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Contaminated fuel is the single most common source of engine problems on boats. In the three chapters of this module we take a deep dive into fuel cleanliness and fuel filtration and learn how to change our fuel filters.
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Fuel
MODULE 4
Contaminated fuel is the single most common source of engine problems on boats. In the three chapters of this module we take a deep dive into fuel cleanliness and fuel filtration and learn how to change our fuel filters.
Basic Fuel Cleanliness
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In this overview of the chapter, we provide an introduction to the fuel system and discuss why you should be absolutely meticulous about ensuring your engine gets clean fuel.
We discuss the changes in diesel fuel properties over the last several decades, focusing on reduced sulfur content and the introduction of biodiesel, both of which can have significant impacts on engine performance and fuel stability.
We get to know the two most common sources of fuel contamination in boats, water and biofouling, and learn about strategies for prevention and detection.
We introduce methods for fuel tank sampling, which is the single most effective way to prevent significant contamination from reaching your fuel filters.
We discuss the use of biocides and biofilm dissolvers for treating contaminated fuel, while cautioning about their proper application and potential side effects.
This lesson covers methods for cleaning heavily contaminated fuel tanks, including using borescopes for inspection and various cleaning techniques.
Fuel Filtration
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We learn about the most damaging particle sizes for different fuel injection systems, discuss why we need multi-stage fuel filtration, and introduce the ISO 4406 standard for quantifying fuel contamination.
We explore how fuel filters are rated, their limitations, and the challenges of filtering out small particles that are damaging to high pressure common rail engines.
In this lesson, we examine the methods and effectiveness of removing water from diesel fuel.
In the final lesson in this chapter we discuss various setups for primary fuel filters, stress the importance of proper filter maintenance, and provide practical advice on filter change intervals.
Fuel Filter Maintenance
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We learn how to change various types of primary filters.
In this lesson we learn what to look out for when changing secondary filters.
After a fuel filter change, the fuel system contains air which may prevent the engine from running. We learn how to bleed the system to get rid of this air.