Diesel additives

[Stella Karuna]

I am wondering what folks think about adding a diesel fuel stabililzer when I am not using the boat. The purpose would be to prevent bacterial growth. I understand that this can be a source of plugged fuel filters.

cheers Bill

 

[BILLR]

I run a diesel addative with my truck engine.
It seems to help with increased lubrication and well as preventing gelling, especially in the winter.
I use Howe's brand from Flying J.
Hope this is helpful.

 

[assignment]

You have a good question which has as many answers as the number of products available. The best advice I could give is to refer to Steve D'Antonio's "Gearhead" column in the latest (April 2011) Passagemaker magazine, which addresses your question. Like all of Steve's writings, I find them well written, technically accurate and often...well, they make my brain hurt. By the way, I've used ValvTect Diesel Guard Heavy-Duty Marine Additive and our 6BY2-260 runs perfectly.
Fair winds,
Bud

 

[Levitation]

Hmmmm, well I don't use anything but diesel fuel and all my diesel engines run perfectly...

 

[bbrh842]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Levitation.
I have been running diesel boats since 1983 with just plain old diesel.
Like you, never had a problem.
Long as the boat gets used regularly, so fresh diesel gets added from time to time...............

On a side note, I never change the fuel filter either.
I am sure I will get blasted for this.

I have a vacumm guage on the fuel line between the filter and the engine.
When the vacumn guage gets into the yellow, time to change the filter.
This has never happened, so I have never changed the filter.

I know the purists out there are going to crucify me for this, but let me remind them, go back up to the top and read line two. I have been running diesel boats since 1983.

 

[Stella Karuna]

all of you have made good points. I agree that you don't have to use an additive if you are running regularly. My problem, is that I use the boat for a month and then let it sit for 2 months up on blocks in the sun. Perfect conditions for bacterial growth.

cheers Bill

 

[RProffer]

Bill,
I am not an expert, but, if you fill your tank before you let it sit, that will reduce your chances of problems. It is my understanding that if your tank is not full, then condensation develops, then the problems start.

 

[Snug Tug]

For what it's worth: I have never used any additives either. (2007 R25 with Yanmar 110 HP engine with over 1100 hours on it) I replaced the standard primary fuel filter with a Raycor 500 series since they are so much easier to change without requiring any tools and without spilling fuel, plus the filter elements only cost $11.00. Also use a vacuum gage on the fuel line and have only had to change the primary filter once (it's a 2 micron filter too, which is very fine) and the secondary filter on the engine once also. So far, so good. (The vacuum gauge is downstream from both filters and monitors the total constriction (vacuum) created by both in series. This arrangement is not possible on some of the other engines with different filter/fuel pump arrangements.)

The Yanmar manual says NOT to use any fuel additives, but they may be just protecting themselves against warrantee claims since they don't know what might be in any particular additive you might use.

 

[bbrh842]

I have the Wallas stove which runs on diesel. It has it's own tank in the starboard locker under the cockpit floor. Down here in Texas, the Wallas stove does not get used much. The diesel sits in the tank ALL SUMMER LONG. It is HOT in Texas in the Summer. Perfect conditions for bacterial growth. The tank is made out of translucent plastic so you can see if stuff is growing in it. Looks fine to me. Stove still works after 4 years. I think the fuel additives are greatly overrated.

 

[captainmike]

I use power service available at auto parts stores and up the amount if storing for the winter.

I only use a biocide such as biobore if there is a problem and then be prepared to change a series of fuel filters.

A good water separating large capacity primary filter with a clear bowl and a petcock to drain any water such as a raycor fg500 is a good idea.

 

[Stella Karuna]

Thanks for all the help. What I have learned from all of you is:

1. To keep the tanks full when I am storing the boat to prevent condensation and hence prevent bacteria growth.
2. To install a Racor fuel filter with guage. When you compare the price of Yanmar filters to Racor filters this pays for itself.
3. I am going to forget about diesel additives.

cheers Bill

 

[Captmike]

Captain Mike, did you replace the existing fule filters with the Raycor Fg500?

 

[norbhat]

Hey, folks, we've got an economy to support so I add Stabyl and feel good about spending more money.

Norb
"Two If By Sea"
En route to Erie Canal to do the Little Loop in June.
norbhat@comcast.net

 

[WinterIslandYY]

FYI
The only diesel additives Yanmar approves of are made by FPPF.

Cheers,
Peter

 

[captainmike]

To Reply to cmregrets question

The boat came with a Dahl diesel water seperateing fuel filter near the tank with a clear bowl and petcock with the factory Yanmar cartrige filter on the engine.

If I already did not have the filter by the tank I would install a Raycor having had many of them with good luck.