I'm so confused about diesel fuel additives

S

Steeldieman

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 3, 2016
Messages
102
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Cutwater 28
Vessel Name
Katy A
Last year I got water in fuel. My dealer changed my filters ,thinks condensation caused it while he transported it to boat shows. Now I worry constantly that I have microbes and I did not treat the 85 gallons I stored since last September any helpful advice would be appreciated.
 
To be absolutely sure, you could have the tank cleaned and your fuel polished. That way you would know you are starting with a clean system...
 
I use FPPF diesel fuel treatment. One ounce per ten gallons of fuel. It was recommended by Mack Boring, the Yanmar engine distributor on the east coast. The class instructor said to use it regularly and nothing else. I have been using it in my tank since new. Six years now and no issues.
 
Steeldieman,
I'm by no means a expert on fuel maintenance on- board . There are so many additives out there to purchase that you have to research to find out what people use, what works and what doesn't . For diesel fuel make sure it doesn't have alcohol in it and research its compatibility to common rail components. I use PRI D so far it has worked and I haven't had issues. PRI D claims it can restore old fuel.??? In your situation I would research an additive, put it in your tank, launch the boat ,start the engine run it for a while , drain the Racor filter, inspect the fuel for water and debris. Then pull the filter and inspect it for dark color staining and debris. Most likely your not going to find anything but if you do, there are test kits available for testing your fuel for water, algae, and microbes. Do a search and research what you feel is the best kit. If its bad which I doubt it is . Purchase a biocide ,put it in your tank and then polish your fuel. Keep a couple extra filters on board just in case. You never know when your going to pickup some bad fuel when boating. You most likely have nothing to worry about but its good to stay on top of preventative maintenance on the boat.
Brian Brown
Cutwater 26
PORT-A-GEE
 
Ditto on the FPPF fuel additive.
 
I'm going to try pri d , I may use a biocide out of spite.
Brian, do you buy the pri d locally?
 
I purchased it thru Amazon. It can be purchased locally. It's just easier to have it delivered to the door!
Brian Brown
Cutwater 26
PORT-A-GEE
 
Knotflying
Checking Amazon I notice lots of FPPF fuel treatments all making similar claims. Wondering what specific product your using? Might it be #90100
 
I use PRI D for diesels 32oz bottle. I'm sure what you are using is as good maybe better. I did some research and liked what I read about it. The one thing I noticed when I started using it was a reduction of smoke at start up. When I drained my filters a few weeks ago I had no water at all. Chances are its not from the additive . I just got lucky and got good fuel. I showed it to the Volvo mechanic that did my PDI and he approved it.
Brian Brown
Cutwater 26
PORT-A-GEE
 
Good information to know, as my experience with diesel is limited.
My boat can sit for several months at a time and in winter it can get down to around or just below freezing, so based on minimal online research I ended up just making sure the tank is full when I leave the boat, and I added additives that are 'antigel' and also a fuel stabilizer. Can anyone tell me if the product listed above is antigel and it that is an issue to worry about?
 
Stewartlockwood":387xhrhw said:
Good information to know, as my experience with diesel is limited.
My boat can sit for several months at a time and in winter it can get down to around or just below freezing, so based on minimal online research I ended up just making sure the tank is full when I leave the boat, and I added additives that are 'antigel' and also a fuel stabilizer. Can anyone tell me if the product listed above is antigel and it that is an issue to worry about?
Click to expand...

See the details on this link, it does control gelling. http://www.fppfsales.com/index.php/dies ... -32oz.html
I treat every gallon that goes into the boat with this product and never had a fuel problem. My boat will sit 6-7 months here in RI with temps well below freezing.
 
Yanmar does not recommend the use of fuel treatment. I think, at best, it is harmless.

The tube that draws the fuel from the tank typically stops 1/2" from the bottom of the tank so water can sit on the bottom and not be drawn into the fuel.

When there is any sign of water in the fuel, it would seem reasonable to remove the water that is sitting in the bottom of the tank? I've always done this by snaking a flexible tube into the fuel fill until it was on the bottom (a small piece of soldier wrapped around the end kept it on the bottom).

Then I pump the fuel from the tank using an inexpensive fuel filter and run it thru a water separator - and back into the tank. Usually, I get a quart or so of water out. I used to return it to the fuel supplier as a joke, but the last time they didn't think it was so funny.

Once the water is gone, the treatment delivered with the fuel keeps the tank clean.

Unlike alcohol in gasoline that actually picks up and "burns" the water, I don't think fuel treatments remove the water, they just control the microbes.
 
captstu":ire0vxu8 said:
Yanmar does not recommend the use of fuel treatment.
Click to expand...

Yanmar might not recommend use of fuel treatment, but I took two Yanmar diesel classes at Mack Boring, their northeast distributor and service dealer. The instructor, who I think may have been born in the shop, on both occasions recommended FPPF and only FPPF.
 
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