What to Do If Water-Contaminated Gasoline Is Added?
2 Answers
After adding water-contaminated gasoline, you can first let it settle to separate the oil and water, then remove the water. However, this method is difficult to completely eliminate the water in the fuel tank and can only remove most of the moisture. It is necessary to remove the car's spark plugs and expose them to the sun for a period of time until it is confirmed that there is no moisture left in the spark plugs. Water-contaminated fuel needs to be treated; otherwise, it can cause frequent stalling and damage the engine. The fuel in the tank is injected into the engine through the fuel injector. The engine continues to work when it receives fuel but stops when it receives water, leading to stalling. If a car encounters heavy rain or water ingress, certain special circumstances may cause water to enter the fuel tank. Improper handling can easily damage the engine, cause frequent stalling, and leave lasting issues. If there is only a small amount of water in the gasoline and the tank is not full, you can continue to add uncontaminated gasoline to reduce the water content. You can also add fuel additives such as fuel tank water removers or fuel system cleaners to help the engine burn more efficiently. If a significant amount of water has entered, you can drain all the fuel from the tank and refill it with uncontaminated fuel. If the car experiences engine shaking or poor acceleration, it is necessary to go to a 4S shop to clean the filter, fuel lines, and injectors. Otherwise, severe cases may result in the car failing to start. Gasoline has strong hydrophilic properties and can absorb moisture from the air, so low water content is not a problem.
A couple of days ago, I saw a friend's car having issues because some water accidentally got mixed in while refueling. The car started shaking badly and had no power when accelerating. If you ever get water-contaminated gasoline, never attempt to start the engine—otherwise, water could enter the engine and make repairs even more complicated. It's best to call a tow truck and have the car taken directly to a repair shop. At the shop, the mechanic will first drain the contaminated fuel from the tank, then flush the entire fuel system with specialized cleaning agents. Usually, they'll also need to clean the fuel injectors and replace the fuel filter to ensure no future problems. As a reminder, always choose reputable gas stations when refueling—some smaller stations might dilute fuel with water to cut costs, so never go for the cheapest option.
