Water in the fuel

[CaptainL]

I can't be alone when I complain of a constant problem with water accumulating in my gas engine tanks. I'm aware of the problem caused by the alcohol content in our gasoline absorbing humidity and condensing water, but I have been searching for some time for a small engine version of the water separators sold regularly for marine application. Has anyone found a low-cost filter with a clear bowl and a drain at the bottom of the bowl to facilitate draining off the accumulated water, that can be applied to small engine equipment? If not, why hasn't anyone come up with one yet?

 

[ILENGINE]

The issue is the water in the fuel is usually associated with the ethanol in the fuel, which makes it hard to separate the water in the fuel other than the phase separation water at the bottom, but if you disturb that water while trying to drain it can be remixed with the good fuel.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Briggs, Walbro both do water trap filters, around $20 but you will have to make some sort of bracket to hold it.
Been around for about 70 years and usually fitted to stationary engines because when fitted to mowers tilting too far will cause the water to exit via the clean fuel line.
Villiers used to fit them back in the 60's and BSA stationary engines used a combined tap & water filter in the 40's to 60's before they sold out to Villiers.
The Wisconsin ( 1955) fitted to the trencher also has a combined water trap & tap fitted ( still available ) .
Have you really looked ?

Water will condense out of the air when humidity is high and temperature is low .
Technically called the "dew point".
So when there is dew on the grass there can be water condensed in your fuel tank, ethanol or no ethanol.
The water drops to the bottom of the fuel so can not evaporate when the temperature rises.
This is why you always keep fuel tanks full and closed or empty & open.

 

[charlie50]

I can't be alone when I complain of a constant problem with water accumulating in my gas engine tanks. I'm aware of the problem caused by the alcohol content in our gasoline absorbing humidity and condensing water, but I have been searching for some time for a small engine version of the water separators sold regularly for marine application. Has anyone found a low-cost filter with a clear bowl and a drain at the bottom of the bowl to facilitate draining off the accumulated water, that can be applied to small engine equipment? If not, why hasn't anyone come up with one yet?

As cheap as these motors are made now there not going to put any more in to them than they have to in order to make a profit .the operator just needs to be aware of this and take steps to prevent migration of the water contaminated fuel from storage to engine . i all ways tell my customers to keep on hand only what they need . ethanol fuel is only good for maybe two months

 

[CaptainL]

Thanks Bertsmobile, I have really looked. I have one of the Briggs filters with the glass bowl and did make a bracket for it, but it does not have the drain valve on the bottom of the bowl because the clamp that retains the bowl is there. Further, having to remove the bowl regularly has ruined the flimsy rubber seal and has not served to solve the problem.
No, I haven't viewed any from the motorcycle companies and I'll try to check it out. Never heard of Villas but I'll try to look that up as well. To date, I have searched three internet small engine dealers, eBay, Amazon and inquired at several small engine repair shops in my area. Filters with bowls are available but none with a drain valve in a practical size that will fit onto a riding mower, snowblower, pressure washer, push mower, snow mobile, jet ski, etc.
I have not been able to find the filter you mentioned for the early Wisconsin engine. Could you provide a part number for reference? Thanks for your input.

 

[bertsmobile1]

If you want a drain bolt on the bottom then you will have to go to a much bigger unit.
All of the ones I refferred to are removable bowl type.
If you are getting more water than that you have a serious water problem elsewhere.
And look for diesel fuel filters not petrol ones .
As mentioned by Charlie it is expected that the owner do basic maintanance which involves draining the tank on occasions.
Most tanks have an inbuilt water /sludge trap in so far as the outlet is not the absolute bottom of the tank.

 

[charlie50]

If you want a drain bolt on the bottom then you will have to go to a much bigger unit.
All of the ones I refferred to are removable bowl type.
If you are getting more water than that you have a serious water problem elsewhere.
And look for diesel fuel filters not petrol ones .
As mentioned by Charlie it is expected that the owner do basic maintanance which involves draining the tank on occasions


Most tanks have an inbuilt water /sludge trap in so far as the outlet is not the absolute bottom of the tank.

Problem is Bert very few people do that i have to remind my patrons to ALL-ways run there machines monthly in the summer time and drain them in the winter time .

 

[bertsmobile1]

Problem is Bert very few people do that i have to remind my patrons to ALL-ways run there machines monthly in the summer time and drain them in the winter time .

But you can not design out lazyness , stupidity or ignorance.
We gave away company branded drawstring bags to customers who came in with mud plugger nests blocking their exhausts ( after charging $ 40 to clean them out ) but the same people come in every year.
When I kicked off I bought 400 2" diameter keyrings with a printed tag on them printed one side with company add and on the other with maintanance instructions ( check oil every time turn off fuel then run carb dry )
When the mowers got returned the keys were hung over the dip stick but that did not stop them running mowers with low oil.