How to Check if Water Has Entered the Fuel Tank?
3 Answers
Check if the color of the engine oil is abnormal. If the engine oil turns milky white, it indicates that water has entered the fuel tank or engine. Below is an introduction to faults related to water entering the fuel tank, fuel tank, or engine crankcase: 1. Water in the fuel tank can cause rust, corrosion, and aging of the tank. If there is water in the fuel system, it can lead to decreased engine power, increased fuel consumption, vehicle shaking, and difficulty starting in winter. Symptoms of water in the fuel tank include difficulty starting, engine backfire, high idle speed, or insufficient power. 2. If water enters the fuel tank, in mild cases, the vehicle may be hard to start and lack acceleration power after starting; in severe cases, the vehicle may not start at all. 3. If water enters the engine crankcase, in mild cases, it can cause abnormal lubrication noise, reducing the service life of components such as crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bearings, camshaft bearings, and valve guides in the valve train. In severe cases, it can lead to crankshaft seizure, connecting rod breakage, or cylinder block cracking.
If you often DIY car repairs like me, I'd say there are a few simple ways to check for water in the fuel tank. First, park in a safe spot, then open the fuel filler cap and shine a flashlight inside to look for water droplets or separation in the fuel. Since oil and water don't mix, you should clearly see water floating on top of the clear fuel. If nothing's visible, try starting the engine—if it sputters or stalls right away, it's likely water in the tank affecting fuel delivery. Finally, drain a bit of fuel from the tank's bottom drain screw to check for clarity or water contamination. Remember, this issue can cause engine corrosion and failure, so if you suspect anything, avoid long drives and address it promptly or get a professional inspection.
I always emphasize that prevention is the most worry-free approach. As someone who is accustomed to regular maintenance, I believe checking for water in the fuel tank should be a routine task. After each refueling, check if the fuel filler cap is properly sealed to prevent rainwater or dust from entering. Use an absorbent paper to dip a bit of fuel and observe if it absorbs quickly or shows water droplets. Excessive sludge at the bottom of the fuel tank may also hide water, so periodically use professional tools to extract samples and check for stratification. Pay attention to abnormalities while driving, such as sluggish acceleration or sputtering sounds, which are signs of water ingress. For prevention, avoid parking in low-lying areas and refrain from opening the fuel tank cap during rainy weather. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of water ingress and protect the engine's lifespan.
