Old diesel Engines and Modern Day Fuel???

[steveebryant]

Dear Sailors:
I have a newly acquired 1989, 2GM20F 18hp Yanmar diesel engine. I do not know what the previous owner used for fuel or whether or not he used any additives.
I have been told that there are some service stations that sell grades of diesel that more closely approximates the fuels sold back in the day.
I would like to use the best possible fuel for this older engine.
The boat has a small water separator filter and fuel filter that came with it; I installed a fuel polishing system myself. I would like to avoid the additives if possible. If additives are necessary, I’d like to know the best to use.
Please advise me on these matter.
Thank You,
Steve

 

[Stu Jackson]

Steve, welcome & congratulations on your new boat. Additives are an addictive discussion, kinda like anchors & religion!

Newer fuels will be just fine, no need to search around for old style" fuel. There are cetane additives if you do some (Google/wikipedia/search on this forum) research and read up, you can make your own decision.

Most everyone recommends some anti-bacterial additives, like Bio-Bor.

I also used to use a water dispersal additive, but once it got used up after five years, I never bought any replacement and things are just fine.

I just use the anti-bacterial stuff.

You'll note in my signature that we have a 1986 boat.

 

[Dan Hill]

My 2c

Any otr diesel purchased in the US now has to be Ultra low sulfur by law.

I purchase what little I use at a high volume gas station to assure freshness. Alleged "Marine Diesel" is HOGWASH! I use the additive named "Power Service" for added lubricity and dose according to their recommendation.

I don't have fuel issues, period!

I use power service professionally in the northeast environment and I DON'T HAVE FUEL ISSUES!

And thats how the fight started!

 

[anchorclanker]

That all pretty much sums it up.

 

[Maine Sail]

I now buy my fuel only from Valvetect dealers. I was never sold on this until I was at one of the boat yards one day watching the Valvetect distributors test the fuel in the storage tanks to be certain it was up to Valvetects standards. They were there for about three hours with all sorts of fancy equipment. This was for a "spring commissioning" fill of a 10,000 gallon storage tank. If these dealers don't sell & store & filter Valvetect additive fuel correctly, and abide by Valvetects strict standards, Valvetect pulls their distributorship.

I have not added a single ounce of anything to my fuel since I began only buying Valvetect treated fuel.. Engine runs like a top, has no soot, and the fuel tank and fuel is as clean and clear as I have ever seen diesel.. We do have a high turnover polishing system too but no additives other than using Valvetect treated fuel...

 

[Dan Hill]

I maintain, monitor, and purchase fuel for two 10,000 gallon tanks, unleaded and diesel. This fuel is used by a school district so I am required to purchase through a co-op. This means my fuel could come from many different sources. We are one of the largest consumers through this co-op due to our districts size. We consume 50,000+ diesel annually, purchased 7500 gallons at a time.

I dose with Power Service at their maintenance concentration during delivery at the tank.

Delivery drivers are required to stick test for water and volumm before every delivery.

They never find water. My fuel sumps on the buses, which are drained every 45 days, never have water in them. I have never had a bus gel up like some other districts (I know this won't happen on a boat).

I realize I'm not comparing apples to apples but........ I must be doing something right and I believe that something is the additive.

I'm glad that vendor monitors their marine distributors like they do and I'm sure its a quality product, but, their prices are way off base and I feel they are gouging their customers just because they can.

My boat my wallet as they say I guess.

Steve, purchase a good quality fuel at whatever source you can. Your yanny will be fine.

 

[Paul F]

Have added Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost and StarTron Diesel Engine Fuel Treatment anti algae and fungal. A cap-full of each with every refueling. There is a small problem with Bio-Bar in that it contains alcohol not recommended by Yanmar, so I no longer us that product. Have had good results for over 10 years. Buy from someone who sells a lot of diesel and you will do well.