Diesel fuel polishing systems

[reverie]

Hello all,

There have been a couple of good threads on our forum on replacing the Purflux primary filters on our boats with Racor models, but nothing on topic of fuel polishing.

Has anyone felt compelled to install a polishing system in their boat? I've come across an interesting one from Parker (who make Racor products). See www.parkerfuelpolishing.com.

Looks like this may make sense to install - although not cheap!

On a related note, has anyone had to clean their tank yet to remove the gunk at the bottom? If so, how old was the boat?

I've not done anything along these lines yet. My 2004 SO35 has now gone through 6 summers with not a hint of trouble - but I'd obviously like to keep it this way...

Thoughts?

John

[MartyB]

John,

To my knowledge, my 85 Arcadia has never had the tank polished, no real issues on fuel either. Other than about 2 yrs after getting her, the original filter was clogged. Then another soon after, put on the racor, no issues since. We have had her about 5-6 yrs, in puget sound year around since new.

The big key is making sure the fuel is clean and good. Add some anti water and bio cleaner to the fuel, reasonably full tanks, and you should not have issues. Reality is, in 20 yrs of running diesels, I have never had a bad tank in the trucks, nor in the two skid steers(bobcats) and mini trackhoe I own(owned) had to flush a tank.

I would wait until you have an issue personally.

Marty

[reverie]

Many thanks, Marty.

This makes sense. I think I'll just use some fuel stabilizer, keep the filters clean, and call it a day.

John

[so40gtb]

I have an article on this about 60% complete and intend to post it on this site. Now that En L'Air is winterized and on the hard, maybe I can complete that effort. The essence of it is this:

I use a Jabsco electric oil-change pump to pull fuel though a 10 micron Racor filter and cycle it back into the tank, along with plastic tubing in and out. A coathanger bent straight stiffens the tubing for use as a wand to dredge out the bottom of the tank. Otherwise, the set-up just pulls fuel from the lower regions of the tank, through the filter, and dumps it back into the tank via the filler cap.

I used this to clean out my tank bottom and then do a few hours of "polishing" last spring. I don't think I'll need to repeat for a few years - and hope to trade up to a SO37 or SO40 by then!

--Karl