I've got a 20 gallon diesel tank on my 1984 Catalina 27. Like most sailors, I'd rather sail than motor, so I only burn 10-12 gallons in a typical season. This means the fuel turns over infrequently. I add a measured amount of stabilizer in the fall, a measured amount of algacide once per season, and a measured amount of injector cleaner when filling the tank (usually once per year). The filters (Racor primary filter and engine mounted spin-on) are changed every year, and have always been clean when changed. Recently, I have become concerned because the fuel has darkened in color. After consulting with my boatyard mechanic (whom I trust) I have concluded that the best thing for me to do is to remove the old fuel from the tank, and dispose of it, rather than risk breakdowns or damage, etc. I am considering two methods of removing the fuel, and would like some opinions! Option 1: with the boat on the hard, siphon as much of the old fuel as possible out of the tank into waiting jerry cans. I'm guessing I could get as much as 90% of the old fuel out, depending on tank access, etc. New fuel would then be added. Emptying only the tank (and not the fuel lines) might mean that bleeding the fuel system later would be unnecessary, but would leave some of the old fuel in the lines. Option 2: disassemble the fuel supply line at a convenient location, and use the electric fuel supply pump to pump the fuel into jerry cans. Opening the fuel system would require bleeding it later on, but using the existing electric pump may be easier than siphoning. Either way, I figure a small portion of the old fuel will remain in the tank, and will be mixed with the new fuel, and, ultimately, filtered and burned by the engine. I've decided against any type of fuel cleaning or polishing, as the expense of replacing 20 gallons of diesel is far less than installing a polisher, or hiring someone to do it. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, or warnings? I appreciate your time. Randy
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Emptying Diesel Tank
I've read where there are companies that will come to your vessel and "clean" your fuel for you. Basically, they pump it out, clean it and put it back in. You might check with your marina to see if anyone in your area offers this service.
I've read where there are companies that will come to your vessel and "clean" your fuel for you. Basically, they pump it out, clean it and put it back in. You might check with your marina to see if anyone in your area offers this service.
Oil Changer Pump
Went through this problem several years ago. Bought a Porta Quick 12 V Oil Changer. Removed the fuel level sending unit from the top of the tank and inserted the hose. You can then pump the fuel out into a series of 5 Gallon cans. You can also reverse the flow direction with the switch on the unit. You use this to pump some of the fuel back in inorder to wash the bottom of the tank. The biggest problem is getting rid of the old fuel. I gave mine to a construction company that burned it.
Went through this problem several years ago. Bought a Porta Quick 12 V Oil Changer. Removed the fuel level sending unit from the top of the tank and inserted the hose. You can then pump the fuel out into a series of 5 Gallon cans. You can also reverse the flow direction with the switch on the unit. You use this to pump some of the fuel back in inorder to wash the bottom of the tank. The biggest problem is getting rid of the old fuel. I gave mine to a construction company that burned it.
One possibility is an inspection hatch,,,
which is what I chose to do on my H34. If you would like to take a peek at the installation, follow the link below. Good Luck, Rusty,,, http://www.maine.com/shops/wiltjer/sail_brs_ftank.htm
which is what I chose to do on my H34. If you would like to take a peek at the installation, follow the link below. Good Luck, Rusty,,, http://www.maine.com/shops/wiltjer/sail_brs_ftank.htm
Sounds like you could solve this problem ...
most easily by doing some more motoring during the season ... better for the motor overall. I've had fuel last three years on my sailboat in Newport, but it does start to smoke ... so I don't do that anymore ... just motor near to empty by fall and add new fuel for the last trip. Vic
most easily by doing some more motoring during the season ... better for the motor overall. I've had fuel last three years on my sailboat in Newport, but it does start to smoke ... so I don't do that anymore ... just motor near to empty by fall and add new fuel for the last trip. Vic
I love to sail too but,
to keep the engine (any engine) in good shape you have to run it. I read that a diesel should be run atleast one hour after starting before shut down.
to keep the engine (any engine) in good shape you have to run it. I read that a diesel should be run atleast one hour after starting before shut down.
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