Biodiesel

[rjr]

Has anyone used it? Opinions? Good? Bad? Damaging?

[Midnightsun]

I would be very reluctant to use it knowing the cost of rebuilding a "marine" diesel not to mention the fact I think they need to saw the boat in half to swap one out in my case and then put it back together. Injectors are fussy and poor spray patterns can quickly lead to a melted piston, not sue I want used KFC oil in my injectors.

[Alaska 530 Voyager]

Well said Midnightsun. I totally agree.

[Viper]

The first question I'd ask is why? Secondly, I assume you're talking about product refined properly at a refinery?

[bud37]

Is this the same product that has been for sale at marinas for quite some years now ? I really don't have any experience with it yet but do the engine makers warn against it ?

[rjr]

Viper - I brought this up for discussion. Yes would be a refinery product.
Bud37 - Haven't seen biodiesel at the marinas. Haven't checked with CAT.

[Renovatio]

Hi Scurvy Dog,
Although I just recently contracted with a Carver 466MY. With that said, I own a construction company with heavy Equiptment. So although not a marine mechanic or professional deisel mechanic, I have spent countless hour with and under deisel engines.
I understand some views. Some difficult to change. People never seeing what happens in the engine or keep diligent care of there stuff (boat maintenance). With that said a perfect example was I never used deisel “Heat”, an additive to stop deisel file from thickening from the cold. I normally added about 50% kerosene to stop freezing. None the less water and debris aredeisel fuels worst enemy. So this year my lines froze anyway. Nor I will use the additive.

So two trains of thought. A full tank at the end of season will minimize the amount of water condensation in the tank - the other is do not fill tanks when you store so when you add fuel during use you mix a large percent of grease fuel.

Now. Water is the worst enemy. Fuel can draw water considerably more than gasoline, from the atmosphere. Hence a full tank less air to draw water. Or full tank can have more affected fuel.

What the problem is - deisel can have bacteria grow in the fuel clogging filters and injectors. More so the fuel will separate. Thick layer on bottom and a thinner on top.
That’s the skinny. So
Old school/ new school?
So is your fuel dependable? Is it humid and condensation prone?

Here is a link to explain all the additional issues
I’d rather have a clogged injector than get stuck, poor starts, smoke and buildup in valves and piston heads.

Look at this.link

http://www.fuelsystemguide.com/what-is- ... treatment/