Will not start after water was added to the gas tank

2007 DODGE CARAVAN
105,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BSCHOON87
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There was close to a gallon if not a gallon of water put in a close to empty gas tank. I drained the tank by forcing fuel pump to push fluids out through the lines. I put new fuel, almost 5 gallons, along with a bottle of HEET. The van will crank, but will not start. What should I do next?
Aug 1, 2014 at 12:37 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Try and check the fuel pressure with a gauge.start here.
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:11 PM
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BSCHOON87
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Okay, thanks! What would the next steps be? If the fuel pressure is okay, then what? If it is not okay, then what?
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:12 PM
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RASMATAZ
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If fuel pressure is within specs-check for injection pulses from the injectors.
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:14 PM
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BSCHOON87
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Thanks! What would be after that? Sorry I am a moron when it comes to cars.
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:16 PM
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RASMATAZ
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If no injection pulses be looking at the computer.
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:24 PM
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BSCHOON87
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And this is all from water being put into gas tank?
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:25 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Do the fuel pressure check with a gauge this will tell you something.
Aug 1, 2014 at 1:27 PM
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KASEKENNY
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When you put this much water in the tank then you need to drop the tank and drain it completely. Pumping it through the system is not the best idea because you are likely not going to get it all out.

Since you have done this, we need to do the following. Drop the tank and drain it and dry it out. Replace the fuel pump because it is has so much water run through it. It may not need it but since you have the tank down it is better to do it then find out later it needs to be replaced. Remove the fuel filter and blow out the fuel lines. Then replace the fuel filter. Fill the tank with fuel and add back in the water absorption chemical.

You may still have injector issues as the water can corrode the internal parts of the injectors but I doubt that happened this quickly. I attached the process for removing the tank in the event you need it.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
Apr 17, 2020 at 6:18 PM