Diesel additives?

[ishmael]

This will probably be as controversial a topic as choice of ground tackle.  However,  what diesel additives are you all using in your old Westerbeke's?  I use a product for adding lubricity, Sentry, and a biocide, Biobor JF.  Do any of you use Startron tank cleaner?   

Ron
S/V Matchmaker
St. Marks, Fl

[Randy]

I use Startron only and have met with good success.

[RayNWanda]

All we use is Biobor JF. I do run the fuel through a Baha filter funnel before it goes in the tank.

Caterpillar used to have embossed into all their fuel caps "Buy clean fuel and keep it clean". It's good advice. Some of the fuel additives are good products, some are snake oil. I do have to wonder what happens when you start using several. Most of them have a variety of solvents to keep them liquid. Are the main ingredients compatible? I saw 2 boats several years ago that both tried a certain cetane booster. One of them had 10 of 12 injectors leaking, the other had 9 of 12. Was it mixed correctly?- Who knows. I am pretty leery of pouring stuff in our fuel.

BUT- at this point, I am able to buy automotive diesel and bring it aboard in jugs- I can see what we are getting. If we were cruising, we would probably have to get what the fuel dock has.

[ishmael]

Good advice.  Clean fuel is the key and keeping it clean, water, and bug free the challenge.  I also use a baja filter and swear by it.  I'm sure it has saved me headaches.  We are full-time live aboard and leisurely cruisers.  Meaning we tend to stay in one place for months at a time.  Our fuel consumption is low and I tend to worry about water and about lubricity (given the low sulfur diesel we are seeing more of lately). 

Anyone else?

Ron

[RockysMate]

I googled Baja filter funnel and can't seem to find anyone who sells it.
Linda

[RayNWanda]

Here it 'tis

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=11151&partNumber=1933233&langId=-1

[Randy]

Don't buy that one. It's a piece of cr@p. You have to deal with a lot of fuel left in the bottom of the filter. Its messy and certainly not worth the West Marine price tag!

[Jim S]

I agree that the listed filter is less than optimum.  The following sites have the Baja filter pictured.  Hope you can find one.

http://www.mit.edu/people/robot/diesel/index.html
and
http://www.myboatsgear.com/newsletter/200767.asp

[RayNWanda]

I'll buy one too just to be rid of the filter holding fuel. I didn't know there were better ones!

[RayNWanda]

So- who sells them? I found the nice aluminum one for 239 bucks... This is how we ended up with the one from Worst Marine.

[Jim S]

Just to let you know, the Baja retains residual fuel as well.  I have a PVC pipe with end cap to catch the left over fuel that drips out during storage. 

[ishmael]

Just FYI -  Practical Sailor rated the West Marine version higher than the Baja.  I know.  It retains a bit of fuel.  I keep it in a large plastic zip lock bag, heavy duty kind and dispose of the retained fuel at a local marina along with spent oil.

[RayNWanda]

 We bought a Teak Slave Rescue Kit from Semco a couple of years ago. It comes in a little one gallon? bucket. By sawing off about 1/2" from the West Marine funnel, it will just fit in the bucket. The bucket is also just the right height to support the fuel jug as you pour it into the tank. So- when I finish with the funnel, it goes into the bucket and the lid snaps on the bucket. It works, but the fuel remaining in the funnel is a nuisance. It is easy to make a mess.