How full do I fill my diesel tank?

[DeepFrz]

A little bilge water spill is no big deal environmentally speaking

Don't let the EPA or Environment Canada hear you say that...lol

Better yet don't let them catch you pumping oily bilge water out in their respective waters.

[DumnMad]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Don't let the EPA or Environment Canada hear you say that...lol

Better yet don't let them catch you pumping oily bilge water out in their respective waters.

Agreed Frz. They love a little spill. An excuse to get out in the sun & sea and tell everyone what an important job they have. Sometimes plane-loads are flown to a sunken boat site where there is nothing to see because the wind and waves have already dealt with it.
Big fines are needed to pay for these junket trips.

[Matt sachs]

Is there a down side to getting these new tanks galvinized? Just thinking out loud....

[Kettlewell]

You should not galvanize the interiors of diesel fuel tanks. My understanding is that the diesel can dissolve the zinc, which will them gum up the works.

[Matt sachs]

Good to know. A buddy was going to add them to the next batch at a reduced price. guess I'll skip that. What about water tanks? Grey, black, and potable?

[DeepFrz]

Gray, black should be heavy duty plastic. Potable, I prefer stainless.

[agilmore]

Thanks to all of you for your posts. I learned what I needed, plus a lot more.

Alan

[markld55]

You should always try to keep your tank filled, and I would suggest a product the Racor Vent Line Filter called Lifeguard series part number LG-100 cost about $50US nd it will stop the fuel from going overboard or into you boat. It only lets out the air while filling.
Regards,

Mr. Racor

[Astral Blue]

My deck fill is positioned such that I can watch the fuel level sender as I'm filling the tank. Once it hits the F mark, it is over 90 percent full. I'm OK with that -- as it will have displaced enough air in the tank to keep moisture under control.

Check the accuracy of your fuel level sender...and if you have a line of sight to it as you are filling, do take advantage of it.

[Irish rambler]

Dumbmad, How can something evaporate and leave an oily residue ? Strewth, cheese smells but it doesn't evaporate ! To pump any oil overboard causes some pollution, however small. Isn't it better to use a surfactant in your bilge to prevent it ? I'm not a tree hugging killjoy but common sense should prevail, and yes, I've seen the Aussie road trains with the big Cummins opened up blowing black smoke.

[El_Guero]

Alan,

Diesel foams. The faster you go, into a smaller hole, the more it foams. If you go slow, you won't get the foam.

And most diesel pumps are not as sensitive to shutoff as gasoline. So, you tend to get more shoot out if you go slow than if you go fast.

Just my experience.

They make filters to place in your line to filter out water. And other crud. They make for a longer lasting and more reliable engine as well.

Great blog post here: Marine Diesel Engines - Outboard Motors - Boat Motors

Have fun!

Wayne

[El_Guero]

Rambler,

Your fuels are evaporated at different temperatures (distilling).



The residue is the thicker oil in the diesel, soaps, and other what nots. If alcohol was added to bind with the water, I think it still evaporates .... I know both would evaporate separately, not sure if bound together.

Wayne

[Matt sachs]

Ive been reading again.....So its time for another dumb question. I see no down side to using pneumatic tank guages. Are there any? I like the idea especially since my tanks are deep and odd shaped. It seems easy to build and almost bullet proof.

[Aloha_float]

Last year I replaced my fill tube as it was old ad cracked as well. I also replaced my return line as it was leaking and causing my cabin to smell.

I standby to check tank level with gauge while the dock attendant fills the tank. He usually is very cautious. We have a rough idea of the tank volume so we estimate what is needed and start with a smaller volume based on the pump meter.

I then turn on the key to check level gauge and go from there. I do not fill the tank and stay just shy of the full mark. We also have an adsorbent pad beside the overflow in any case where we overfilled.

Just go slow and take your time.

[Aloha_float]

Originally Posted by svWindfall

I mix a diesel biocide with our (2) 100 gallon tanks when storing for a long period. Cheap insurance for the long run (about $30)

1. " It can be used to eliminate and/or prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, organic reactions, sludge formation, and also acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
2. And "Promotes fuel stability during storage"

I would be careful with biocides as they can be corrosive. I have some data on popular biocides that may be of interest.

I use an amine chemistry that is unique. It breaks down the sludge to microscopic form and prevents it from redeveloping.

I can send info tarivard @ gmail