Fuel Polishing?

[Adrianwool]

I am at the point of relaunching my boat after a six month refit. Tanks about two thirds full on purchase. What is the forums view on the merits of fuel polishing?. Or failing this is there a fuel treatment that anyone would recommend as a precaution prior to top up and use?. Help much appreciated

 

[mainshiptom]

have lots of fuel filters ready and run engine and also check for water in bowl.
Some Diesel tend to return to tank so you are polishing while using!
Tom

 

[Peanuts]

Hi
First of all, what fuel are you talking about, I assume diesel. If you are only talking about 6 months I myself would not bother, just use it unless you know of any other reason. I think I could safely state that over half the marina does not use their boats for over 6 months during the winter period but just carry out the following year.

 

[Bandit]

If you have a sump drain, stripping pipe or inspection port see if you can siphon off the bottom of your tank and inspect the fuel and judge from there.

Check the primary filter bowls and elements for water, slime and crud. If the elements are badly stained or coated you may have a problem this can be tested using a sampling kit.

You need to judge the level of contamination and act accordingly.

I always use a biocide tratment Grotamar 71.

http://www.echamicrobiology.co.uk/shop/GrotaMar71/3,13,0,0/default.aspx

You should carry at least three sets of primary filter elements Racor, Separ etc as to change these is all you can do at sea.

Perhaps take your first seatrial for an hour or two near to port and then check the primary filter elemnt for water and crud.

Always check your primary filters for water before every trip.

Water is the killer that will destroy your fuel pump and injectors.