Wow, ethanol was bad enough for gas, now it seems that diesel is having issues these days too.
http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear/reasons-to-be-paranoid-about-diesel-34807
HeaveToo,
Thanks for sharing that. I didn't realize HPCR technology was being applied to marine diesels. Luckily the smaller Yanmars have the conventional injection systems, for which I am now especially grateful. The HPCR technology was/is a problem in the automotive industry as well. Initially, people were shying away from VW TDI models because of a known non-warranty failure of the high pressure pump, which was thousands of dollars to replace. There is a lot to be said for low tech solutions.
Agreed. Still, there could be fuel issues for the older diesels because there isn't as much lubrication in the fuel.
One thing that is a consideration is to add fuel treatments when you fill up. This costs extra but if it prevents injector damage then it probably is a good preventive cost. I use to add a biocyde on each fill up to prevent growth.
One other suggestion is, if you can find it, to fill up with off road diesel. It is cheaper because there isn't a road tax and I have heard that it usually has more sulfur.
HeaveToo,
The offroad diesel is a very good idea. I remember seeing pumps for it in Santee S.C. when I used to drive a VW diesel from Maryland to Florida. As I remember, it was 10-20 cents lower than the taxed stuff. I will search my local area here in SW Florida, there is a lot of agriculture in the area. I fuel mine with a 5 gallon portable container so that would work fine. I also use conditioner in the fuel, I heard so many people promoting it's use so I figured it can't harm.
Thanks again for bringing that piece to light.
Conditioner is a good idea. I did that on each fill up with a biocyde to prevent nasties from growing in my fuel system. I also use to add diesel 911 once in a while.
Another good idea that I was given by someone else was when you change your fuel filter fill the fuel filter with injector cleaner instead of diesel. It gives it a good quick burst into the injectors. I use to do that on my old boat as well.