Diesel Fuel Systems

by Bill McNatt
(AZ)

Interestingly enough I have never set foot on a sailboat or any other kind of boat for that matter.

I was born and raised in Arizona where we lack both water and wind. What I do know is diesel engines and systems. I have taught diesel technology at UTI and worked in the industry most of my adult life.

I have been able to retire at age 57 and after two months of this it is time to get off my duff and do something different and exciting.

My daughter recently relocated to Florida and I got to help her move (lucky me) when i got there I was intrigued by the sailboats, their beautiful lines and 'ready for adventure' attitude.

I started reading everything that I could about them and even downloaded a few books on Amazon hoping it would quench my thirst so to speak, but to no avail. The one thing in all my reading so far that I found lacking is fuel system maintenance.

It is important to keep your fuel tank as close to full as much as you possibly can. This will keep air and moisture out of your system. These are the enemyies of your fuel system, so if you are carrying five gallon jugs of diesel topside and you have room in your fuel tank, top it off. It will not only lower your center of gravity it will save your fuel system.

Another tip is to fill your filters with ATF when changing them. It keeps that nasty diesel smell off your hands and ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is mostly solvent and will clean your injectors.

If you like this tip I have plenty more especially for Perkins diesel engines.

Biker Bill