Diesel Additives ?

[mikefossl]

Are there any fuel or oil additives recommended for marine diesels?

[mrm]

Depending on how long fuel stays in tanks, but anti-algae biocide additive is usually considered a good thing. Plugged filters are never fun, esp. underway.

[Hud3]

If it's a Yanmar, they recommend FPPF products. I always used the KillEm biocide and the cetane booster.

[captain58sailin]

I like ActiveX and Power Service. I have also heard good things about Marvel Mystery oil, I haven't personally used it, but the old Timers round here say it's a good thing.

[DeborahLee]

I like to check the truck stops. The biocide is cheaper there. I also use Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel found it keeps the engine particulary the injectors very clean. About 2oz to 30gal regularly, it usually ends up more as I add 10 or 15 gals to top off I add a little.

[four winds]

Still using the same bottle of biocide that was on the boat at purchase time.

No telling how old it is, probably should ask if it has a shelf life and look on the bottle for a use-by date.

Haven't considered other additives so this thread is of interest.

[Cotemar]

Been using Biobor JF for years. Never had any fuel problems.

Hammonds Biobor Diesel Fuel Additive

[westsail42]

For the changing standards in diesel, a couple of local mechanics have recommended Stanadyne for older marine diesels (10+ years old).

Diesel Fuel Additives - Stanadyne

As for how much to add, I have been told more is better (within reason of course). We treat our 26 gallon tank with a pint with each fill-up.

[s/v Jedi]

Being a geek engineer I of course use the modern enzyme technology based biocides like StarTron from StarBrite. I have seen it turn very old dark cloudy diesel fuel into bright clear chardoney colored fuel in a couple of days.

ciao!
Nick.

[psneeld]

This study has been around awhile and may diesel gurus concur with it from my reading. Most additives like marvel mystery oil (one of the worst)are actually bad for your diesel fuel....read up

Fuel Addative Lubricity Study - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

if link doesn't work this one may (reprint)

Cattle Forum & Cattle Discussion Boards at Cattle Today

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by psneeld

This study has been around awhile and may diesel gurus concur with it from my reading. Most additives like marvel mystery oil (one of the worst)are actually bad for your diesel fuel....read up

Fuel Addative Lubricity Study - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

if link doesn't work this one may (reprint)

Cattle Forum & Cattle Discussion Boards at Cattle Today

While I completely agree with this, it has nothing to do with biocides which are actually recommended by all marine diesel engine manufacturers.

Marvel Mystery Oil can hurt new engines.

ciao!
Nick.

[cfarrar]

Is there merit to using both a biocide like Biobor JF, which targets fungus, and a biocide like Star Tron, which targets bacteria? I think I remember reading this in a Practical Sailor test.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by mikefossl

Are there any fuel or oil additives recommended for marine diesels?

Second vote here for an anti-algae agent -- esp. in Florida, but I think anywhere in the summer for sure. I also use an anti-water agent. Condensation happens.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Hud3

If it's a Yanmar, they recommend FPPF products. I always used the KillEm biocide and the cetane booster.

I also use a cetane booster. I'm new to diesels and I just don't want extra problems.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

Second vote here for an anti-algae agent -- esp. in Florida, but I think anywhere in the summer for sure. I also use an anti-water agent. Condensation happens.

Condensation? But that just results in water on the bottom of the tank where it can be drained or it ends up in the bowl of the water separator of the fuel filter(s).

I would not recommend to lock water molecules into the fuel with an additive. I don't think engine manufacturers like it either but I'm too lazy ATM to Google that

ciao!
Nick.