For those of you with Diesel Engines

[HeaveToo]

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

[Potcake boy]

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.

[HeaveToo]

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. 

[Potcake boy]

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.

[HeaveToo]

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.