Horrible Mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,269
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From: Sharpsburg Georgia
GA Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by Powerdrive
Nope... no story here. I just didn't want him to post again in a coupla days about how his regulator and injectors are now all shot to hell, because of anything I said
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro NY
Originally Posted by ski_dwn_it
On the leaving your gas tank open, one thing to say about that: **** happens.
Now onto how to get it fixed:
The reason your not getting hardly any fuel out of the line with the key turned on is your pump will only enerize for a few seconds and then turn back off if the car doesn't start. So the pump is not pumping after that period of time.
Now onto how to get it fixed:
The reason your not getting hardly any fuel out of the line with the key turned on is your pump will only enerize for a few seconds and then turn back off if the car doesn't start. So the pump is not pumping after that period of time.
I had a problem with water in my gas. I blew my rear and the car sat overnight at my job parking lot ( I get out of work late about midnight).
So I had the car towed home the next morning. The flatbed guy brought the car up to my house where it sat for a month trying to get a new rear. After a month trying to locate a D44 I settle on a crap D36 w horrible 2.59's. W.E. at least I can drive it again til I find a D44 I figured.
Well the next time I try to run the car it wont start. Hmmm. Its been sitting for almost 2 months now. Do I have a spark? Yes. Do I have fuel pressure? Yes. OK now what? So I press the purge on the fuel pressure gauge. What? It looks like water. OK.
Now I energize the fuel pump by running a fused wire from the battery to the G terminal. Holding the purge button down and start to pump milky water out of my tank. Filling gallon size milk jugs I fill up 3 full gallons of milky water before it starts to pump what looks like contaminated gas. I call the police and get a report made up for insurance. (and buy a locking gas cap). Figuring the insurance would handle vandalism I had it towed to a buddys shop.
The Water in the tank ruined a brand new fuel pump (monster bosch intank $250), had 8 hours of shop time and had to change the fuel filter and injectors (to be safe). I ate the first $500 (deductable).
Just be aware that your fuel pump isn't made for water and probably will rust like mine did and become weak and seize.
Last edited by Gold1986Vette420; Mar 20, 2006 at 02:32 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
As pointed out, without your fuel pump running the "I can pee 5 times as fast as this thing" was just gravity draining the tank. Also, did you happen to look at the labels on those rubbing alcohol bottles? The one I just checked is 70% isopropyl. Others I have had were 50%. The rest is water. Depending on the size bottles you bought, you may have added more water than the car wash did. All in all, a very unfortunate event. It looks like you are well on your way to having it resolved.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,277
Likes: 236
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
As pointed out, without your fuel pump running the "I can pee 5 times as fast as this thing" was just gravity draining the tank. Also, did you happen to look at the labels on those rubbing alcohol bottles? The one I just checked is 70% isopropyl. Others I have had were 50%. The rest is water. Depending on the size bottles you bought, you may have added more water than the car wash did. All in all, a very unfortunate event. It looks like you are well on your way to having it resolved.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
Terminal "G"
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro NY
I actually jumpered the G terminal as well. I just didn't remember the layout and was too lazy too look it up.
You can also jumper the feed and the trigger wires right at the fuel pump relay on the firewall by the wiper motor. (easiest).
You can also jumper the feed and the trigger wires right at the fuel pump relay on the firewall by the wiper motor. (easiest).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Originally Posted by eric_daniel
OK, this is the HANDS DOWN most embarrassing story that has every been told on the corvette forum (or that I've heard.) My wife said "here's your sign" after it happened. As a matter of fact, I can't believe I'm telling it, but I've got to get the questions out there...........
I had just finished filling up my 85 with gas (premium only) when I decided to drive it over to the drive through car wash. I drive through the washer and drive out. When I get out, my car goes dead. I wasn't sure what could be making it do that, when, IT HIT ME!!!! I hadn't put the gas cap on. I had left my gas lid open, and my gas cap off through the whole wash. There was NO telling how much water had gotten into my tank.
So I walked over to the grocery store and proceded to by 10 bottles of rubbing alcohol to get rid of the water. All in, but to no avail. The I get a can of starter fluid and spray it into the plenum. The car will crank up for about 1 second and die. I continue to do this for a short while, but it never gets better.
So we next put the vette on a car caddy and carry it out to the house. I take the fuel filter off and cut the key on. The fuel pump pressurizes and will pump it out AT A VERY SLOW RATE!!!! I mean like 1 gallon in an hour. I can pee 5 times as fast as this thing. Then I try to syphon it out, but I remind you, I just filled it up.
So now that the stupid story is over, what is the easiest way to empty the tank?
Once empty, is the next step to just put fresh, treated gas in, with new filter and run completely through system?
Or are there worse problems here?
Remember there is a ton of water, plus, soap, and wax...
Please help!!!!!
Thanks, Eric
I had just finished filling up my 85 with gas (premium only) when I decided to drive it over to the drive through car wash. I drive through the washer and drive out. When I get out, my car goes dead. I wasn't sure what could be making it do that, when, IT HIT ME!!!! I hadn't put the gas cap on. I had left my gas lid open, and my gas cap off through the whole wash. There was NO telling how much water had gotten into my tank.
