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Subject: Re: TWL: Asphaltines and other crud
From: Alex Hirsekorn (alexh@XXX.XXX)
Date: Mon Apr 01 2002 - 15:23:55 EST
HiHo,
WARNING! This is a rehash of stuff I've posted before but I just can't
restrain myself.
Question: What is this crud in my fuel?
Answer: Who cares?
Your engine wants clean diesel even though it will run on fuel that is
fairly dirty. Knowing what contaminants are present is interesting
information but it doesn't really help much in solving the problem (IMHO).
Asphaltines, biofouling*, water, rust, and plain old dirt are all
undesirable materials to have in your fuel and they all are most easily
dealt with in the same ways.
1. Buy good fuel. Dealing with a fuel dock that turns its inventory rapidly
and uses good handling practices will go a long way toward reducing fuel
related problems. Of course, there are times when this may not be possible
but the nature of trawlers should allow the prudent boatowner to plan his
fueling in advance most of the time.
2. Use it up quickly. Most fuel problems stem from the fuel sitting around
for extended periods of time and trawlers, with their good economy and large
tanks, are particularly prone to this. Nonetheless, using your boat a lot so
that your fuel is always fresh will all but eliminate problems. It's also
enjoyable. Sadly, it's not always possible.
3. Keep it clean and dry. Good housekeeping augmented by good filtration on
an ongoing basis should take care of any potential problems that sneak by
#'s 1 & 2. Boats that perforce are idle for extended periods would be well
served by using an onboard polishing system to prevent crud from
accumulating.
3a. Fuel additives are a last resort. Today's diesel isn't as stable as it
was a few years ago and polishing is only effective if you can do it
regularly. If your boat is berthed in another part of the country or sealed
up for the winter it might be worthwhile to use a fuel stabilizer to slow
the formation of these asphaltines that we've been discussing. FWIW: If your
fuel dock sells "Premium Diesel" then the stabilizers have already been
added. Biocides IMHO are a band-aid solution to a problem that is much
better solved by #3 above.
3b. Be careful when evaluating claims about additives. Some additive
companies make claims about improved performance, economy, and/or
cleanliness from the use of their product. Even assuming that these claims
are made in good faith you need to ask "Compared to what?". IOW: Were the
improvements made compared to the pristine fuel that would result from
following #'s 1, 2, & 3 above or to some nasty contaminated stuff. That will
allow you to decide whether you're likely to see benefits that will outweigh
the expense of using them.
*Biofouling - Referred to as Algae, Bacteria, or just Bugs the stuff that
actually causes the problem is the waste products of these organisms (Bug
poop).
Redundantly yours,
Alex
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