water in fuel

windy-au

Junior Member
Hi , my 30 roadster/ute keeps getting water in the fuel tank every time it rains , here does not appair to be any place for it to get into the tank & there are no leaks from the tank as I can fill it to the top with out any leaks or fuel smell.
There is no seal under the fuel cap but I find it hard to see how the water can go up the neck of the tank & get into the tank . With the car parked out side in the last few weeks & about 6" of rain there was about 1 ltr of water in the tank .
I'am not using any ethonal mixed fuel in it now I was befor but I stoped using it & drained the tank then , so that should not be a problem now .
Anyone have any idears as it is getting to be a pain to drain the water out every time I want to go for a drive after rain , & I will be putting my new motor in soon with a new alloy carb & do not want it filling up with water .
Thanks Allan.
 
I should try a seal. Allen ,and think your problems are over. Also take care that that the seal is not blocking the caps vent. ( 30 31 car only ) If you have a 28 29 car also you should have a seal in place.
 
I would put a gasket in it. Like Sherlock Holmes said:

when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?
 
I have the same issue with my 31 fordor. I have filled the tank to the brim and cannot see any evidence of leaks, no gas smell etc. I have a new gasket seal in the cap and the vents are clear. Like you I am in hopes someone here has an answer or suggestion. I am at the point of pulling the tank.
Chuck
 
Are you sure it is not the ethanol gas that is being sold? It sucks up water like a sponge and settles out in a very short time. Modern cars have sealed systems unlike our model A Fords
 
I will try a gasket on the cap , but I still can not see how it will help when the car is parked , I can see it working when i'am driving .
I stoped using the ethanol mixed fuel about 1 year ago & i hope that the servo that I get my fuel from is not coning everyone by selling the cheaper fuel at the higher price ( but would not be surprized ).
Thanks Allan
 
I have 28-29 vehicles and have not worked on 30-31 bodies to fully understand the components of the 30-31 fuel tanks, caps and close parts so this thought may be way off.... Is it possible that when it rains, the temperature of the tank is quickly cooled creating a vacuum that draws water into the tank at the nongasketed gas cap. A sudden heavy rain could put enough water at the base of the cap to be drawn into the tank. The amount of water you state is in the tank just seems to be way more than normal condensation. As suggested in previous posts, install the correct gasket.
Good Day!
Dave in MN
 
I have always suspected the ethanol. I drain as much as a quart of water from the tank after a rain. The problem with my "T" is not as bad but then again it's tank is under the seat. I also considered the expansion and contraction of the gas to suck in moisture but again the quantity of water is the question. I would think there is more than the two of us having this issue.
 
How about cutting a plastic orange juice or similiar jug and strapping it over the gas cap upside down? Remove before flight.
Clem
 
Col. Clement has it right.

Seal it off with a plastic can or something that will completely cover the gas cap down to the tank and see what happens the next time it rains.
 
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