So I walked over to the grocery store and proceded to by 10 bottles of rubbing alcohol to get rid of the water. All in, but to no avail. The I get a can of starter fluid and spray it into the plenum. The car will crank up for about 1 second and die. I continue to do this for a short while, but it never gets better.
So we next put the vette on a car caddy and carry it out to the house. I take the fuel filter off and cut the key on. The fuel pump pressurizes and will pump it out AT A VERY SLOW RATE!!!! I mean like 1 gallon in an hour. I can pee 5 times as fast as this thing. Then I try to syphon it out, but I remind you, I just filled it up.
So now that the stupid story is over, what is the easiest way to empty the tank?
Once empty, is the next step to just put fresh, treated gas in, with new filter and run completely through system?
Or are there worse problems here?
Remember there is a ton of water, plus, soap, and wax...
Please help!!!!!
Thanks, Eric
I would have to say that was probably an even bigger mistake. 
First it is probably 1/2 water, secondly it is isoproypl alcohol, wich mixes with water, does NOT absorb it. Ethyl alcohol absorbs water so it can be burnt of, isopropyl does not, at 100% it breaks down the water molecules so they will 'pass thru' the system, or in most common use prevent fuel line icing. I am sure there is a 'chemist' in here that can better explain it, but in any case that was a bad mistake. Get you tank and lines empty best way you can (and safest) new fuel filter and hope for the best.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 8
Dude, I doubt you have enough water in there to do any damage, but it sounds like you have a bad fuel pump.
That is what my 85 did when the pumo took a dump.. It was purring then it shut off. Went ot restart and it would try to start and pop and run for a second then off. Sounds like it is just one of those things, and your pump is dead. Also, if you pulled one of the lines, it should be pushing mots and lots of fuel out, I know mine did!
Tommy-
That is what my 85 did when the pumo took a dump.. It was purring then it shut off. Went ot restart and it would try to start and pop and run for a second then off. Sounds like it is just one of those things, and your pump is dead. Also, if you pulled one of the lines, it should be pushing mots and lots of fuel out, I know mine did!
Tommy-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by ski_dwn_it
On the leaving your gas tank open, one thing to say about that: **** happens.
Now onto how to get it fixed:
The reason your not getting hardly any fuel out of the line with the key turned on is your pump will only enerize for a few seconds and then turn back off if the car doesn't start. So the pump is not pumping after that period of time.
The way to get the pump to pump continuously is run a 12volt wire from the + on your battery to terminal F of your ALDL. Just run a long wire from under the hood and around the outside of the car through the window. I have one premade I use. PLease double check that its terminal F of the ALDL, I have a mark on mine and just look for that, but pretty sure its F. Lower left hand port on the ALDL. Its in the troubleshooting guide for fuel pumps if someone has one handy they can verify.
But this will kick the pump on anytime the 12v source is present. This will pump your tank out in no time.
I do this all the time when I come home from racing and want to get the racegas/regular gas mixture out. I simply undo my regulator, put a hose on it I have premade, and go in and kick on the pump. It will pump my tank dry in a few minutes.
When you see it start to spit and sputter, remove the 12v source, or you may risk burning up the fuel pump.
I would then get a can of dry gas at the local autoparts store, and put it in after you seal everything up. Then put in some good gas. Go you and run the car for a while and take it and fill it up.
You should be good to go then.
Now onto how to get it fixed:
The reason your not getting hardly any fuel out of the line with the key turned on is your pump will only enerize for a few seconds and then turn back off if the car doesn't start. So the pump is not pumping after that period of time.
The way to get the pump to pump continuously is run a 12volt wire from the + on your battery to terminal F of your ALDL. Just run a long wire from under the hood and around the outside of the car through the window. I have one premade I use. PLease double check that its terminal F of the ALDL, I have a mark on mine and just look for that, but pretty sure its F. Lower left hand port on the ALDL. Its in the troubleshooting guide for fuel pumps if someone has one handy they can verify.
But this will kick the pump on anytime the 12v source is present. This will pump your tank out in no time.
I do this all the time when I come home from racing and want to get the racegas/regular gas mixture out. I simply undo my regulator, put a hose on it I have premade, and go in and kick on the pump. It will pump my tank dry in a few minutes.
When you see it start to spit and sputter, remove the 12v source, or you may risk burning up the fuel pump.
I would then get a can of dry gas at the local autoparts store, and put it in after you seal everything up. Then put in some good gas. Go you and run the car for a while and take it and fill it up.
You should be good to go then.
I never would have thought of this. Good call. Just change "F" to "G"...
Last edited by eschoendorff; Mar 19, 2006 at 02:36 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
As pointed out, without your fuel pump running the "I can pee 5 times as fast as this thing" was just gravity draining the tank. Also, did you happen to look at the labels on those rubbing alcohol bottles? The one I just checked is 70% isopropyl. Others I have had were 50%. The rest is water. Depending on the size bottles you bought, you may have added more water than the car wash did. All in all, a very unfortunate event. It looks like you are well on your way to having it resolved.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
RACE ON!!!
