Adding diesel fuel stabilizer to my 200 D3 diesel inboard en

[tantytpt]

I have approximately 75 gallons in my 100 gal fuel tank. Is it recommended to tap off tank, to fill it? Or add stabilizer to existing 75 gallons of fuel? I have Sta-Bil left over from about a year ago. Can I pour 15 ounces in tank for the winter storage?
Your response is appreciated
Thanks

 

[JeffreyAC77]

If you are not going to be using your boat over the winter you should FILL it with fuel (avoid water condensation in the tank) and also use a fuel stabilizer. I have done that the past two winters (in Seattle) with no issues.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

+1 for JeffreyAC77's comment. The more air in the tank, the greater the amount of condensation that can collect on the inside of the tank during cold days and drip down the sides into your fuel.

 

[tantytpt]

Thanks

 

[Automaticman865]

I always use the diesel treatment each winter but check out this article about condensation...

https://marinehowto.com/does-an-empty-m ... ondensate/

Stuart

 

[Gin]

That article reminds me how sad it is that Rod had a stroke and had to discontinue his fine how-to marine articles . . .

I had read that article before, as well as others on H2Out filters, which I now have installed in my boat. I take Rod's point in the article to be that an EMPTY tank will not condense. He does not seem to trust a partially filled tank, though. He installed an H2Out filter (now discontinued) and a Racor for potential condensation when he leaves fuel in the tank. His preference, though, is to remove fuel for the off season because condensation is not then an issue.

I suspect few of us are in a good position to drain our tanks for the off-season. (And some of us are lucky enough not to have much of an off season). In that case, the conventional wisdom seems to hold that you are best off filling the tank to leave as little air in it as possible.

Gini