How to detect free water in your diesel tank

[Freebee]

Its not the only way but...... this is a useful product I have used in the past.

Kolor Kut Water Finding Paste | Commercial Fuel Solutions

If you have a large diesel tank and if you can get a dipstick into your tank (you might use flexible plastic or something similar), simply smear the paste on the tank end of your dipstick and lower it in, if it hits water the paste changes colour and indicates the depth.

I have no connection what so ever to this company or product!

 

[stuartwineberg]

Wouldnt free water of any significant depth show up in the bowl of a racor?

 

[Freebee]

only if its above the fuel pick up. but most tanks have some space below the pick up, of course as a boat rolls this may momentarily be sucked up, but how can you calculate how much is in the tank by looking at the filter bowl??

 

[Parabolica]

Interesting. I had to have my tanks pumped and washed last month due to water in the fuel which was not what i wanted with 2900ltrs still in there. Will order some of this stuff to keep on board

 

[Hooligan]

Interesting. I had to have my tanks pumped and washed last month due to water in the fuel which was not what i wanted with 2900ltrs still in there. Will order some of this stuff to keep on board

What caused water to get in the tank do you know?

 

[Bandit]

Diesel fuel has a certain amount of water in it, it also absorbs water from the air, condensation on the inside of the tank. It pools on the bottom of the tank and accumulates. It does not disappear of it,s own accord. Leaking fuel caps, (replace the o ring each season.

 

[Parabolica]

What caused water to get in the tank do you know?

i believe it was as per the post above, the O-rings (i hope anyway because if not, i’m at a loss). I have now fitted much thicker O-rings which really tighten well before the cap mates with the filler neck, which really it shouldn’t.

 

[Bilgediver]

Its not the only way but...... this is a useful product I have used in the past.

Kolor Kut Water Finding Paste | Commercial Fuel Solutions

If you have a large diesel tank and if you can get a dipstick into your tank (you might use flexible plastic or something similar), simply smear the paste on the tank end of your dipstick and lower it in, if it hits water the paste changes colour and indicates the depth.

I have no connection what so ever to this company or product!

Used to use that deep seam 40 years ago