Winterizing question

[cindy15934]

We have just winterized our boat. This is a new boat to us and we know the fuel in the tank was old. We stabilized it and added biocide, and filled the tank full. Then my husband decided maybe we should completely drain the tank and in the spring replace with fresh diesel in the spring. We know we now will have to bleed the system, but is there any problem doing this? We have a 1988 Beneteau 285 with a Volvo Penta model 2001. Thanks, cindy

 

[Mike]

Replacing fuel

How old is the old fuel? Has it been treated? How did the engine run on on it? If it's not that old and the engine ran fine I would think with what you've already done you'd be fine. Before you waste all that fuel I'd ask a local diesel mechanic about it. Good luck.

 

[G]

leave tank full

Most experts recommend leaving a full tank when the boat is winterized. The theory is that an empty tank is obviously not really empty; its full of air, and as tempatures rise and fall, condensation can form inside the tank, and water in diesel fuel is a big no-no.

 

[Dragonfly6689]

No need to bleed the system.

As other suggest, leave the tank full all winter then pump out the fuel in the spring if you must. We bought a 285 in 2001. It had a half tank of diesel. It had only been sailed a couple of times a year for the previous 4-5 years. The owner couldn't remember the last time he filled the tank. It ran ok so we just topped of the tank and added diesel treatment as you suggest. The next spring it started and ran ok, so we just ran it hard, then filled it when it got low. The more it ran, the better it ran. We planned on changing filters that fall, but never got around to it. Bought Dragonfly the following spring so never had to change fuel filters and bleed the system.Bleeding the system can be a challenge the first time, but nothing to it after you have done it once. Best option is to find someone to help your change the filters and bleed the system next spring. If you don't want to change the filters, just pump out the fuel. You won't pump the fuel out of the fuel line.Good Luck.Mark

 

[Doedee]

Bleeding the engine

Bleeding the diesel engine is not complicated.Loosen the small bolt on top of the fuel filter system so that the slot in the bolt is visible.Then pump the fuel lift pump (on a Perkings Prima 50 ) until you get a steady amount of fuel eminating from the loosened bolt. Then start the engine at about 1500 rpm. When it starts running steadily reduce the engine to neutral and run for abount 15 minutes and you are on your way.