Fuel Additives

[Piers]

It's more complex than that. Even if you are meticulous in your use and keeping tanks full, you are at the mercy of the quality of the fuel being delivered, and the quality of the O rings on the fuel caps, and the new bio-diesel which already has water in it.

 

[Rgrwynne]

I agree that the biggest problem is not knowing what fuel you are getting. Water in the fuel is a very common problem across the Med. How would you know otherwise so I use an additive as a precaution.

 

[Captain G]

Totally Agree.

I think the trick is - if you use the boat a reasonable amount and use decent quality fuel then you won't need it but if you don't have the tanks full during the winter, don't use it much and possibly use fuel that may have a lot of moisture in it then you should add it.

 

[gordmac]

I got given a significant quantity of old contaminated diesel. Treated it with marine 16, no problems using it.

 

[westernman]

I got given a significant quantity of old contaminated diesel. Treated it with marine 16, no problems using it.

My understanding is the old mechanically controlled diesels without common rail are much more tolerant to water and crap in diesel fuel. In particular the really old indirect injection diesels with a swirl chamber compared to newer diesels with very high pressure common rails with electronically controlled injectors which do multiple injections (which requires a much finer jet and more precise control).

The latter are probably more fuel efficient - except for the most recent ones which have to comply to the new NOx emissions.

What kind of engine do you have?

 

[westernman]

My local chandler recommends Startron. Any experience, good or bad?

 

[KevB]

Our diesel fuel at nearly all Premier marinas comes with Soltron pre added. If it's good enough for Esso, it's good enough for me.

ABOUT THE MARINE GAS OIL SOLD AT CHICHESTER MARINA
The marine gas oil sold at all Premier Marinas – except Falmouth Marina – is Advanced Marine Diesel 10. This fuel is sourced from Esso's refinery in Fawley, Hampshire and supplied by WP Marine, part of the WP Group of companies (Wessex Petroleum Ltd) www.wp-marine.co.uk.


ABOUT ADVANCED MARINE DIESEL 10
WP Marine's Advanced Marine Diesel 10 is a low sulphur fuel containing 10ppm (parts per million) sulphur. This high quality fuel is recognised as FAME FREE and is guaranteed by Esso to contain less than 1% bio element.

Advanced Marine Diesel 10 also contains Soltron®. Specifically developed to work with marine diesel at a dilution rate 10,000:1, Soltron® contains a blend of 20 naturally occurring enzymes which combine inside the fuel tank to optimise the combustion process and enhance fuel efficiency. Soltron® also provides lubrication in low sulphur marine fuel oil and neutralises bacterial growth from contaminants."

 

[gordmac]

My understanding is the old mechanically controlled diesels without common rail are much more tolerant to water and crap in diesel fuel. In particular the really old indirect injection diesels with a swirl chamber compared to newer diesels with very high pressure common rails with electronically controlled injectors which do multiple injections (which requires a much finer jet and more precise control).

The latter are probably more fuel efficient - except for the most recent ones which have to comply to the new NOx emissions.

What kind of engine do you have?

Pair of old 6 cyl Fords.