We have a stainless steel diesel fuel tank for our Nonsuch 30 classic. Should we leave the fuel tank full over the winter, to prevent condensation of water, or should we leave the tank empty, to avoid the problem that today’s diesel fuel absorbs water?
Complicating factor: our fuel tank gauge doesn’t work, but I think we have about a half tank of diesel. Since we are not going anywhere between now and mid-October haul-out we would have to siphon off the fuel to leave the tank empty over winter. Not something I look forward to doing.
Leave it full to curtail condensation. Use fuel stabilizer for diesel as directed on container. Just fill tank slowly to avoid spill. Marina shud normally be familiar how to do this.
Regards
Cedric
Single Malt 207
Chester, NS
Ps it gets cold here too!!
FWIW, we did not top off our diesel tank last fall and this spring, for the first time, found significant amounts of water and some nasty growth in our fuel. I would estimate our tank was 1/2-2/3 full over the last, particularly long and cold, winter. We will definitely revert to our usual practice of topping off the tank before laying our boat up this fall. We have, at times, used various fuel additives/biocides but have never discerned any affect on fuel condition.
David Young
Bay Cat, 30U #402
Freeland/Suttons Bay, MI
We had a problem many years ago with algae in our fuel tank to the point we had to have the tank drained and cleaned. Since then we have used K-100D fuel treatment and have had absolutely no issues whatsoever. I change the fuel filters regularly and have NOT topped off the tank at the end of the season… no issues with condensation or algae. Just follow the directions for the correct amount for “winter storage” and you’ll love the results. K-100D removes any water, which promotes the bacteria growth, and keeps the fuel clean and safe. I always add it when I refuel and at the end of the season for storage, before we haul. I believe you can buy K-100D at Canadian Tire if I’m not mistaken. Try it you’ll like the results.
We had a problem many years ago with algae in our fuel tank to the point we had to have the tank drained and cleaned. Since then we have used K-100D fuel treatment and have had absolutely no issues whatsoever. I change the fuel filters regularly and have NOT topped off the tank at the end of the season… no issues with condensation or algae. Just follow the directions for the correct amount for “winter storage” and you’ll love the results. K-100D removes any water, which promotes the bacteria growth, and keeps the fuel clean and safe. I always add it when I refuel and at the end of the season for storage, before we haul. I believe you can buy K-100D at Canadian Tire if I’m not mistaken. Try it you’ll like the results.
A guy who knows fuel recommended the following products as additives to the diesel fuel: Fuel Right; Racor brand biocide; Biobor JF. He really raved about Fuel Right.
I use Biobor JF along with the K-100, the combination has given us a trouble free fuel system… so far… about 10 years or so. I’ll look into “Fuel Right”, anything from Racor should be good. Thanks for the info!