Modern fuel in an older engine, which additive?

[ferroboat]

Our engine is a perkins 4236 and during our extended cruise this summer there may only be modern fuel avalible. Which additive should i use? Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Caer Urfa]

Our engine is a perkins 4236 and during our extended cruise this summer there may only be modern fuel avalible. Which additive should i use? Thanks in anticipation.

On my last motor cruiser which was a 1975 model we had original twin Perkins 4108 diesel engines, never put any additives in with the diesel, just made sure it was clean diesel and not from a fuel pontoon that is used a couple of times a month!!

Mike

 

[pvb]

None - you don't need an additive.

 

[sailorman]

I wonder how the continentals manage with bio fuel

 

[superheat6k]

Just keep it clean and dry. Filter polish the fuel regularly as IMHO prevention of fuel bug is far better and cheaper than any cure. I have a simple filter / pump rig I can plug into either tank and by doing this for each tank for a couple of hours each month the fuel stays clean and virtually nothing comes out.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Your engine will tolerate a variety of diesel oils; as low as 28 seconds and as "thick" as 35 seconds. The modern (car) diesel engines will not tolerate any deviation from the present standard diesel fuel primarily due to sensors installed on the engine in order to optimise performance and economy.

The "old" engines, like my 70's marine Volvo, are very robust, to the point that they can happily run even on paraffin; however, modern diesel fuels are better lubricants, thus better for the old engines.

 

[sailorman]

Just keep it clean and dry. Filter polish the fuel regularly as IMHO prevention of fuel bug is far better and cheaper than any cure. I have a simple filter / pump rig I can plug into either tank and by doing this for each tank for a couple of hours each month the fuel stays clean and virtually nothing comes out.

Do you think the continentals do the same

 

[fishermantwo]

Your engine will tolerate a variety of diesel oils; as low as 28 seconds and as "thick" as 35 seconds. The modern (car) diesel engines will not tolerate any deviation from the present standard diesel fuel primarily due to sensors installed on the engine in order to optimise performance and economy.

The "old" engines, like my 70's marine Volvo, are very robust, to the point that they can happily run even on paraffin; however, modern diesel fuels are better lubricants, thus better for the old engines.

Modern diesel is actually less lubricating or much drier than diesel of old, rub some between your fingers. I add half a percent of WC-3 outboard oil to my diesel. From reports it makes the engine quieter, starts easier. It seems to in my case as well. Costs very little and a lot of people still have small 2 stroke outboards.

 

[Lakesailor]

That only applies to the injector pump. The rest of the engine has it's own oil system.