Diesel - changes

[Latestarter1]

Apart from being an MDL customer I have no relationship with them, but I found this on their website:

If you are one of the growing numbers of boaters concerned about the risk of diesel bug, caused by biodiesel in the fuel supply - following the introduction of new fuel quality legislation - you can be rest assured when you refuel at an MDL marina. Responding to the new EU diesel fuel legislation requirements, MDL Marinas is leading the way in the industry to offer a new low-sulphur fuel, which is free from all biofuels (FAME-free), in accordance with the new British standard BS 2869:2010 - Class A2.

The decision to introduce this new fuel came after concerns continued to mount from boat owners about the environmental effects, as well as contamination of fuel tanks with diesel bug, which clogs filters causing loss of power and engine breakdown.

Dean Smith, Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, said: “We understand our customers concerns over biodiesel content in marine fuel, and through the support of our supplier, we are delighted to be able to secure supplies of diesel which meet the new British standard.

“To ensure this fuel reaches the pump in top condition, we conduct regular fuel tank cleaning and testing. This supply and our steps to ensure we maintain our fuel quality, gives our customers all the environmental benefits of low sulphur fuel with the added peace of mind that the potential problems of biodiesel will be avoided.”

MDL’s fuel stations are supplied by Shell’s distributor, Emo Oils Limited.

In line with my earlier post I have downloded a bunch of BS 2869:2010 A2 gas oil specification sheets and reponse to concerns by farming community.

One major fuel distributor has added very honest and reasonable Q&A unlike MDL weasel marketing words.

'Will the new spec Gas Oil contain FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) known as Bio Fuel?'

The new Gas Oil specification BS 2869:2010 Part 1: Class A2: Permits up to 7% FAME to be included in Gas Oil. However we are advised at this time, that most UK Oil refiners will not be supplying Gas Oil with FAME content, however this could change at any time and even if they include up to 2% this is regarded as FAME free. Therefore my advice is to manage your fuel with the assumption that FAME is or will be included.

I could not have put it better!

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I dont want to get drawn into another long debate...

Suffice to say that many marinas in MCA Cat 3 and 4 waters continue to sell traditional gasoil, and will continue to do so as along as it remains commercially viable.

 

[Trundlebug]

Thankfully, most major marinas and fuel suppliers along the Trent & Humber have committed to supplying FAME free diesel.

Farndon, Newark, and BW marinas (West Stockwith and Hull) all supplying FAME free. Although I heard that Hull marina ran out over Easter and weren't getting another delivery until today..

For me the major issue is not the temporary effects of clearing out or freeing off crud from the system, but the limited storage life of diesel with FAME content.

If we run our tanks down at the end of the season, we end up with loads of condensation in there, and if we top up with FAME content diesel it has gone off and gelled by the start of the next season. The same applies to farmers, although they perhaps have a better chance of draining water from the botom of their tanks than we do because of better access.

So far, a suitable answer to this conundrum hasn't been explained. Just how are we supposed to adapt to a change that has no suitable outcome?

 

[captainscott]

Diesel

This diesel problem is ongoing- however there are products available to help solve the problem. I must state that I have a commercial interest and supply fuel additives here in East Anglia. BG Products have a number of products available for the marine market and I would be pleased to supply information to any interested fellow boaters.I have a written product recommendation from an established and highly experienced automarine company in the midlands ( a Mercury \ Mercruiser factory trained engineer) who has used our products for some years.A pdf copy of this is available on request.
An interesting trial of one of my products BG Products diesel fuel conditioner has taken place by the trip boat Rutland Belle based on Rutland Water.
The Gardener engine was experiencing problems caused by low sulpher fuel, and after using our diesel fuel conditioner reported reduced fuel injector noise, implroved slower idle quality and reduced fuel consumption.
Yes this is a commercial reply, but may be of help.

 

[Latestarter1]

This diesel problem is ongoing- however there are products available to help solve the problem. I must state that I have a commercial interest and supply fuel additives here in East Anglia. BG Products have a number of products available for the marine market and I would be pleased to supply information to any interested fellow boaters.I have a written product recommendation from an established and highly experienced automarine company in the midlands ( a Mercury \ Mercruiser factory trained engineer) who has used our products for some years.A pdf copy of this is available on request.
An interesting trial of one of my products BG Products diesel fuel conditioner has taken place by the trip boat Rutland Belle based on Rutland Water.
The Gardener engine was experiencing problems caused by low sulpher fuel, and after using our diesel fuel conditioner reported reduced fuel injector noise, implroved slower idle quality and reduced fuel consumption.
Yes this is a commercial reply, but may be of help.

You are talking 100% BS!

I have been testing a Gardner 6LX on the dyno with zero sulphur fuels for a high hour operator with no ill effects at all!

In fact the nice old Gardner retarded timing table actually suits zero sulphur a treat.

As to lower fuel consumption............total smoke and mirrors.

I have good numbers, and do not need to sell anything on this site.

Suggest to get your snake oil peer reviewed by Lubrizol and publish the data. The fuel industry spent $$$ developing additives in order to mitigate lack of sulphur. Work carried out by Southwest reserch for US EPA on aftermarket additives revealed that many were up to 70% kerosene. EPA considering banning use of additives, however all mired in politics as these outfits have big $ marketing budgets.

Total spam, get out of here!

 

[captainscott]

diesel

well an interesting reply, but we have proven data. Not snake oil just pure facts. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so go and have a lie down you obviously need one.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

well an interesting reply, but we have proven data. Not snake oil just pure facts. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so go and have a lie down you obviously need one.

Captainscott you are missing a fundamental point here. What some of us describe as happening in the real world is insignificant compared to what we are told should be happening based on documentation and bench testing.

 

[boatingdave]

As someone who is just about to pay hundreds of pounds to have diesel bug removed from his tanks, not I impressed with the'just accept it but buy my products' argument however well put. Unless you will sell me some of the BG products at a stupidly low price to prove your intentions were honourable.