Fuel polishing
Thanks for the feedback. So the general consensus is that additional polishing is not required as the Racor primary filter plus engine filter is fine. So long as one takes the usual precautions. In addition whilst motoring or running the generator some fuel polishing happens anyway.
This is nice to read. I only raise this because the newer Amels have common rail turbo charged engines, where fuel cleanliness is extra important. In addition we may well be buying fuel with 20% biodiesel, and low sulphur. Biodiesel is more prone to degrading and bacterial growth. Amelia has been ashore for 5 months with brim full tank. It is a shame there is no drain valve to remove a few litres off the bottom of the tank. Nick Amelia AML 54-019 currently located ashore in La Palma, Canary Island. Launching in a couple of weeks and planning to sail to Greece this spring.
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eric freedman
Hi Nick,
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On Kimberlite the tank drains from the bottom. Is it different on the 54? Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
-----Original Message-----
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of ngtnewington Newington via Groups.Io Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 2:00 AM To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Fuel polishing Thanks for the feedback. So the general consensus is that additional polishing is not required as the Racor primary filter plus engine filter is fine. So long as one takes the usual precautions. In addition whilst motoring or running the generator some fuel polishing happens anyway. This is nice to read. I only raise this because the newer Amels have common rail turbo charged engines, where fuel cleanliness is extra important. In addition we may well be buying fuel with 20% biodiesel, and low sulphur. Biodiesel is more prone to degrading and bacterial growth. Amelia has been ashore for 5 months with brim full tank. It is a shame there is no drain valve to remove a few litres off the bottom of the tank. Nick Amelia AML 54-019 currently located ashore in La Palma, Canary Island. Launching in a couple of weeks and planning to sail to Greece this spring.
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Hi Erik,
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I am not on the boat now. From memory the fuel exits the bottom of the tank directly to the Racors but There is no valve on a lower sump. I could drain off the Racor filter very easily. I suspect though that the pick up is just off the bottom of the tank. So the sludge will remain between the fuel pick up and the very bottom of the tank. There may not be any sludge. Maybe I am seeing gremlins where there are none! Nick Amelia AML 54 -019 La Palma
On 10 Apr 2019, at 07:08, eric freedman <kimberlite@optonline.net> wrote:
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Hi Nick,
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Whenever Kristy has been sitting for a while, I put a 6 foot 1/2 inch PVC pipe down to the bottom of the tank and pump a gallon into a clear container. I let it sit for an hour or so, and if there’s any water or sludge, it will sink to the bottom and be clearly visible. I use BioborJr every time I buy fuel. So far after an initial professional cleaning 10 years ago, I’ve had only clear fuel. I didn’t change the Racors for the first 4 years and never had any water or sludge in them. Since then I change them once a year and they always look new. Kent Robertson S/V Kristy karkauai@yahoo.com USA cell: 828-234-6819
On Apr 10, 2019, at 2:46 AM, ngtnewington Newington via Groups.Io <ngtnewington=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi Erik, I am not on the boat now. From memory the fuel exits the bottom of the tank directly to the Racors but There is no valve on a lower sump. I could drain off the Racor filter very easily. I suspect though that the pick up is just off the bottom of the tank. So the sludge will remain between the fuel pick up and the very bottom of the tank. There may not be any sludge. Maybe I am seeing gremlins where there are none! Nick Amelia AML 54 -019 La Palma On 10 Apr 2019, at 07:08, eric freedman <kimberlite@optonline.net> wrote:
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eric freedman
Hi Nick,
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At the bottom of my fuel tank there is a valve that shuts off the fuel, it is connected to a rod on the shelf in my Mid-ships bunk that will turn off the fuel from outside the engine room if there is a problem in the engine room. FYI, behind the valve on Kimberlite there is a mesh screen that is factory installed to keep large stuff from getting into the fuel line. After my racor filter there are neoprene hoses that go to the genset and engine. If you wanted to put a valve in the line to polish your fuel this is where I would put the valve. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376 Hi Erik, I am not on the boat now. From memory the fuel exits the bottom of the tank directly to the Racors but There is no valve on a lower sump. I could drain off the Racor filter very easily. I suspect though that the pick up is just off the bottom of the tank. So the sludge will remain between the fuel pick up and the very bottom of the tank. There may not be any sludge. Maybe I am seeing gremlins where there are none! Nick Amelia AML 54 -019 La Palma
On 10 Apr 2019, at 07:08, eric freedman <kimberlite@optonline.net> wrote:
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eric freedman
Hi Kent,
Did you ever try Howes fuel treatment instead of Biobor? https://petroleumservicecompany.com/howes-meaner-power-kleaner-12-32-ounce-case/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx8LAkdHJ4QIViYrICh1MjQOZEAQYASABEgJr8fD_BwE. This product is guaranteed to give you 10% better fuel economy, will not allow the diesel to gel, and absorbs the water so it will be burned with the fuel, in addition to dissolving the bacteria in the tank. It is used by large fuel depots to store fuel. I thanks to PenAzen) had Amel install a 2 way valve in the fuel fill, The fuel goes to a pump, then through a racor truck fuel filter The filter itself is about 12 inches high and 6 inches in diameter. It then goes into the tank. I have never had any fuel problems and the fuel tank is spotless. I use a 2 micron fuel filter in the dual racor fuel filter before it goes into the engine fuel filters. I believe the problem with using Biobor is that it kills the bacteria and the dead bacteria accumulates and sits on the bottom of the tank. Most boats have a dip tube for the fuel so sludge on the tank bottom is normally no problem. Our tanks draw the fuel from the bottom so any crud in the tank goes directly to the Racor filters. I have close to 7000 hours on my yanmar with no problems so far, Fingers crossed. I would suggest you try it. You can get it at most auto supply stores. I bottle is good for 350 gallons. If you use it, the first time, I would double the recommended quantity. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376 -=-=-=-=-=-=-
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Hi Kent,
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It looks like the general consensus is that the Racor system fitted is good and that I am indeed seeing gremlins that do not exist. Like you pvc pipe idea. Will do that. I am launching in two weeks. Nick Amelia 54-019 La Palma
On 12 Apr 2019, at 02:14, karkauai via Groups.Io <karkauai=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
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Hi Eric,
Yes, I use Howes and Biobor Jr. I didn’t think Howes did anything to prevent or kill microorganisms. I haven’t been able to confirm any increase in fuel efficiency with Howes, but I do think my exhaust ”mustache” on the port hull isn’t quite as bad as it used to be. What I’ve been doing seems to be working well, but if I start finding dirty fuel when I get to the Pacific, I may add a system like you have on Kimberlite. Kent SM 243 Kristy
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eric freedman
Hi Kent, Here is the blurb from Howes—I use Meaner power cleaner. I have not noticed the mustache on my port side after using this and changing my injectors. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
At Howes we understand the science and importance of year round lubricity and protection and our Meaner Power Kleaner is the proof. Safely eliminating water and removing the environment that creates bacteria, Meaner Power Kleaner contains no alcohol or harmful solvents and eliminates injector deposits. The end result is a performance enhancing product that protects your engine and boosts MPGs…guaranteed
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of karkauai via Groups.Io
Hi Eric,
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