Hi,

1989 Daimler XJ40, 3.6

Left my car one evening, started fine next morning but died after a minute or so. Half a tank of gas on meter, but when I checked the fuel filler compartmentit was full of water. Cleared drain pipe and wather flushed.

Now I cannot start the car and 99% chance it's water in the fuel.

I have searched a lot of forums, with no solution as such.

How is the best way to do this the easiest way? I have heard that draining the tank is quite a hazzle. Wouldn't it be OK to remove fuel filter, crank the car and get rid off a few litres of fuel and then reconnect. Remove plugs, clean, add a tad fresh fuel in cylinder, reconnect and try to restart.

(Fuel filter, plugs, cables, distr. cap replaced 4 months ago.)

Alternatively, how do I drain the fuel pipes?

Is it a better way to do this, or would I do anything wrong by following that procedure? Any comments?

I am not a trained mechanic, so keep it simple.... Thanks a lot in advance.

 

Oddman,

I've had this problem before. First, I would try a can of Heet, or it's equivalent available in Norway, here's a link to the product: (I have no affiliation)

FAQ, HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze, HEET Water Remover, Fuel Line Water Remover, Injector Cleaner | Gold Eagle

Add the product to the remaining fuel and start cranking the engine, it will start, chug along for a moment, then smooth out. Fill your tank right away.

I'm sure there are other products available, this is the one I'm familiar with and it has worked for me. I live in the Southern US, along the Gulf Coast and we frequently get pounded by heavy rain... had 5 inches in 24 hours just last week.

Try the Heet route first before attempting the fuel tank/line method. The drain plug is almost impossible to get to if your working on the car at home. The drain's location and working on the ground from underneath, will make for messy work, but it is doable.... have a very large container/funnel (wide opening) to catch the fuel and you will have to be diligent in cleaning up the fuel that will certainly splatter everywhere.

Good luck

PS - Is your paint scheme CFF (Crimson)

 

Hi-test vodka or moonshine will also allow the water to dissipate (any alcohol)

 

Thanks Rob and Lawrence.

Added a fair amount of Heet equivalent, cleaned plugs and tried again. Yo, the engine started, but quite harsh and lastet for about a couple of minutes before it stalled again. I couldn't get it to start after that. But obviously, we are in to something here.

I will try again and maybe also change plugs. Hopefully I will get it to start again. With garage prices in Norway at $ 200 an hour, you try yourself first...:-)

Thanks for the tip.

Rob: Yes, the car has Crimson color scheme.

 

Hi,

just to update group. Changed plugs, but car would not start. There was to much water in tank for heet (or equivalent/isopropanol) to work.

Instead of getting car to garage or to try to find the drain plug, I made myself hose with a string attached to the end that goes in the tank. I roughly measured the lenght of the hose to go well into tank and to allow a bend to reach the bottom of the tank. Then I just pulled the string, you can physically feel the end touch the bottom. Then I sucked up 3-4 litres of fuel. I had it in a clear container and about 15-20% was water.

I then "helped" the engine with some start gas at air intake, and low and behold, the car started. Quite roughly at start but after a minute or so clean gas arrived and engine was as smooth as ever. No problem with start or misfire after.

I used a quite thick stiff garden hose, and drilled a small hole 2-3 mm from the end to fasten the string. I hope you understand the rough sketch enclosed.

Lesson learned: Allways check drain hose for debris when refueling!

 

Excellent news and a very clever trick!

Larry

 

Well done, Harald! Great idea!

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Don