[doverden]

This is a 2005 Tiara 3200 open. Twin D-6 310 Volvo Diesels.  Docked on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina and not easily accessible for a mechanic.
Problem:  A Dockside worker inadvertently put about a 1\2 to a gallon of fresh water in the fuel tank via the fill port. (Starboard side fill port). This was done while boat was being "lifted" and put on lift for the winter.  So boat is out of the water and cannot be started as EVC is showing "Water In Fuel".

2 questions:  
1. Any step by step instructions on how I can drain the fuel tank? Boat is on a lift so need to do it while on the lift.
2. I can drain the two water-fuel separator filters on each engine...but...here is the embarrassing part...I am not sure how to disconnect the sensor on the bottom of each filter which is necessary to rotate the bottom drain to drain the water.  Each sensor connector has a wire clip on the connector. How can it be disconnected?

I can easily replace the racors.

Any help is appreciated.  Cannot start the engines to get the boat off the lift due to water contamination.

Thanks.

[jclark003]

Tough break for sure, but it does happen. I would highly recommend getting a professional to clean out the tank. Water in Diesel fuel is a very bad thing and engines are expensive to replace. If you have 2 tanks can you run both engines off the clean one and get it to a marina?

If not then I would start by pulling the tank sender, then with a level check the pitch of tank, both for to aft and port to starboard. Water is heavier than fuel oil so it will gravitate to the lowest center of gravity in the tank. get some rigid hose so you can steer the hose to the low spot and pump it out until you get clean fuel. To be safe I would move the hose around to capture as much as possible.

Many tanks also have sumps and for sure water will collect there as well. Remove the fuel withdrawal line from the pickup (not return line) and start pumping until you get clean fuel. I would go the extra step and use the rigid line to get to the low spot of the sump as well.

Make sure your pump is rated for diesel fuel and exercise all cautions with flammable liquids.


Csnt help you with the racor drains, maybe go on their website. Once you figure that out you will want to drain them quite frequently especially after you bounce around a bit.

Add a little biocide to be safe and carry some extra Racors and secondary fuel filters. Do not use any kind of fuel additive that will emulsify water into the fuel (unless you plan on pumping the tank completely dry)

Good luck.

[doverden]

Thanks for the quick response. I believe the 3200 has just one tank with crossover feeds between the port and starboard fills. Will double check this.

Any idea on question 2? I included a pic in my first post of the water sensor connector at the bottom of the fuel-water separator filter on the port engine. The connector has a wire configured on the connector which I think assists in securing the connection. Does it need to be depressed to disconnect the connection? (Assume I will have to get the water out of those separators at some point.)

Lastly, is the system pressurized while engines are not running?
Thanks again.


Trying to get a mechanic over to the island.

Thanks again for your help.

[Uhehner]

You are not the first person to have this problem letting yard help fill your tanks. Gas, diesel and water tanks are constantly filled with the wrong liquid.
I suggest you have the travel lift operator tilt the boat side to side and fore and aft so there is a low point in the tank that is accessible. Then a drive around the marina to shake the water to this low point. Finally a length of copper tubing serves as a rigid hose to get in the corner. Use a pump with a diesel fuel compatible impeller. Carry extra filters on your next few trips.
Capt. George

[jclark003]

The picture of your connector isn't very clear. The ones I've seen have a tab that when depressed allows the connector to be separated. Yes Bowles should be emptied and checked frequently until no more water is present.

No your Racors draw vacuum and are not pressurized. Neither are the tanks or lines.