Diesel fuel when left to sit over the winter can collect water and algae. It is the bane of boaters and one of the most common causes of engine failure. In 2005 we experienced the problem offshore on an overnight run from Beaufort, SC to Wilmington, NC. We encountered large swells and wave heights of 8 to 12 feet. This tends to stir things up a bit and cause the clumps of algae to clog the pick-up tube, filters and sometimes engine injectors. We got past that crises on our own although is was nerve wracking.
Since then I've mounted additional filters and a magic device called Algae-X on the fuel lines. Added algaecide and kept the tank full to minimize condensation. We had a problem free year (fuel wise anyway) in 2006. This spring our luck ran out and we have had the engine shut downs every time we ventured out, sometimes at rather inopportune times.
More algaecide was added to the fuel, filters replaced and the fuel pump disassembled and cleaned. Today, Jason and I too the boat out for an hour run down the waterway and everything behaved perfectly. Might just push our luck and take it sailing and see if the wash tub action of ocean waves creates more trouble. At least I now feel I've isolated the problem so can take quick action.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment