how do you test for water in diesel fuel?
buying a used boat with 200 gallon fuel tank. how do i find out if there is water in the fuel/
7 Responses to “how do you test for water in diesel fuel?”
Jan 2nd at 11:42 am By: Privratnik
I’m not sure, but we used to check avgas by puting a small amount in a clear vial and looking at it.
The fuel has a slight pinkish tint, and since it doesn’t mix with water, the two will separate. You’re looking for a clear liquid under a layer of pink fuel.
Your challenge would be getting your sample from the bottom of the tank, since that’s where the water will condense.
Jan 2nd at 12:13 pm By: tumbleweed1954
Diesel floats on water. There should be a drain at the bottom of the tank that you can open. If not the engine has a water seperator. Drain it a little if it has a drain and see if there’s water. If no drain then replace the water seperator to be safe. *
*This info is from a truck driver not a boater but it should be the same.
Jan 2nd at 12:18 pm By: oklatom
Diesel will float on top of water. If there is a drain plug in the tank, drain a small amount out…is it water? If there is no drain, go to the bottom of the tank with a suction hose and test it that way.
Jan 2nd at 1:10 pm By: captbryguy
There is a special paste, we used, like in a toothpaste tube.
We put it on the bottom of our big dip sticks (the one’s to see how many gallons are left). The paste would turn to certain color to indicate the water presence and at what level.
This is used by gas/deisel stations – You’ve seen the guys dipping the tanks.
Check your local gas station or retailer.
Jan 2nd at 1:48 pm By: stewpid
the captain is correct. i can’t remember the name of the paste but it turns pink if there is water. a good marina should have it. or a diesel distributor.
Jan 2nd at 2:17 pm By: kyle c
kolor kut paste i work on a 150′ offshore supply boat we hold 30000 gallons of fuel thats what we use
Jan 2nd at 3:08 pm By: mark t
Water finding paste is the way to go if you can stick the tank with a dipstick. On small boats this is not usually the case. See if there is an access plate to the tank that can give you a straight shot to the tank. If not check the primary fuel filter. If its a Racor filter it should have a clear bowl that allows you to see the fuel/or water if there is any. If you get the boat dump in a can of sludge and slime control to kill anything that may be growing in there and keep an eye on the filters.
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