Overwinter diesel tanks

[Spankerwrap]

I have read that it is a good idea to fill the diesel tank to the top before the winter break to minimise condensation and subsequent water contamination in the tank.

I have also read that it is important to use fresh diesel at all times as it can go stale and cause running problems. I did top up my tanks last October but, as I like to sail as much as possible, I have worked out that I now have the equivalent of two years diesel usage left which is already the best part of seven months old.

Could anyone tell me the least worst option ?

 

[pvb]

Best option is...

There's little chance of stale diesel giving you problems, whereas getting condensation in the tank in winter might conceivably result in problems. So best option would seem to be to keep the tank full - not just over the winter, but all the time.

Since I experienced the dreaded diesel bug, I've also added biocide with every fill of diesel. Seems to have worked so far (fingers crossed).

 

[Spankerwrap]

Re: Best option is...

Huh ? Diesel bug ?

 

[DepSol]

Re: Best option is...

Careful some biocides eat the SS tanks. Soltron is much better and kinder to all your engine components.

Dom


I just want my boat back in the water ;-(

 

[georgeb]

Re: Diesel bugs

'Fraid so. Certain bacteria feed on diesel and can live and grow at the interface between water and diesel. Hence the need to avoid water in tanks. Biocides will kill them but will also result in the carcases being carried into your filters/separators and clogging them rapidly.

 

[VMALLOWS]

Re: Diesel bugs

I'm quite curious about this problem, since in 19 years I've not had any sort of problem (filters as clear as you could want). I'm also not particularly good at keeping the tank topped up in winter, and buy my diesel wherever its going cheapest. Could it be that I tend to motor quite a lot (disgraceful, 29ft sailing yacht!!) and get through at least 3 or 4 tanksfull each year?

 

[pvb]

Re: Diesel bugs

I think that the diesel bug probably gets into the tank when it's refilled from a badly-maintained storage tank. If you buy your diesel where it's cheapest, you'll probably be buying from people who have a good throughput of diesel, so the storage tank may be looked after better.

There's a theory that, once you've got the diesel bug, it's difficult to completely eradicate. That's why I use biocide in every fill, and regularly drain off some diesel from the bottom of the tank to check for contamination.

 

[DepSol]

Re: Diesel bugs

Not alwaysthe case I am afraid to say. You dont just get the bug by being given crap fuel it can breed in your own take under the right conditions. Biocide will kill it but the remains will still clog your filters. Also biocide will rot stainless steel.

Soltron is proven to kill the bug (see PBO reports) and will clean up any tank sludge and break it all don so it can be burnt away. It also increases the cetane level and ensues you have good quality fuel for when you need it. No ned to drain off the tank if you use Soltron. See pg 110 of this months PBO.

Dom


I just want my boat back in the water ;-(

 

[burgundyben]

He\'s Right

I use it, jolly good stuff too.



......girls, girls, get back, please, one at a time......

 

[oldharry]

Re: The diesel bug

Grows and proliferates where the diesel and water meet, and is characterised by finding stringy black tarry substances appearing in your fuel lines and filters. Biocides stop it from growing but do not remove it, which can only be acheived by emptying and thoroughly washing out your tanks. It will effectively and rapidly block the gauze mesh filters usually fitted at tank outlets, and can block the fuel line itself.

No water in the tank = no diesel bug, so the advice is to keep tanks topped up at all times to prevent condensation, Not just in the winter.

 

[DepSol]

Re: The diesel bug

Forget Biocide Soltron is an enzyme which eats the bug breaks it down to nothing so it doesnt get stuck in the filters. Biocide is a waste of time its just glorified weedkiller you need something that is gonna do the job properly like Soltron and if you cant get that try Fuel Set.



Dom


I just want my boat back in the water ;-(

 

[oldharry]

Re: The diesel bug

Gretting to see why you are so keen on Soltron, Depsol!!