Sorry for the ugly word winterization but it is on the doorstep whether we like it or not. Diesel is relatively new to me since all my previous boats were gas. Question is, should one add some type of treatment for the layup period such as stabilizer for gas? I do make sure I have run through both main and aux tanks during the summer so I know the diesel is relatively fresh for the layup period. I do tend to fill up rather full to eliminate as much condensation as possible.
Found this which kinda says additives sometimes work depending on the diesel fuel manufacturer (like we know where it comes from or the formulation ) which tells me either it is doing a good thing or pouring money into the tank when choosing to add something.
I believe the biggest concern with diesel is algae growth in the tanks. The local marine diesel supplier puts an algicide in the mix for fall/winter. ..Aaron
Was wondering who was going to say that word first I get a different answer too depending on who I talk to. There are some pretty amazing claims out there that one should take with a grain of salt though. Considering the cost versus piece of mind, and I'm just talking only about stabilizing the fuel for 6 months, I err on the side of caution and add a stabilizer at winterizing time and nothing else. If there is a fuel condition issue during the season, that gets dealt with separately at that time as there are many variables involved. There are stabilizers with biocides but you really don't have to worry about that in our climate over the winter layup. Get a good brand of stabilizer without a bunch of bells and whistles and put the concern to bed IMO.
I was Chief of NYC Department of Sanitation facilities and equipment until 2006. We used a stabilizer called Pri-D in our standby generators and fleet servicing fuel tanks with success. I use it now in my 1999 450 Voyager for my 6 month winter layup in water on Long Island and each time I fuel up in summer. It stabilizes the asphaltenes in the fuel which become the sludge in the tanks and filters. Knock on wood, no fuel issues.
I was told from a local Volvo dealer about Algae-X AFC 705 Fuel Catalyst. This is my first diesel so huge learning curve for me. I used to use stable and startron for my gas engines. I put some Algae-X in before layup (another ugly word) so won't be able to update till the spring. I have been getting some brown/tan goop in the primary Racor filter that I'm trying to figure out, hopefully this helps.
Take a sample of the goop to a diesel supplier tech. Brown/Tan coloring to me would indicate moisture in the fuel. One has to remember that diesel tanks are warm after a run from the extra fuel returned to the tanks. Diesel tanks should be filled when warm, after a run. This will help lessen the condensation from the warm fuel in the tanks forming in the air space of the tanks. There may be a good product out there as an additive that may clean up your goop. Is the fuel you are buying clear or dyed? If dyed, most likely a red dye, but I have seen green dye to. Your colored goop may be from the mixing of different dyed fuels? Thus pulling a sample and have it analyzed.
Mike
I'd Rather Be Boating!
1989 Sea Ray Seville
1986 Carver Mariner 32'
1990's Thompson 22' Cuddy Cabin
1990's 4Winns 245 Vista Cruiser
1980's Thompson 19' Open Bow
In the US, the dyed fuel is just an indicator that it's untaxed fuel. Clear fuel in the US is taxed and used in vehicles. If they catch you with dyed fuel in a vehicle there are fines!
Mike
I'd Rather Be Boating!
1989 Sea Ray Seville
1986 Carver Mariner 32'
1990's Thompson 22' Cuddy Cabin
1990's 4Winns 245 Vista Cruiser
1980's Thompson 19' Open Bow
mjk1040 wrote:Qr Bbpost In the US, the dyed fuel is just an indicator that it's untaxed fuel. Clear fuel in the US is taxed and used in vehicles. If they catch you with dyed fuel in a vehicle there are fines!
Thats interesting, wonder why the marinas get to sell untaxed fuel, on a related note, seems I remember farm fuel being dyed up here was well.
) which tells me either it is doing a good thing or pouring money into the tank when choosing to add something.
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