How to Remove Water From a Car's Fuel System

Raise the hood of the car, and use a wrench to disconnect the car's negative battery cable. Jack up the rear of the car, and install jack stands under the frame.

Drain the fuel tank. If the fuel tank has a drain plug, remove it with a wrench and drain the fuel and water mixture into suitable containers. If not, remove the fuel tank straps with a socket wrench and use a jack lower the fuel tank. Remove the fuel line hoses with a screwdriver, disconnect the electrical connector that powers the fuel pump, and pull the tank from under the car.

Remove the fuel pump from the tank by removing the retaining ring or retaining screws that hold the pump in place. Empty the tank into containers that will hold the contaminated fuel. Replace the fuel pump when the tank is empty and reinstall it in the car. Add several gallons of fresh gasoline to the tank.

Remove the ignition fuse or disconnect the ignition coil. Disconnect the fuel rail from the engine, and remove the fuel injectors. Remove the spark plugs. Flush the fuel rail with cleaning solvent, such as mineral spirits or toluene. Reconnect the battery, and have an assistant turn the key on. Catch the fluid that is discharged from the fuel line running from the fuel tank to the engine. Allow the car to set overnight to evaporate any water inside the engine cylinders.

Replace the fuel rail and injectors, and install new spark plugs. Reconnect the fuel lines and ignition coil. Replace the ignition fuse if it was removed. Start the car and allow it to run until it reaches operating temperature. The exhaust might steam as the water and fuel mixture inside the exhaust system is burned off.