Diesel Fuel Tank Retrofit

sailingcal21 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

I want to start off right on my 1981 O'Day 34's fuel system. Actually all the systems but the fuel one is the current one of concern.

When I purchased her the fuel tank (30 gal)was leaking. I've had a new one built for her by the original tank manufacturer (Flordia Marine Tanks, nice people). And will install it this weekend.

If you were starting with a new diesel fuel system what would you do besides installing new primary and secondary filters? I have new hoses from the supply and return side of the tank and will also replace the fill and vent hoses.

Are there any additives that I should use initially and continue to use?

Is a truck stop a good source of diesel?

Should I remove the rail to have it boiled out and the injectors tested?

Scott
Karma
1981 O'Day 34

mariner3302 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

Truck stop's generally give you the freshest fuel especially the bigger ones. BUT the trick is that you are buying on road, taxed fuel. By buying from a marina or similar offroad fuel supplier, you will save money. Pennies but they do add up.

Eleanna · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

Every marin fuel stop i've seen is charging more for the fuel then any gasstation or truck stop i've seen down here in florida.
Using one 1 micron filter should be sufficient enough but change it every 50 hr for the first 2-300 hr and after that every 100 hr.

E.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

I would install a setup that has dual primary filters, in parallel, so that you can change the filters without having to bleed the fuel system or stop the engine.

Eleanna · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

You dont need to bleed the system after a filter change all you have to do is top off the canister with diesel and that will avoid problems such as bleeding the system.
And who is gonna change filter under way?

E.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

My friend's boat has a dual parallel primary filter system, as he has been caught trying to power off a lee shore, and had the fuel filter clog from the debris that is generally stirred up from the bottom of the tank in heavy seas. Stopping the engine, changing the filter and trying to bleed the fuel system before restarting the engine would have cost him his boat, as it nearly did once, before he installed the new filter system.

BEANS · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariner3302

Truck stop's generally give you the freshest fuel especially the bigger ones. BUT the trick is that you are buying on road, taxed fuel. By buying from a marina or similar offroad fuel supplier, you will save money. Pennies but they do add up.

You can save even more money if you contact your local heating oil company and use that for your first tank. Same product just dyed red.
I know of several heating oil company's that will make delivery's to your boat

Eleanna · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

I see what you are saying but again cleaning your tank every year or two and changing filters on a scedule will avoid situations like that.

E.

Surfesq · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

Scott: I filter the fuel when I fill up the tank. It takes a little longer but you would be surprised what shows up in the filter.

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfesq

Scott: I filter the fuel when I fill up the tank. It takes a little longer but you would be surprised what shows up in the filter.

I know what you mean, and just got a friend one of the nice portable water separator/filter funnels... but I don't have to do this generally, as I usually fill the jerry cans I use for fuel at the local gas station..