How to Deal with Water in a Motorcycle Fuel Tank?
2 Answers
Remove the fuel tank from the frame, then drain all the excess fuel inside. Shake the tank left and right to clean it. Block the fuel level sensor installation hole and pressurize the tank from the fuel cap using compressed air. The remaining small amount of mixture will flow out from the fuel tank switch. After letting the initially drained fuel settle, add it back into the tank. Shake the tank to clean it until all the mixture flows out completely, then you can stop the operation.
I've been riding motorcycles for over twenty years and have encountered fuel tank water contamination several times, always solving it myself. The first step is never to attempt starting the engine, as water entering could damage pistons or injectors - that'd be costly. Park in a quiet spot, prepare a long straw or dedicated siphon tool, and slowly drain the water from the tank bottom, removing as much as possible. Then, add fresh gasoline, slosh it around to rinse residues; if moisture remains, add isopropanol-based dehydrator to help evaporate water. Finally, refill with fresh fuel and attempt starting - if unsuccessful, professional cleaning is needed. For prevention, I'm meticulous about parking in dry areas, regularly checking fuel cap seals, and avoiding direct water spray near the cap during washes. This practical experience saves money effectively.
