fuel separation question

[98SF19]

This is coming off the issues I'm currently having (fuel pump replacement, to commence this weekend) but expands a bit . . . So our fuel pump sits high in the tank (to be easily accessible from top). Since water is heavier than fuel, and assuming most folks DON'T run their fuel level to the warning light (I do), would this lead to a slow accumulation of water in bottom of the tank over time, or does pump draw from bottom of tank? If it does, maybe I just need to remove hose from tank side of filter and prime over and over again to get a few gallons of water out. What I recovered a few days ago was about 1/5th water.
Also, what's with the hoses and module at bottom of spare wheel well? Unrelated to fuel system I assume? I feel like I should know, but was looking at it the other day and said WTH?!

 

[E1]

How that much water is getting into your tank I don't know, but it is problem #1 to solve.

Maybe a bad grommet on top of the tank. A vacuum hose somehow sucking air back into the tank is also capturing rain water???

At any rate, with a leak of that size, you SHOULD have a persistent P0455 Gross Vacuum Leak code indicated. (Like the gas cap is off)

That said, fuel pump insert can draw fuel pretty low in the tank, certainly not a problem at 1/8 tank levels.

Those hoses all over the bottom of the spare tire area are the evaporative fuel emissions recovery system. They are tied between the tank and the large vacuum hose on the back of the surge tank.
The system keeps a vacuum on the gas tank to prevent fumes from escaping. If the tank cannot hold a certain level of vacuum, that mess down there will know it and signal the computer to throw a check engine code and light.

 

[98SF19]

Eric, after giving it some thought, I must have already poured some of the recovered fuel out before noticing the water the other day. I was able to get about 12 gallons out of tank yesterday (key priming method - yes it took forever) and while pouring from bucket to 5 gallon jug, I saw no significant color change at bottom.

Made some progress this weekend (see other post) but one things for sure - I need to drain the tank. I read where Nimz got power to FP from the inertia switch to pump fuel out, but could it also be done by putting 12v to FP relay? This would have to be done once I resolve whether or not the fuel pump choice I made is legit . . .

 

[SHOZ123]

Only if the tank has been sitting open and exposed to the air for a long time would water build up. The pump pulls off the bottom of the tank. Normal use of E10 gas will keep the water out but is not much good if it already has water in it. I have never had a problem with water in the gas in a car since the early 80's and they started using E10 gas around me. Can't say the same for lawn equipment though.