Is it worth using HVO

[Little yogi]

HI< I have just been through the process of cleaning out my Diesel tank due to the dreaded bug, despite using Marine 16 treatment, won't go into the details as its been discussed many times before.

Now I have a clean tanks Im considering using HVO, having done a lot of research it looks like it has many advantages over BIO Diesel , the main reason for the possible switch is ( if I'm right ) HVO is less likely to attract the bug as it doesn't absorb water , and keeps for much longer then Bio diesel, has anyone on hear been using HVO, do you still need diesel bug treatment

What are your thoughts

 

[Momac]

HVO is the ideal fuel for boat with a diesel engine.
But apparently its expensive if it's available.

 

[dunedin]

Where are you based?
If got access, or big enough tanks to get bulk delivery, it sounds a good option.
CA HVO

 

[Momac]

do you still need diesel bug treatment

You don't necessarily need to use a bug treatment in diesel.
I do use an additive in diesel which is claimed to keep the fuel system clean but its not a bug killing treatment. A lot of people add nothing to their diesel and have no fuel issues . I think diesel bug is largely a matter of bad luck when refuelling.

 

[Greg2]

You don't necessarily need to use a bug treatment in diesel.
I do use an additive in diesel which is claimed to keep the fuel system clean but its not a bug killing treatment. A lot of people add nothing to their diesel and have no fuel issues . I think diesel bug is largely a matter of bad luck when refuelling.

Not sure I would agree with that assuming you are referring to standard red as opposed to HVO, which is what I think the OP was actually asking about.

Having had fuel problems and resolution by a professional outfit I would say that treating modern diesel is the sensible thing to do and that those that don’t and don’t have problems are more likely to have been lucky given the enhanced levels of bio-fuel in diesel. That said using a treatment isn’t a guarantee but it certainly moves the odds in your favour. The type you use is also a consideration and it is interesting that the OP had problems despite using Marine 16 - I had exactly the same as we were also using Marine 16 when we had problems. The guys who sorted ours recommended Fuel Doctor as it also gets rid of water via combustion in the engine.

We run boats at work and get through more fuel than the average leisure boat so it isn’t sitting in tanks for long periods but we wouldn’t dream of not using a treatment to reduce the risk of problems.
.

 

[Gryphon2]

I filled with HVO in Holland last autumn and I believe it is quite freely available there if at a premium
It is good stuff..no smell, no bug, and lots of brownie points.

 

[Bandit]

In reality most fuel tanks are signed off by the boat builders accountant ie the cheapest. A flat bottomed tank with the bare minimum of fittings: filler, sender, pick up line and return any more costs money.

Tanks should be built with a sump of a litre or so at the lowest point of the tank when the boat is moored, preferably a drain valve off the very bottom of the sump. This will collect any water with the boats normal movement. This allows you to drain off any water and see if there is a problem, drain off a sample into a clean white plastic vessel and inspect for water and crud. If a drain is not possible a sump with a fixed stripping line a stainless tube to finish just shy of the bottom of the tank and you suck out a sample with a clean Pella type suction vessel. Keep an eye on the water, I strip mine each year and remove maybe half to one egg cup of water from each tank, my boat is 24 years old with no serious bug problems. Fuel bug grows on the interface between the diesel and the water that will sit at the bottom of the tank.

Think how much the water will build up year on year if not removed.

Always religiously use a good biocide every time you refill, to kill fuel bug.

Fuel bug turns the water acidic which can corrode the tank especially if it is aluminium.

The primary fuel filter will only pick up water from the tank when it rises to a level that is picked up by pick up line which is not at the very bottom of the tank. If the pick up line was right at the very bottom of the tank it would be easy to block with any general crud or fuel bug.

In my experience you don’t pick up a “dose of fuel bug” the spores of the fungi and algae are all around us looking for a food (diesel) but they also need water to live and grow.

I have worked for a long time maintaining boats, diesel fuel problems a speciality.

 

[Freebee]

I spent many ears working in the aviation fuel industry in particular with the RAF and the Royal Navy where they suffer similar problems with fuel bug in kerosene or diesel based fuels. In the last century Navy ships used to put sea water in their diesel tanks to compensate for fuel use to maintain trim so diesel bug was a particular problem....I echo all the Bandit said above fuel bug spores are airborne and enter the fuel system through refuelling and venting of tanks, they cant live with out water, so good house keeping, removing water bottoms and cleanliness will hold it back.....its constant work not luck