Boat engine problems: fuel

Fuel Problems

When an engine fails while cruising, it is often related to a lack of fuel. Known symptoms are a drop in rpm, overall engine failure and difficulty starting. In this blog, we describe problems with diesel systems. Gasoline engines will be discussed later.

Causes

A shortage of fuel (besides an empty tank) is caused by a clog or faulty part. Filters are designed to filter debris from the fuel and prevent damage, but too much debris in a filter will hinder flow too much.

Dirt in the diesel

Diesel tanks can contain dirt. For example, due to dirty diesel, corrosion in the tank or because a tank was not cleaned when it was installed. This dirt accumulates in the filters and eventually starts causing problems. Most diesel systems have a coarse and fine filter. The coarse filter will be the first to get clogged. Replacing it can solve many problems.

Bacteria in the diesel

Bacteria in diesel is a common problem these days and also one we encounter very often. In recent years the composition of fuel has changed due to stricter environmental requirements. For example, by adding biodiesel. The problems with contaminated diesel fuel have increased in recent years. Water in the diesel accelerates the growth of bacteria. When a tank becomes contaminated by bacteria, it is characterized by a dark slurry at the bottom of the tank. This is released when the ship swings, eventually ending up in the pipes and filters until the engine fails. The filters can be replaced, but if the tank is still full of dirt, the problem will reoccur. So the key is to keep the tank clean and with as little water in it as possible.

Water in the diesel

Water can enter the diesel in several ways; through the filler neck, by condensation in the tank, or already present in the diesel at the pump. There is not much that can be done about the latter. Condensation in the tank can be limited by keeping the tank as full as possible in winter. Furthermore, a water separator is important. The water accumulates in it and can be drained off. However, if it is not drained in time, the water separator will get full and water will go to the engine instead of diesel, after which the engine will fail.

Solutions

When there is water in the diesel it is important to find out how it got into the tank. We often see that the diesel tank filler openings are in the gunwale of the boat and the rings in them no longer seal properly. Overcoming water or rainwater then stays on top of the filler neck and eventually gets into the tank. First, this needs to be fixed. Then the tank should be made completely free of water by opening it and emptying it completely, or sucking out the water that is at the bottom of the tank.

Dirt and bacteria in the tank can really only be properly removed by opening the tank and completely emptying and cleaning it. This requires an opening of sufficient size in the tank. If that is not present it will still have to be made. Our partner AB Marine Service supplies the supplies needed to make such an opening in an existing tank. Our technicians can assist in placing this and cleaning the tank.

Breakdown on the water?

Having unexpected fuel problems on the water? The boat watch from Vaarzeker is at your service. Do you own a boat and go boating regularly? Take a look at our breakdown service package. So you can get out on the water without any worries.