Diesel Conditioners

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D

Ducati

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Nov 19, 2008
380
Boatless Boatless Annapolis
Was wondering if anyone could offer any comments about diesel conditioners.

It was suggested that we add diesel conditioner to the fuel tank of a boat we bought last year.
The boat had been sitting for most of last year and figured that the conditioner plus fresh fuel is the correct thing to do.

Comments?
 
T

Texas Lake Sailor

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Jul 27, 2009
54
Hunter 1981 30 Lake Travis
I would add a good biocide to prevent / limit growth of sludge. If the fuel has not been "turned" in a year You might do well to drain, flush and filter the fuel and put back in the tank. Unlike gas, diesel is more stable. But it does give peace of mind to know that your tank is clean and you won't have problems at the wrong time.
 
C

capejt

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May 17, 2004
276
Hunter 33_77-83 New London, CT
I would tend to agree with T.L.S.. I did the drain, filter, refill routine this year after two years of inactivity, and the engine runs like it's fresh fuel. I used one of those "filter/funnels" when refilling, and was amazed as to how little "gunk" there actually was in the mix.
 
KD3PC

KD3PC

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Sep 25, 2008
1,069
boatless rainbow Callao, VA
if you are in a hot, humid, area, even more important as those critters like that environment

TLS has it right. I use that approach and so far so good...
 
Don12364

Don12364

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Dec 2, 2003
1,637
Hunter 376 Warsash, England --
Careful. Some biocides simply kill the bacteria and they sink to the bottom of the tank and straight away clog filters and fuel pipes - which would not have happened if they had been left in suspension.

The treatment I use still kills them so they do not multiply but they do not agglomerate into clumps so they are able to pass through the filter and are burned in the engine. Mine is called 'Fuel Set' but I imagine there are others too.
A bad dose of 'diesel bug' will clog any filter though.
 
J

jfmid

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Jan 31, 2010
152
Oday 27 LE Manahawkin, NJ
Sorry for what are probably stupid questions and dont want to hijack thread but I'm new to this.
1. Where does one put the old drained diesel fuel? How do you dispose of it after you drain it??? Lets say you drain out a few gallons. Who takes this stuff??? I know my local recycling center takes old oil but Diesel??? Just wondering??
2. What is the opinion on Cetane boosters??? Can you mix them with Biocide type growth inhibitors??? Do they help??
Thanks for info
 
Bill1565

Bill1565

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Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
Diesel fuel is oil. I always carry my old oil in closed containers, so i don't slop it all over my trunk. Never had anybody open the container.
 
R

Randy6414

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Jun 5, 2004
72
Catalina 27 Stone Harbor NJ
I've got diesel power in my boat as well as in an antique truck. Both sit for long periods of time between uses.

Back in 2004 I began using Startron's diesel fuel enzyme treatment, and I've had no fuel related problems since, in either the boat or the truck. Prior to the Startron, I drained both tanks to remove any accumulated debris or rotten fuel.

As I understand it, the Startron "eats" water and any critters/bacteria will die without the water. The Startron also breaks down the bacteria into minute particles. Some will pass through the filters and be burned up, other larger pieces will be filtered out.

It works for me. I've used nothing else, and both engine's fuel systems are clean, they start easier, idle smoother, and smoke less than before. There is less soot on the transom of the boat, and less diesel dust from the truck (it has a Detroit in it).

Randy
 
Warren Milberg

Warren Milberg

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Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
For jfmid:
See if your county, like mine, has a toxic waste disposal center. I give them old diesel now and then and am told they use it to train county firefighters. As to cetane boosters, I think it depends on what your engine calls for. My 1986 Yanmar 2GM20f callls for a cetane rating of 45. The diesel I buy at a busy local truck stop sells diesel with a cetane rating of 40, so I add some to my boat's fuel. I believe it improves starting and reduces smoke. I don't use it with a biocide as I don't use a biocide. I go to great lengths to keep water out of my fuel and so believe I have minimal to no unwanted critters in my fuel.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I know a man that removes old fuel oil tanks from houses. He assures the homeowners that the fuel is recycled. He pumps it into a truck mounted tank and then off loads it through filters into a clean fuel tank at home and burns it in his truck. He says if it is clean it works with no problems and I guess that fifteen years of experience with this in the same truck supports his claim.
 
catsailor

catsailor

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Jan 10, 2009
590
PDQ 32 Deale, MD
Warren Milberg said:
For jfmid:
See if your county, like mine, has a toxic waste disposal center. I give them old diesel now and then and am told they use it to train county firefighters. As to cetane boosters, I think it depends on what your engine calls for. My 1986 Yanmar 2GM20f callls for a cetane rating of 45. The diesel I buy at a busy local truck stop sells diesel with a cetane rating of 40, so I add some to my boat's fuel. I believe it improves starting and reduces smoke. I don't use it with a biocide as I don't use a biocide. I go to great lengths to keep water out of my fuel and so believe I have minimal to no unwanted critters in my fuel.
Click to expand
Old deisel can go in with the used oil. It is not a hazardous waste or a flamable liquid.

Gasoline is flamable and should go in a gasoline recycling tank, if the marina has one. Failing that, DIY hazardous waste collection programs or as noted above are apropriate (I'm in the petroleum and hazardous waste recycling industry).
 
catsailor

catsailor

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Jan 10, 2009
590
PDQ 32 Deale, MD
Ross said:
I know a man that removes old fuel oil tanks from houses. He assures the homeowners that the fuel is recycled. He pumps it into a truck mounted tank and then off loads it through filters into a clean fuel tank at home and burns it in his truck. He says if it is clean it works with no problems and I guess that fifteen years of experience with this in the same truck supports his claim.
Click to expand
Burning #2 oil in a truck without paying road taxes is a bit illegal.:naughty: Not that I love the tax man, just saying....
 
KD3PC

KD3PC

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Sep 25, 2008
1,069
boatless rainbow Callao, VA
ross

I am surprised that his injector pump is still working, the newer GM and Ford systems really don't like the stuff....
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
kd3pc said:
ross

I am surprised that his injector pump is still working, the newer GM and Ford systems really don't like the stuff....
Click to expand
I was talking to him 3 years ago and the truck was 15 years old then.
 
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