Water in fuel alarm

[Scott A]

2005 225 Optimax with Smartcraft gauges. I am getting a water in fuel alarm sounding.
Is there a water seperator filter on this engine and where is it located?
Is it in the VST?
Thanks

[howieranger]

The red "castelated" thing on the top of the VST is the fuel filter. I would remove the filter & change it and drain the VST. There are drain screws at the bottom of the VST with a hose running between them. Unplug the hose & drain into a container you can see through & check for water. Do this for both drains.
I would also disconnect the fuel Line to the motor & pump some gas into a clear container to check for water. If water is present you should drain the tank to remove any water!
Be sure to prime the motor after draining the fuel from the VST so you do not damage the electric fuel pumps when the key is turned on!
You also might want to wait until Don adds his experience.

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by howieranger &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">The red "castelated" thing on the top of the VST is the fuel filter. I would remove the filter & change it and drain the VST. There are drain screws at the bottom of the VST with a hose running between them. Unplug the hose & drain into a container you can see through & check for water. Do this for both drains.
I would also disconnect the fuel Line to the motor & pump some gas into a clear container to check for water. If water is present you should drain the tank to remove any water!
Be sure to prime the motor after draining the fuel from the VST so you do not damage the electric fuel pumps when the key is turned on!
You also might want to wait until Don adds his experience. </td></tr></table>

Howie covered it quite well.

I will again stress that, if after draining, you pump the bulb and MORE WATER is noted: YOU MUST PUMP ALL CONTENTS- EVERY LAST DROP- FROM THE FUEL TANK, and start with a FRESH LOAD OF FUEL.

Your engine WILL NOT run on water.

[Scott A]

Thanks for the replies.
Problem is I tried to take off the castle nut red cap but could not get it to loosen up. I did however go ahead and drain that side of the VST by loosening the drain screw on it and getting some water out of it. The alarm quit going off. I would still like to change that filter.
Any ideas on getting the cap off?
Thanks
Scott

[EuropeanAM]

Obtain a Part@ 896661 Filter Wrench ($4.75).

In a PINCH, you can use a propnut and the "lockring" for the prop. Set the lockring into the red filter's top... put the nut into the "indent", and turn with a 1-1/16" socket while pressing down firmly.

[Scott A]

Thank you so much for your help. Found that wrench at http://www.veradoclubparts.com also the filter part number 8M0020349 at a good price.
If you ever have a question about a Honda Automobile feel free to contact me,
I am a Master Tech for Honda.
Thanks Again
Scott