Engine - Diesel Fuel Choices
Anyone have any experience using biodiesel? I spoke with a person who was planning on distributing this in Portland - where there are few convenient diesel sources. Supposedly, this biodiesel is derived from recycled vegetable oil (McDonalds, BK, Wendy's, etc.) I'm also told this works well in all diesel engines and requires no modifications.
While this fuel is purported to burn much more cleanly, it has a couple of side effects. Apparently, it will kill all of the microbial growth in the fuel tank - requiring several filter changes when first converting to this fuel. Also, the exhaust smell tends to leave one with a hunger for french fries.
As one can imagine I stood with raised eyebrow. I've asked around and have been told third-hand that they use this stuff in heavy equipment with no problems. I have yet to hear first hand from anyone that has actually used the biodiesel. I'd like to get more input before trying it myself. Anyone??
Mike Finch
S/V Willow
From: sschneider@jrschneider.com [mailto:sschneider@jrschneider.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2001 3:31 PM
Subject: RE: Diesel Fuel Choices
Even though a friend of mine distributes "soy diesel", I strongly recommend AGAINST its use. One boat in our harbor had the stuff turn to Jell-O in his tank, what a mess. He had to pull the engine just to get to the tank, and then cleaning it out was difficult. After removing the tank, even boiling didn't budge the thick goo. He now hears reports of similar problems on other boats that use(d) soy diesel.
I have filled my fuel tank with #2 auto diesel for years. Never had a problem with my Yanmar.
Good luck.
Steve Schneider
From:
BETZENART@aol.com [mailto:BETZENART@aol.com]Gary, In an attempt to finally get rid of the diesel fuel contamination I have been battling for the past few years, I pumped the remaining fuel out of the tank and disposed of it at a county toxic drop off site. I then opened the tank access plate installed for me by Petro-Clean and reached in and wiped the forward half of the tank as clean as I could get it. The aft half of the tank was inaccessible due to the tank baffle that only has small triangular openings at each of the four corners.
I blew compressed air back through the fuel line between the tank and the filter in an attempt to clear any particles that might have lodged in the pick up tube. I changed the Racor 500 fuel filter, closed the fuel tank access plate, and added new clean fuel to the tank.
My question to the membership is: Does anyone know of any reason, legally or mechanically, not to use #2 Automotive Diesel fuel for marine engines?
One of the advantages I am already seeing is that the light, clear or slightly straw colored fuel allows better monitoring of the accumulation of contamination as it is collected in the filter bowl. The deep red color of the Marine grade fuel makes any accumulation harder to see.
I am under the impression that the color coding of the fuel is for tax purposes only, and concerns commercial vs recreational use. I do not believe it has any bearing on the mechanical suitability of the fuel for use in various engines. I am interested in comments on the subject.
Thanks, Art Fowler
Art:
I agree with you the fuel is the same. The red dye is only used to denote the taxing level on the diesel fuel (in California).
A few years back the state, as part of their clean air and water campaign, had the refineries remove the sulfur from the diesel, causing all kinds of havoc to diesel engines. For marine use, the sulfur free diesel was dyed blue for recreational boaters and the red dyed diesel (with sulfur) was sold only to commercial boats. (they had a better lobby than the recreational boaters)
About a year later the state finally came to their senses allowing all boaters to buy the red dyed diesel with sulfur. Anyway, that is how I remember it.
Harry Farrell
From: sschneider@jrschneider.com [mailto:sschneider@jrschneider.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2001 3:31 PM
To: grsalvo@pacbell.net
Subject: RE: Diesel Fuel Choices
Art:
I believe you are correct about the red coloring of marine diesel fuel. It is my
understanding that the red fuel is for "commercial" vessels and this has to do with taxes, (of course!!).
I have filled my fuel tank with #2 auto diesel for years. Never had a problem with my Yanmar.
Good luck.
Steve Schneider
Good Morning,
Since I joined your group last May, I have read with much interest all emails on the various problems/solutions encountered by some of you.
Let me give you my 2 cents worth regarding diesel problems. My I36 1980 is equipped with a Pathfinder engine; shortly after my purchase, I had problems with, what I thought were dirty fuel. A wise old diesel mechanic in the region (Chesapeake Bay) told me to watch out for the "beasties"... It appears that when water accumulate at the bottom of the fuel tank organisms form and live in it feeding on the diesel, eventually, due to either
motion or low fuel or both"the beasties" are sucked in the fuel line and fiter blocking the flow. If left inattended this will create a contamination in the tank itself. The wise old
mechanicrecommended using Biobor, a borax product, used regularly by aviation mechanics for airplane fuel. At the time you could only by it at airports but now it is avaiable at most boat stores.
Since I started using Biobor in 1982 I have had (touch wood) no problem with diesel. As a rule I mix the required amount of Biobor in 1 or 2 gallons of diesel which I pour in tank before fill up.
So Gary, I should conclude that your contamination is more likely due to "beasties", as marine or auto diesel are the same with different colours. I have used both equally.
Best regards to all Islander owners
Philippe Masiee
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