Amaury
New Member
I have a Bukh DV8, only used to get in and out of marina. The injector was totally clogged. It is now being cleaned and reset. Should I use a diesel additive as routine maintenance?
Diesel additive
- Thread starter Amaury
- Start date
sarabande
Well-Known Member
Diesel engines like and need work. You probably have not given the engine a chance to reach a proper working temperature, and for the diesel in the tank to be dewatered via the return line, an d - more importantly - for the engine oil to get hot enough to evaporate any water.
Add some diesel additive if you think that the bug caused the injector problem, but an hour's solid hard work will do more good.
Add some diesel additive if you think that the bug caused the injector problem, but an hour's solid hard work will do more good.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Well-Known Member
Also, replace the engine fuel filter annually and syphon out any sediment from the bottom of the tank.
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vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
As Sarabande suggests, the problem is likely to be carbon due to running the engine at low temperature. Your operating regime is almost certainly the main contributor. I recommend the 'Italian tune-up': every few months drive the boat at sea at maximum revs for about 20 minutes.
Graham376
Well-Known Member
All good info above. Whether to add additives and which one is another question, there are so many out there from preventatives to cures. I have added FuelSet Fuel Set | Liquid Engineering UK Ltd for many years but don't know if it works or not. All I know is I haven't (so far) had a fuel problem so, either it works or, I've always had good fuel.
Momac
Well-Known Member
I have never heard anyone say fuel additives do any harm.
But as said its impossible to prove whether they do any good. I do use an additive as a preventative treatment and have not had any fuel issues.
But as said its impossible to prove whether they do any good. I do use an additive as a preventative treatment and have not had any fuel issues.
QBhoy
Well-Known Member
I’ve known additives to cause real issues. If the tank and system is bad enough with bug and deposits...that’s been there long enough and stuck to the tank and piping walls...dosing the system can release it all and cause mayhem at sea at the worst possible time. Many starvation issues and filter changes required there after.
not to say it shouldn’t be done...but something to be aware of perhaps.
above comments are right to say that diesels like to be worked hard occasionally to burn carbon off.
all the best
not to say it shouldn’t be done...but something to be aware of perhaps.
above comments are right to say that diesels like to be worked hard occasionally to burn carbon off.
all the best
Refueler
Well-Known Member
This is often the result of using a solvent only based additive. Too many snake-oil additives jumped on the band-wagon when bugs and diesel blend changes were in 'the news' ......
Use of a good reputable Enzyme based additive would not suffer such problems used on a sparingly but regular basis.
Graham376
Well-Known Member
You know about fuel whereas most of us don't. In common with many other products, just reading the manufacturer's labels tell us each one is "the best". What would you be looking for to determine which preventative treatment is likely to work?
Refueler
Well-Known Member
I am not going to recc'd a brand over another - please understand my position. But generally I would suggest talk to others you meet in the yard ..., the mechanic (NOT the yard owner !) who deals with engines ....
Forums such as this and especially the long distance cruising peeps will mention what they use ....
Me ? I use Startron - as that's the one I see on the shelf when I get back to UK .... its NOT a recc'd to use only that ... there are others just as good ...
Many swear by Fuel Set .... but I have never used it ...
I only use an Enzyme based .... because my fuel sits for significant winter periods etc. I look for an additive that will break up all residuals to burn in the engine.
Years ago - I would have swiped a sample litre from my company stock - we used to have it in 1000 litre containers ... but the days of us treating large volumes are long gone ... so we no longer stock it. I buy it now same as you !!
Amaury
New Member
Many thanks for all this useful information. It seems that in and out of the marina is not enough work and I'll ensure I run the engine for20 minutes at high revs from now on. many thanks and happy New Year from Melbourne Australia.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
I swapped my seized 4-99 Perkins for a slightly less ancient 4-107 Perkins. It had been taken out of a Rustler 30 because it 'smoked'.
First thing I did when giving it a trial .............. run at cruise for a while to make sure she was steady and systems OK. Then full throttle for a good run ... I'd never seen such ***** come out an exhaust before (excluding old tractors of course) ..... The transom was black from all the stuff that came out.
But it started to clear so that now if I run full throttle - I get the typical black exhaust from too much diesel and not enough load.
If the Rustler guy could see it now more than 15years on ... he would not believe its still running sweet.
That 4-107 is from about mid 60's .... so is getting on for over 40yrs old ..... plenty of life in her yet ....
First thing I did when giving it a trial .............. run at cruise for a while to make sure she was steady and systems OK. Then full throttle for a good run ... I'd never seen such ***** come out an exhaust before (excluding old tractors of course) ..... The transom was black from all the stuff that came out.
But it started to clear so that now if I run full throttle - I get the typical black exhaust from too much diesel and not enough load.
If the Rustler guy could see it now more than 15years on ... he would not believe its still running sweet.
That 4-107 is from about mid 60's .... so is getting on for over 40yrs old ..... plenty of life in her yet ....
ashtead
Well-Known Member
Plus 1 for Fuel Set
Old Harry
Well-Known Member
lw395
Well-Known Member
Seems to me the OP is more in the market for an injector cleaning additive than a bug treatment.
