Diesel tank: Empty or Full?

[Nanjo]

I'm at Messolonghi and about to leave my yacht ashore for at least 12mths. I have a 40ltr stainless steel diesel tank. At the moment with only 8ltrs in it, so easy to drain completely. My question is: which is best empty or full? If full, then I'm thinking it will be at least 12mths old fuel when I re-launch,should I add a de-bug agent? Any advice from anybody?

 

[rivonia]

I'm at Messolonghi and about to leave my yacht ashore for at least 12mths. I have a 40ltr stainless steel diesel tank. At the moment with only 8ltrs in it, so easy to drain completely. My question is: which is best empty or full? If full, then I'm thinking it will be at least 12mths old fuel when I re-launch,should I add a de-bug agent? Any advice from anybody?

The only reason to leave your tank full is to prevent condensation(water) from poluting the diesel. I think it would perhaps be wise to empty the tank and then when you come back make sure it is dry before filling with fresh diessel

Peter

 

[guernseyman]

IMHO emptying the tank would not stop condensation. Have you got access to dry it out? Filling your tank for over-wintering is a 6 month stretch - not so very different to 12 months.
So in your position I would add de-bug agent, fill up, and stuff rags round the air intake(s) to reduce the amount of moisture even more.

 

[nimbusgb]

Empty the 8 liters, you won't stop condensation but you'll stop the bug from growing if there's nothing for it to feed on!

 

[AB1707]

Imho either empty or full. With so little (8l) in it then empty is probably sensible as fuel does break down over time.

 

[jrudge]

If you believe diesel will get cheaper. Empty. If you believe it will get more expensive. Full.

Mine is full!

 

[Chris_Robb]

The problem is not the condensation, but the FAME (vedge fat) in the diesel as this is road diesel. This dumps waxy deposits out, and I suppose a mess will accumulate in the bottom of the tank. The fuel is supposed to have a shelf life of about 3 months.

I have left mine empty, and before I launch, I will suck about 5 litres from the bottom of the tanks, so vacuuming out any water or sludge.

 

[Nanjo]

Thanks Chris, sounds the way to go for me.

 

[telford_mike]

Been enjoying your blog by the way mate

 

[Nanjo]

Thanks Mike, glad your enjoying it. Soon be back to work though.