Diesel Fuel
- Thread starter Slep
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There is no superior brand. The best you can do is find fresh, uncontaminated diesel and not leave it sitting in your tank forever. All ULSD fuels have the same Cetane rating which is lower than that which some engine mfgs recommend so you would do well to add a cetane booster with each tankl
As Don notes, the "best" type of diesel fuel is the freshest and cleanest you can find. I buy just about all of my diesel for my Yanmar 2GM20F at a busy truck stop in the belief that it'll be fresher than most fuel that sits around in many marinas that don't sell a lot of fuel. Since this diesel has a cetane rating of 40, and Yanmar calls for 45, I, too add a bit of cetane booster. I also add "Pri-D" fuel stablizer as it is recommended by many diesel mechanics in this area.
To ensure the fuel is clean and water free, I triple filter it before it goes into the boat's tank using a West Marine water/crud separating filter (a poor man's BaHa filter). Changing primary and secondary filters, as well making sure the "O" ring on the deck fill cap is in good shape, pays real dividends in avoiding fuel-related engine problems.
To ensure the fuel is clean and water free, I triple filter it before it goes into the boat's tank using a West Marine water/crud separating filter (a poor man's BaHa filter). Changing primary and secondary filters, as well making sure the "O" ring on the deck fill cap is in good shape, pays real dividends in avoiding fuel-related engine problems.
Ay to what the others have said, I buy my fuel (#2 diesel) at a high turnover station and eyeball it in the translucent can. I also clean around the filler meticulously before unscrewing it.
I have never found a filter very dirty or any water in the system. I suspect it does'nt make all that much difference but I like to keep my tank between 9/16 and 13/16 full.
I have never found a filter very dirty or any water in the system. I suspect it does'nt make all that much difference but I like to keep my tank between 9/16 and 13/16 full.
Echoing what the other captains said, fresh is what really matters. Use those light wind days to exercise the engine and run some fuel through it.
For what a lot of people do, the standard sailboat fuel tank is too big. It just allows fuel to sit for seasons before being used. I use mine enough that I usually fill up 2-3 times a year and I've never had a problem with fuels (after the initial tank cleaning I always seem to have to do whenever I first buy a boat!)
For what a lot of people do, the standard sailboat fuel tank is too big. It just allows fuel to sit for seasons before being used. I use mine enough that I usually fill up 2-3 times a year and I've never had a problem with fuels (after the initial tank cleaning I always seem to have to do whenever I first buy a boat!)
Diesel additives
I always add some kind of treatment - like Biobor Jr. when I fill up to help keep the algae at bay. Helps keep the fuel fresh. A good idea if a tank of fuel lasts you a couple of months or more. I have had an engine stop due to biological gunk clogging the fuel lines, so I take pains to avoid a recurrence.
-charlie
I always add some kind of treatment - like Biobor Jr. when I fill up to help keep the algae at bay. Helps keep the fuel fresh. A good idea if a tank of fuel lasts you a couple of months or more. I have had an engine stop due to biological gunk clogging the fuel lines, so I take pains to avoid a recurrence.
-charlie
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