I think this stuff helps my car run a little cleaner:
Millers Oils Diesel Power Ecomax
You will find some people who make great claims for such additives, others who say they do nothing.
Some people report that a dose of Miller's helps some cars get through the MoT emissions test, but you want to start it a month before the test ideally.
I'm fairly neutral, I sense some improvement, but my journeys are too varied to consider it scientific proof. Best guess would be a couple of extra mpg,
I think this stuff helps my car run a little cleaner:
Millers Oils Diesel Power Ecomax
You will find some people who make great claims for such additives, others who say they do nothing.
Some people report that a dose of Miller's helps some cars get through the MoT emissions test, but you want to start it a month before the test ideally.
I'm fairly neutral, I sense some improvement, but my journeys are too varied to consider it scientific proof. Best guess would be a couple of extra mpg,
rich
Well-Known Member
I can not say the name of the product that I am involved with for many years, but owner s that use it swear by it, some marina fuel supplies are treated with it, but after false bad press from p b o, we now only supply in commercial quantity’s.
ps, it works!
ps, it works!
Refueler
Well-Known Member
The question comes down to :
Cleaning the system, (pump / injectors/ pipes) - that needs a solvent based product and most shop shelf products are not aggressive enough. You would need to use a large amount over a long period to clean up for example OP's system. But used in a relatively clean system - they can help.
Solving a Bug situation
a) Breaking down the dead bugs that are the clogging material we find in the filters as well as the live bugs - this needs a reputable Enzyme based additve. Note the comment - its the DEAD bugs that clog your engine - not the live. When the micro-bacteria dies - it clumps together creating the residue that falls to bottom of the tank ... movement of the fuel causes it to rise and pick-up line then carries it to filters / pumps etc.
Enzyme based additives - many do have a chemical addition to allow any moisture to be similarly reduced and to be carried with the enzyme reduced material to SAFELY be burnt in ANY diesel engine. That moisture chemical does not allow large volume water to be carried. It only affects the suspended water content that is inherent in every fuel. Free water in the tank stays as free water.
b) Killing the bugs is the action of Biocides, which incidentally are often added to Enzyme additives as a secondary action. Biocide alone will not break down the dead bug material. Biocides are the usual product used by refinerys / oil traders to produce a 'clean' fuel.
Summary : This then should indicate to you that each product has a place in the scheme of things. Generally you do not need anything. Fuels have 'detergents' and various added to help keep systems 'clean'. Diesel may already have had biocide added during its transfer to distribution.
The consumer then weighs up whether he uses an additive for own peace of mind or to cure a problem that may have occurred.
He / She may need to KILL a problem ... but will also need to remove the results of the kill ...
The consumer is basically presented with confusing facts about diesel and its treatment - which opens the door to snake-oil remedies and claims. Many online pages advertising or putting forward case for a product will use literary licence - I am sure most realise that. Its not so much what they say - its what they DON'T say !
A good working product is like the rope cutter - you just do not know it works as you never see any effects. But you soon see the effects of a bad one !! Also you may never have a problem in first place - but using the additive - you are reasonably sure you will be secure in future.
Cleaning the system, (pump / injectors/ pipes) - that needs a solvent based product and most shop shelf products are not aggressive enough. You would need to use a large amount over a long period to clean up for example OP's system. But used in a relatively clean system - they can help.
Solving a Bug situation
a) Breaking down the dead bugs that are the clogging material we find in the filters as well as the live bugs - this needs a reputable Enzyme based additve. Note the comment - its the DEAD bugs that clog your engine - not the live. When the micro-bacteria dies - it clumps together creating the residue that falls to bottom of the tank ... movement of the fuel causes it to rise and pick-up line then carries it to filters / pumps etc.
Enzyme based additives - many do have a chemical addition to allow any moisture to be similarly reduced and to be carried with the enzyme reduced material to SAFELY be burnt in ANY diesel engine. That moisture chemical does not allow large volume water to be carried. It only affects the suspended water content that is inherent in every fuel. Free water in the tank stays as free water.
b) Killing the bugs is the action of Biocides, which incidentally are often added to Enzyme additives as a secondary action. Biocide alone will not break down the dead bug material. Biocides are the usual product used by refinerys / oil traders to produce a 'clean' fuel.
Summary : This then should indicate to you that each product has a place in the scheme of things. Generally you do not need anything. Fuels have 'detergents' and various added to help keep systems 'clean'. Diesel may already have had biocide added during its transfer to distribution.
The consumer then weighs up whether he uses an additive for own peace of mind or to cure a problem that may have occurred.
He / She may need to KILL a problem ... but will also need to remove the results of the kill ...
The consumer is basically presented with confusing facts about diesel and its treatment - which opens the door to snake-oil remedies and claims. Many online pages advertising or putting forward case for a product will use literary licence - I am sure most realise that. Its not so much what they say - its what they DON'T say !
A good working product is like the rope cutter - you just do not know it works as you never see any effects. But you soon see the effects of a bad one !! Also you may never have a problem in first place - but using the additive - you are reasonably sure you will be secure in future.
