diesel is diesel?

[Jack Long]

On a news group I've been monitoring there was recently a conversation about how marinas sell diesel that has been treated in some way that marine diesel motors require? Something about lubricant? The general message was "if you use the diesel from gas stations you will kill your marine diesel motor"

This seems fishy to me. Anyone?

[Chief Engineer]

Sounds like some marina wants to sell fuel.

In the past there was high and low sulpur fuel.....but I think that has changed.

The really screwy part of it is that (in Maryland) Marine diesel is not subject to road use taxes...about 40-50 cents a gallon....but it is more expensive.....
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[Pblais]

diesel is diesel?

Yes!

The only thing missing in marine diesel is road tax (at least in the US). You can add that safely if you like (or even if you don't like). Off road diesel in the US has a red dye. It is to prevent the truck drivers from using it or more exactly getting caught using it. You often can find off road diesel for sale and members at our club do that since there is no marinas with fuel near the club marina.

[Vasco]

They claim the ultra low sulphur diesel doesn't lubricate as well. Maybe they're putting an additive in the marina's fuel.

[Latitude9.5]

You might be referring to the algae control stuff, we have a local marina that claims their fuel has algae prohibitor, but i really doubt it, how would you be able to prove otherwise LOL Right now it's cheaper at some docks then it is at the gas station.

Not that the gas stations are immune to that advertising scheme, they all have their "techron" and "superdooperon" additives.

[Pblais]

Marine diesel is not subject to road use taxes...about 40-50 cents a gallon....but it is more expensive.

Not every place here in Virginia as the tax is less. MD has more boats and so are ripped off because - they can. You can buy off road diesel in some service stations if you look around. Transpiration of fuel is governed by state regulations. You don't want to be transporting large amounts of fuel over the road without the proper respect for the law and the rules. They would assume you were beating the road tax and would fine you heavily. Transporting large amounts of gasoline is just plain stupid!

[Pblais]

You might be referring to the algae control stuff, we have a local marina that claims their fuel has algae prohibitor, but i really doubt it

I know for a fact ours does. The marina I get fuel at also buys the diesel where my propane comes from. This actually is quite common. Since the fuel is dyed red they can add that additive cheaply. It is a VERY cheap additive.

[speciald@ocens.]

Diesel at our marina here in Baltimore is down to $4.10/gallon with discounts taken for BoatUS, Marina Life,etc. Gas stations in town are still about $4.60 -.70/gallon for diesel. First time I saw marina prices less than non-boat suppliers.

[Latitude9.5]

Yea same here, the marina we will be moving to 10/1 has fuel, (it's where we usually fill up) they are $3.99 per gallon, local stations are $4.39.

I am thinking it may just be due to the fact that the marina sells more diesel then most of the stations, but i dunno.

[speciald@ocens.]

It is my understanding that older boats who's engine grew up on high sulfur diesel may hay potential problems with the new ultra-low sulfur fuel. The rubber seals in the engine may shrink and leak when fuel with low sulfur is used. There are additives at auto supply stores to prevent this problem. Is this problem real and do these additives make a diference - I don't know.

[S/V Antares]

Jack, Pehaps someone was refering to Biodiesel? There are lubrisity (Is that a word?) associated with Biodiesel. It voids some diesel engine warranty (For now)

Chief, As a fellow MD resident .... I feel your pain.

[Jack Long]

Will,

No, the thread sounded a lot like this but without the strong and clear voice of our dear Pblais and Chief Engineer. Lots of side notes about dye and algae and sulfur and marketing.

Later,
J

[Ex-Calif]

Our boat has been running on pump diesel it's whole life. No problem.

My partner did put 5 liters of "bunker" diesel used by all the bum boats around here - yikes, what crap. It worked but it was black in color and smoked black a bit.

I was glad when we cycled that crap out.