Recommended pump for fuel polishing system

[smokey73]

Hunter 40.5 40 gal fuel tank
I would like to install a fuel polishing system that I can use periodically.

I have had a separate pickup tube and return tube built into my new tank. I already have the filter but will need to get a suitable pump. Anyone have any suggestions for volume flow rate (gal/hr) and max or min output pressure. The filter will be on the suction side of the pump with a gauge on the filter.

Any suggestions on the pump would be appreciated. I'm considering having it wired so it runs whenever the engine is running - is that a good idea or just a switch to run it periodically.

Thanks in advance

 

[Rich Stidger]

Dan,
If you have a problem with your fuel then a polish is one way to go. But if you are not having a problem, why add this complication? In 19 years I have never had contaminated fuel or felt the need for a polishing procedure. Are you sure you are not trying to solve a problem that you don't have?

 

[jssailem]

The Walbro pumps are continuous rated for diesel fuel.
http://www.fuel-pumps.net/frseries.html

 

[hewebb]

My boat has one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-12...&qid=1491476740&sr=8-16&keywords=electric+fue
It is in the line from the tank to the engine pump. The fuel that is not consumed by the engine is returned to the tank. It runs continuously while the engine key is on. Engine is Universal diesel.

 

[jibes138]

You can get 12 volt diesel pumps at auto parts stores. NAPA carries Facet pumps either the cube type or the cylindrical type.

 

[capta]

You do realize that if you are starting out with a new tank, then the engine filters are cleaning your fuel as you run and any excess clean fuel is being returned to the tank via the return line?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You do realize that if you are starting out with a new tank, then the engine filters are cleaning your fuel as you run and any excess clean fuel is being returned to the tank via the return line?

Gets my vote . A built in fuel polisher at no extra cost.

I have to confess to being a gadget freak on my boat but that's one item I would never waste the time on. Just one more item to maintain. The tank has been clean for 18 years and a little swig of Biobor with each fill up keeps it that way.

 

[smokey73]

Gets my vote . A built in fuel polisher at no extra cost.

I have to confess to being a gadget freak on my boat but that's one item I would never waste the time on. Just one more item to maintain. The tank has been clean for 18 years and a little swig of Biobor with each fill up keeps it that way.

Excellent point and it seems that the consensus is no fuel polishing is needed with a new tank. I have the lines and locations for fuel polishing but maybe I don't need to hook it up as an installed system. Just monitor the primary filter bowl and if I start seeing "junk" in the bowl then hook it up and polish it. I just was thinking about prevention rather than cure.

Just another thought though: All tanks start out new and at some point some moisture gets in somehow (condensation, leak at the fill, etc) and then cleaning the tank out and/or a fuel polishing process ends up as necessary. We have very high humidity here in the coastal south so just thinking about how to stay ahead of any problem at a reasonable cost. I noticed that Mainesail talks about his fuel polishing system and was just wondering why he has one? I do have two cleanout ports on the top of my tank so getting in there to clean it out, although a bit of a PITA, isn't impossible. I'd like to hear Maine's thoughts if he is monitoring this thread?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I do have two cleanout ports on the top of my tank so getting in there to clean it out, although a bit of a PITA, isn't impossible.

I use this access for periodic sampling of the fuel:

I'm not comfortable with any larger openings on the tank. Suck up a sample from the lowest part of the tank to check for water. I use a Pela oil extractor with a clear section of vinyl tubing. With a shot of Biobor at every fillup, the fuel is always spotless in spite of sucking up a few cc's of water every so often.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I also use Biobor JF at every fillup.

 

[capta]

We use the Star Tron® Enzyme Fuel Treatment and are very happy with it. Biobor is older tech.

 

[Maine Sail]

Hunter 40.5 40 gal fuel tank
I would like to install a fuel polishing system that I can use periodically.

I have had a separate pickup tube and return tube built into my new tank. I already have the filter but will need to get a suitable pump. Anyone have any suggestions for volume flow rate (gal/hr) and max or min output pressure. The filter will be on the suction side of the pump with a gauge on the filter.

Any suggestions on the pump would be appreciated. I'm considering having it wired so it runs whenever the engine is running - is that a good idea or just a switch to run it periodically.

Thanks in advance

I run a Walbro. I burned out both a Carter and a Facet (used the facet temporarily as I had it as an engine spare). The guys at Carter told me it was a "continuous duty pump", it's not..... I got my Walbro here on SBO from Phil. Keep in mind the flow rates listed with Walbro are minimums. Mine is turning over about 75 +/- GPH or turning the tank over at least twice per hour... I will never again own a boat without a built in fuel polishing system..

 

[smokey73]

.. I will never again own a boat without a built in fuel polishing system..

That's good enough for me. Maine has never steered me wrong. I only have a 40 gal tank so this that will determine the flow rate. 1 turnover per hour sounds like its a good number.