Burn, Baby, Burn equals Fuel
The United States is the number one consumer of fuel consumption but has the lowest grade of diesel fuel for all industrialized nations. This dirty diesel fuel supply causes more problems and phone calls to Marine Diesel Engine Mechanics. The number of calls for dirty diesel fuel easily outnumbers all others combined. Diesel Services of America will help you keep your fuel at tip top level for optimum performance.
Keeping your tank full is always high on the recommendation list but you can never stop the microbial growth associated with dirty diesel fuel. Visual inspection is a common repeating theme in this four part maintenance tips series. Think of your fuel filter as your goalie. The last line of defense. Make sure you have the manufacturer specified fuel filter for your marine diesel engine. Viewing your inspection bowl before every outing is a solid practice to ensure marine diesel engine longevity. This visual inspection will also help avoid common blockage issues related to contaminated diesel. If water is easily viewable then drain it immediately and start up and run the engines until inspection bowl is full. If you can see water again then you know for sure that you A) have water in your fuel and B) just plain bad fuel.
At this point you should call a certified marine diesel mechanic like Diesel Services of America. Don’t attempt draining the diesel fuel yourself. Although the concept seems simple at first glance. You are not just draining a lawn mower engine that sat all winter. Most larger sport fish yachts have 1000 gallon fuel tanks. Spilling 1 gallon of diesel fuel can lead to hefty fines from the Department of Environmental Protection. To properly engage a spill of any size you must have fuel containment barriers, absorbents and booms. This is one where you should let the professionals take care of business. “If it were easy as fishin’ – You could be a musician” compliments of BTO (Bachman Turner Overdrive) – Takin Care of Business.
As a marine diesel owner you should at the very least know how to accomplish a few basic task. Bleeding the fuel lines and system if air happens to get in is crucial. Air in your fuel system will cause your marine diesel engine to shut down rapidly. Again these 4 DIY (Do It Yourself) Marine Diesel Maintenance tips all have a common thread. Looking at and visually inspecting your marine diesel engine could save your vessel from expensive repairs. Throwing out the monetary side, extensive down time is another negative aspect of not maintaining your engines properly. Almost all marine diesel engine power plants have an easy access point for bleeding air. Loosening the screw on the filter top will pop up a hand pump. Pump until only diesel fuel comes out. If this method doesn’t remove resolve the issue then a 17mm fuel line wrench will help you vent the fuel injection piping from the fuel line.
If you do happened to spill any amount of diesel fuel in the bilge – clean it immediately. You’re not expected to have the full emergency containment products mentioned earlier. Dawn dish soap will help with the odor and kitty litter is a great absorbent while you wait for Diesel Services of America. 954-781-1464
