Diesel storage

[osd9]

I'm buying a Diesel boat and doing an engine survey next Tuesday (some of you know the story) and part of my agreement is that the dealer supply a full tank of fuel and do the complete winterization/storage thing.

I want to make sure that the fuel is "good" come next spring. I have owned gas boats for the last "umpty ump" years and I have ALWAYS stored full with stabilizer...this year with some extra "stuff" because of the ethanol...

Anyway, is diesel the same ol' same ol'......put in stabilizer, fill to top, run engine and genie and show up in the spring?????? I've got some learn' to do.....and quickly.....

 

[fwebster]

First, don't put anything in the fuel tanks unless it says that it is alcohol free.

Diesel does not turn to varnish like gasoline, so all you really need to use is a diesel additive that says it disperses moisture and adds a lubricant......most everything you can find up there is going to also be for cold weather operation.

I use Power Service Products:

http://www.powerservice.com

I use their Diesel Kleen+Cetane Boost and their BioKleen biocide on a maintenance level every time I fuel the boat. Even Walmart sells the Diesel Kleen, but you may have to look to find the biocide.

The one single most important thing you can do to prevent fuel problems is to keep your fuel tanks full. The tanks vent to atmosphere so the air space above the fuel in the tanks is moisture laden air taken 3' from the surface of the water. Moisture condenses on the tank surfaces when you experience cooler nights and warm days. Algae or microbes grow in the presence of water, so keep the tanks full so there is no or very little air space and you minimize problems.

 

[jjssas]

Re: Diesel treatment: "To use or not to use"

410 Dancer: twin 3116 CAT diesels, 350 hp each. Fuel capacity, 175 gals. each side. Never a problem starting engines. Been using appropriate maintenance amounts of "ValvTect", Biogaurd, Fuel Microbiocide every time boat is fueled. Label says "kills bacteria & fungi, breaks up sludge & slime, prevents bacteria plugged filters, prevents bacteria caused corrosion." Question: When winterizing engine, should I use just the "ValvTect", or, should I add the Diesel Fuel Supplement, "Cetane Boost", by Power Service PS. The front Label says, "ULSD Antigel Formula, Boosts Cetane for Faster Cold Starts, Keeps Injectors Clean with SlickDiesel for Maximum fuel Lubrication." The much more extensive back label includes, "disperses water in diesel fuel" and "does not contain alcohol of any kind". And there are other listed benefits. I am sure there are members who are very familiar with this product. (Walmart carries it). Storage is Baltimore, Maryland, Inner Harbor, in the water, generally Dec 1st through April 1st with ambient temperatures in the mid to upper 30s to 40s, occasionally below 30 and sometimes lower for short periods.

Thanks

"Court Ship"

 

[Dancin Dave]

Treat the fuel as if you were going to use it, for you will be next spring and it will be ready to go. I believe the Diesel Kleen contains stabilizer. If not make sure you add the proper amount before topping off, so it mixes.

 

[boatdoc100]

All these guys are right. What you need to learn is that there is actually a fungus that grows IN diesel. Not properly protected it will grow in the tank and filters and look like seaweed. There are many products on the market and some do one thing and others do another thing. What is important is that you buy a product that stabalizes, is an antimicrobial(kills that fungus) and actually breaks it down so it can easily pass through. Alsi that absorbs water or moisture. Diesel will not tolerate water. I strongly recommend the "Star Tron" brand. I have used it as an additive and as a cleaner in tanks that were trashed with fungus.
Brad
Pflieger Marine Services

 

[Pirate]

AND, if you don't buy it from his website, the diesel could grow a fungus into any and all of your body orifices. es.

 

[jjssas]

Comments requested on "PriD" additive for preserving diesel fuel only for a four month period.

Thanks

Court Ship