Diesel fuel tank for Webasto forced air heating system

[baz]

Subject; Diesel fuel tank for Webasto forced air heating system

My R-27/OB's 5 gallon diesel fuel tank (3 gallon tank on the R-23) for the Webasto forced air heating system is located close to the hull and below back of the propane stove. It can be readily seen when looking at the back of the under stove storage locker.

My guess is that the fuel in this 5 gallon tank could be partially used during the year. This leads me to wonder what precautions I should take to keep the stagnant diesel fuel residual from gelling during cold snaps in the winter time. I should think the same issue for inboard diesel engine fuel tanks has the same condition.

What's the advice for keeping my Webasto forced air heating system's diesel fuel from getting nasty/cruddy/gelling and causing issues with the heating system ?

What I would like to do is to once in a while (maybe each year or two) is to flush the 5 gallon tank out to get rid of any cruddy bad diesel fuel. Obviously this cannot be done for a boat with a diesel engine's tank with is much much larger and carries a big price tag for flushing it out. However, for a 5 gallon tank I think this might be possible and not cost too much to do so... especially if there's less than 5 gallons in the tank.

Is there an additive that keeps the diesel fuel 'clean' ?

Thanks for any advice. 🙂

 

[ixlr8]

Yes, there are various additives that you can put in the diesel to prevent gelling and biocides to keep mold from forming. I wouldn't worry about gelling unless temps get below 20dF. Actually, most places that sell diesel will 'winterize' the fuel for that area and gelling should not be an issue at all. I would go to your local marine store, one that you trust, and tell them what you want and they should have what you need. Although there is a good chance you could get the same stuff cheaper at Walmart.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Just treat it the same as you did the tanks in your previous diesel powered Rangers.