PS. It is terminal "G" of the ALDL that can be energized with 12 volts to run the fuel pump.
I'd be suprised if the cap off let much water in.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I remember a class that Gordon Killebrew taught at Bloomington Gold a few years ago. He said to NEVER take a C4 through a car wash. He also advised to drill a couple of small holes in the lower corners of the rubber thingie that surrounds your fuel cap. He said that there have been many cases of a C4 running down the highway in a rain storm and sucking water in through the vented cap. It seems that the small drain hole that comes on the car is easily plugged.
Let us know how this turns out. Good luck man!
Let us know how this turns out. Good luck man!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
I remember a class that Gordon Killebrew taught at Bloomington Gold a few years ago. He said to NEVER take a C4 through a car wash. He also advised to drill a couple of small holes in the lower corners of the rubber thingie that surrounds your fuel cap. He said that there have been many cases of a C4 running down the highway in a rain storm and sucking water in through the vented cap. It seems that the small drain hole that comes on the car is easily plugged.
Let us know how this turns out. Good luck man!
Let us know how this turns out. Good luck man!
Never had a problem yet.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Naw Jessie, Corvettes have to be handwashed, run with 99 octane fuel, and only serviced by Mensa members. Oh and they have these special one-off engines and transmissions in them too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by aminnich
You put 10 bottles of rubbing alcohol in your tank?? I would have to say that was probably an even bigger mistake. First it is probably 1/2 water, secondly it is isoproypl alcohol, wich mixes with water, does NOT absorb it. Ethyl alcohol absorbs water so it can be burnt of, isopropyl does not, at 100% it breaks down the water molecules so they will 'pass thru' the system, or in most common use prevent fuel line icing. I am sure there is a 'chemist' in here that can better explain it, but in any case that was a bad mistake. Get you tank and lines empty best way you can (and safest) new fuel filter and hope for the best.
I would have to say that was probably an even bigger mistake. First it is probably 1/2 water, secondly it is isoproypl alcohol, wich mixes with water, does NOT absorb it. Ethyl alcohol absorbs water so it can be burnt of, isopropyl does not, at 100% it breaks down the water molecules so they will 'pass thru' the system, or in most common use prevent fuel line icing. I am sure there is a 'chemist' in here that can better explain it, but in any case that was a bad mistake. Get you tank and lines empty best way you can (and safest) new fuel filter and hope for the best.And, there is 90+% alcohol at the stores, so the water content would be less than 10%. Not saying that's what orig. poster bought, but it may not be as bad as buying, say, 50% water. 10 bottles added, however, is too much.
Best advice is to drain, repair and replace is the way to go, in my opinion.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Choudrant LA
Hey guys....
I am soooo sorry I haven't posted a reply yet. I posted that last Friday night and since then, I haven't stopped running. I've been trying to get the vette back running, work full time, in nursing school full time, and am a part time church youth minister!!!! My head's been spinning!
Anyway, back to the vette. Thanks for the post. When I was initally trying to get the F slot to work, it wasn't cutting on, so I gave up and tried to cyphon (or syphon?....who knows...) but anyway, when I was pulling the hose out, I bent the crap out of my fuel level arm thingy. but I did get it to start draining when I used the g terminal. So THANK YOU ALL. I haven't had the chance to finish and put more gas in and everything, but I'm sure it'll be ok. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Also, if my gas floaty isn't repairable, I know those arent cheap... Does anyone know where I can get one for less than 300-500 dollars???
Thanks again guys!
I am soooo sorry I haven't posted a reply yet. I posted that last Friday night and since then, I haven't stopped running. I've been trying to get the vette back running, work full time, in nursing school full time, and am a part time church youth minister!!!! My head's been spinning!
Anyway, back to the vette. Thanks for the post. When I was initally trying to get the F slot to work, it wasn't cutting on, so I gave up and tried to cyphon (or syphon?....who knows...) but anyway, when I was pulling the hose out, I bent the crap out of my fuel level arm thingy. but I did get it to start draining when I used the g terminal. So THANK YOU ALL. I haven't had the chance to finish and put more gas in and everything, but I'm sure it'll be ok. I'll let you all know how it turns out.Also, if my gas floaty isn't repairable, I know those arent cheap... Does anyone know where I can get one for less than 300-500 dollars???
Thanks again guys!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro NY
Originally Posted by eric_daniel
and tried to cyphon (or syphon?....who knows...) but anyway, when I was pulling the hose out, I bent the crap out of my fuel level arm thingy.
I bent mine too when the hose wrapped around and knotted on float arm. Now it never reads below 1/4 tank.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: SWEDEN 1984 c4 with Edelbrock RPM toppkit
Originally Posted by ddramz
Hopefully after all this is over with you can think about preventing it from happening again, myself I am into mods would think about using a sealed reed switch like used on doors for alarms and a small strong magnet to make a fuel cap open switch, then it could be connected to some sort of either audio or visual warning device like a generic door chime or a buzzer that goes on when the engine is started.
Hopefully you don't have any serious problems!
Hopefully you don't have any serious problems!
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1496