug 2, 2021
    #2
    classic

    classic Member

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    Jose ,

    How much water are you taking into the system ? are you seeing the water in the racor glass ? what is the location of the fuel filler on the deck or side mount .
  3. dennismc, Aug 2, 2021
    #3
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    Check the location of the vent lines for the tanks, they may be too low and catching salt spray when running. Have seen that before..
    gr8trn likes this.
  4. motoryachtlover, Aug 2, 2021
    #4
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    I had the very same issue that Dennnis speaks about. If you have the stomach drain the water and stick your finger in it and taste it. Mine tasted salty so I knew it was sea water. Turns out in certain wind and sea conditions the water would splash into the vent holes. Someone had installed the vent with holes facing slightly forward.
  5. alvareza, Aug 2, 2021
    #5
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    There are test strips for saltwater pools that will work well to avoid the taste test
  6. Boatbuilder, Aug 2, 2021
    #6
    Boatbuilder

    Boatbuilder Member

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    O-ring on the Diesel deck fill?
  7. Capt Ralph, Aug 2, 2021
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    This was what drove me crazy on one job.
    On another issue, deck to fill sealant failed, top hose clamp rusted away, hose turned into a funnel and let water come in the hose top.
    Also, check your fuel coolers.
    Do you run both engines from one fuel tank? Any way to split the fuel supply to each engine?
  8. Jose Ortega, Aug 3, 2021
    #8
    Jose Ortega

    Jose Ortega New Member

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    Yes I am seeing water in the racor. side mount. Last time we had 6 gallons of water come out of 1 tank and 1 gallon from the other tank.
  9. Jose Ortega, Aug 3, 2021
    #9
    Jose Ortega

    Jose Ortega New Member

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    Thank you. I have not tasted but someone recommended that I taste it to see if it is fresh water or salt. I will try it now and update this post.
  10. Jose Ortega, Aug 3, 2021
    #10
    Jose Ortega

    Jose Ortega New Member

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    SOrry fuel filler is on the deck.
  11. Pascal, Aug 3, 2021
    #11
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I never understood why so many builders put the fuel fillers on deck. It s stupid. When I repowered my old 53 I moved the fillers from the top of the toe rail to a box recessed on the house side.

    make sure the boat is trimmed so that everything flows back toward the tank access plates. If the access plates used to get j to the tank to polish are aft, if the boat is a bit bow down at rest most of the water will be away from where it could be picked up. Adjust water tank levels or move weight around so the area where you access the tank is the lowest
  12. Capt J, Aug 3, 2021
    #12
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Azimuts from that era have a tendancy to crack fuel tanks. I know of a few 66's with cracked fuel tanks......check the top of the tank really good and make sure it's not cracked at a seam, and make sure water is not leaking on top of it.
  13. Jose Ortega, Aug 11, 2021
    #13
    Jose Ortega

    Jose Ortega New Member

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    Thank you. I will.