bottom of the tank and get the water out, even if that includes draining the entire tank. Large accumulations cannot be safely removed with a fuel/water separator, since by then, you begin to pump slugs of nothing but ethanol and water. Fil- ter separators can remove some water in the fuel but not when the entire flow through the element is a concentration of nothing but water and etha- nol. In order to prevent ethanol related damage, you must start your program with a water free tank. Next, use an additive that will prevent new water that enters either through the fuel source or condensation from bonding with the ethanol. Emulsifying the water won’t do it, a barrier must be in place between the ethanol and water, leav- ing the ethanol in solution and the water in the bottom where in small quantities it can be han- dled either through draining of your sump, or a good fuel/water separator. It’s as simple as that; control the water and you will control at least the
worst effects of ethanol. All other benefits such as lubricity and stabilizers are great, but useful only if you take care of first things first, the water. Let’s review the basics. 1. Get the water out, get all of it out. 2. Prevent future water from bonding with the ethanol with a chemical barrier. 3. Install a good fuel/water separator to handle water as it occurs. Other benefits are great, but if you fail at these three basics, you will never control ethanol related problems. It’s really that simple.
Issue 4
August 2012
29