Will water in a gas tank be harmful to the engine?

Answer 1

Yes, it can, if the water gets into the engine. Too much water in your gas might prevent your engine from starting, and can cause internal rust that can eventually seize your engine (stop the engine parts from moving). When vehicles are not started for several months, temperature changes can cause condensation inside the fuel tank from the humid air inside the tank. The longer a vehicle sits idle, the more water you may have in the fuel tank. In very cold weather, a few droplets of water sitting in a fuel line could turn to ice and prevent fuel from getting to your engine until the weather gets above freezing. If you think there is a lot of water in your fuel tank, the best solution is to NOT turn over or start your engine. Remove and drain your fuel tank, and put new fuel in it before attempting to start the vehicle. If you suspect that there is only a small amount of water in your fuel tank, a can or two of "gas dryer" in your tank should solve the problem. This is sold under various brand names, usually in 12 ounce cans, at most auto parts stores in Fall and Winter seasons when fuel tank condensation is most likely to occur, and is predominantly alcohol, which is soluble in both water and petroleum distillates (such as gasoline or diesel fuel). As a practical solution on an ongoing basis, you might look for a gas station that adds ethanol to the gas. Some stations are now doing this year-round. Some just do it in cold-weather months.