water in gas tank

[Keith N.]

Hi Folks;

I just had the gas tank on my C3 replaced as the inside bottom of tank was rusting. I had been having trouble keeping the car running and diagnostics eventually led to the tank. I had the carb re-built, installed a new sending unit, blew out the fuel line with carb cleaner and installed an in-line fuel filter (will remove before judging). I'm hoping that will get rid of my gas 'gremlins' for awhile. My question is this. We found water in the gas tank. What sort of damage can water in your fuel line do to your engine? Valves?

[Jack H.]

Re: water in gas tank

I wouldn't be so worried about water damaging the engine... Cars are routinely driven in the rain where SIGNIFICANT levels of airbore water vapor are drawn into the engine through the air cleaner and run through the combustion process.

The thing to consider is the fuel lines... They were tin dipped steel and are susceptible to rusting through from the inside out. How much internal corrosion has resulted over the years despite your having blown them out with compressed air?

[Stephen L.]

Re: water in gas tank

Back in the 50's there was an attachment to the engine that injected water into the engine to minimize pre-ignition.