More Diesel drama

[chas]

Re: The Solution!

Dom - on your recommendation, my tank has been treated with S*****n for over a year now - a total of two bottles has disappeared into it. All worked fine until this load of diesel (Sn put into tank before fuelling as recommended). It would seem that it was too dirty for my filters, the fuel return system and your nice little bugs. the residue in the filters was more like wet sand than diesel.

 

[DepSol]

Re: The Solution!

That is sludge, give it time it will be broken up and pass thru the filters. It is like sand but softer to the touch. If it is hard to the touch it is sand which is not uncommon to be found in fuel as some barges and other places put it in to the fuel to up their profit margin.

This happens also as sometimes the sludge that has been sitting there for ages gets lifted off the tank walls where it has been stuck and starts floating around. Make sure your Soltron isnt sat in daylight also.

If it is sludge double dose that load of fuel to help it break down quicker, if it is sand change the filter.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[chas]

Re: The Solution!

Thanks - it could have been sludge but I think it was a bit too gritty. I suspect that i will have to spend a happy winter removing 45 gallons of diesel and giving the whole system a good clean. I will also add a pre filter as there is currently only one.

I am a aconvert to Soltron. It did an excellent job of cleaning up some diesel in my tank that was at least five years old!

 

[Chris_Robb]

Re: Pre filter

Try fitting a Racor 500 - easy ti drain, and easy to change elements,

Go to ASAP supplies - mail order - 01502 716 993 great value for all your other engine spares too. Order usually arrive by return of post.

 

[DepSol]

Re: The Solution!

Complain to the authorities and get them to dip his tanks. If he is putting sand in he needs to be struck off.

Best get a prefilter anyway.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[chas]

Re: Pre filter

Thanks for the recommendation. I will have a look at the filter.

 

[PeteMcK]

Tank?

You might need a tank if it's an old mild steel one. I know I do - I'm on a temporary 5 gallon plastic tank till the winter. Your 45 gallons might be giving the walls and roof a good rinse and dragging down all the rust and crud. Tank-Tek (or is it Tek-Tank) seem to be the likely source for a replacement, unless anyone can advise better?

 

[chas]

Re: Tank?

I was trying not to think about that one! You may well be right. It is steel and 28 years old. Luckily it is quite acessible but what do you do with 45 gallons of dirty diesel?

 

[DepSol]

Re: Tank?

put it into a sealed drum double dose it with Soltron then filter it thru a pair of the wifes stockings before putting it back in to you fuel tank.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[colin_jones]

Re: Pre filter

Racor filters are great ---- but---- the Racor 500 has a flow rate of 227 litres per hour. That might be a bit OTT.

The Racor 120 series has a max flow of 57 litres per hour and might be more appropriate. It is also about £85 cheaper.

 

[PeteMcK]

Hmmmm...!

If it's not leaking (mine is now - badly) just keep changing those filters! Seriously, if you change the filters frequently from now on and there's always brown rusty sediment in the bottom of the bowl, I'd take it as a possible warning. The fuel will slowly clean up as you run since it's circulating all the time, unless the problem's in the tank. If there's an inspection plate on top of the tank, it might be worth having a look inside.

 

[chas]

Re: Hmmmm...!

Thanks - a very good point. Maybe I will let it settle for a bit, remove the bottom gallon or two via the drain plug and fit an extra filter.