Day tank

[John_P]

Having had previous problems with diesel bug, which caused a blocked filter and the engine to cut out at the worst possible moment, i now clean the fuel every year and add biocide plus change the filter very regularly. Even so it is always in the back of your mind when you enter a narrow estuary with little room for error should the engine cut out.
As such ive been considering adding a day tank, what does the panel think pros and cons please ?

 

[Boathook]

Personally I would sort out the main tank, as you seem to be doing and maybe add another filter system so that you can switch over. A 2nd tank is something else to cause problems in my view.

 

[Stemar]

I had a similar problem which resulted in entering Portsmouth harbour under sail in F6-7 in my Snapdragon 24. That rather traumatic experience persuaded me that twin filters in parallel would be a good idea. A pair of car fuel filter bodies with spin-on filters, some taps from ASAP and a bit of plumbing did the job. I could switch filters in seconds and change and bleed the blocked one with the engine running. This, of course, meant that I never had a filter problem again. As a result, I only changed the filters when they started looking rusty enough to be a concern - about every 5-6 years, which, over the time I had the boat, saved me more than the cost of the filters.

I would suggest that such an arrangement would be a lot less hassle than a day tank, and would give you the piece of mind you seek.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I had a similar problem which resulted in entering Portsmouth harbour under sail in F6-7 in my Snapdragon 24. That rather traumatic experience persuaded me that twin filters in parallel would be a good idea. A pair of car fuel filter bodies with spin-on filters, some taps from ASAP and a bit of plumbing did the job. I could switch filters in seconds and change and bleed the blocked one with the engine running. This, of course, meant that I never had a filter problem again. As a result, I only changed the filters when they started looking rusty enough to be a concern - about every 5-6 years, which, over the time I had the boat, saved me more than the cost of the filters.

I would suggest that such an arrangement would be a lot less hassle than a day tank, and would give you the piece of mind you seek.

I agree with you to have a changeover filter so that if the engine stops due to a blocked filter a simple change over filter will get you out of trouble

 

[NormanS]

One of the best things that any fuel tank can have is a drainable sump, so that any water or dirt can be easily removed. This is often difficult to achieve, but relatively easy with a day tank, which can also be sited to give a gravity supply to the engine, another advantage. It really depends on whether you have a suitable space in which to install a tank.

 

[westhinder]

Another vote for two filters in parallel with a changeover. In my case twin Racor filters with a glass bowl, so you can visually inspect them, and a manometer, which gives an indication of the state of the filter in use.

 

[noelex]

A day tank is only one component to ensure your engine has a clean and reliable diesel supply, but it is a helpful one. It is surprising that very few cruising yachts have one fitted.

Fitting a day tank can also be a useful way to extend the diesel tankage in an older boat.

However, given your problems, the first step is to physically clean the main tanks if this is feasible. A polishing system is also beneficial. The plumbing for this should be considered when a day tank is installed.

 

[Snowgoose-1]

I thought about placing an extra larger particle filter close to the outlet of the tank.

When I had problems , the supply line was full of gunk as well as the filters.

Unfortunately, access is likely to be a problem.

 

[John_P]

Thanks for all the thought provoking comments, taking the fuel tank out for a steam clean would be the best idea however the boat is a Westerly Fulmar and access is very poor. I hadnt considered 2 filters in parallel that seems to be the next best option, i like the idea of quickly switching to a fresh filter if the first one gets blocked. Ive added it to the jobs to do list.