Accidentally add a jug of water into the gas tank, how do I fix this?

MAYSLACEY0

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I accidentally poured a jug of water into my gas tank thinking it was gas, now my car spits and sputters trying to start and then makes a terrible sound and doesn't start. I have put gas treatment in the tank, bought new relay and fuses for the fuel pump and I can't get it to Start. What should I do?

Monday, November 1st, 2021 AT 3:12 AM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

When you have substantial amount of water in the fuel tank, the first step would be to drain the tank. As fuel treatments will not be able to help with excess water.
You try to siphon the fuel out of the tank.

Here is a helpful video:

https://youtu.be/Q5MH2gnyFH0

Keep in mind that water will settle at the bottom of the tank and might not be able to get all out by siphoning.
It might require dropping the fuel tank to get all the water out.

Depending on how much water might be in the fuel lines, they could need to be purged as well.

I have attached fuel tank removal procedure below for your reference as well as siphon procedures.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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