Regal 32 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 65 / 364

11
Systems
DIESEL VENTILATION SYSTEM
Diesel engines require a continuous supply of fresh air
in order to generate peak horsepower and rpm. Because
diesel fuel is far less likely to explode it does not require
a blower system like gasoline powered vessels to evacuate
dangerous fumes.
To deliver fresh air for the diesel engines a dual set of
permanently mounted vents are integrated into the boat’s
deck on both port and starboard sides.
When the engines are started fresh air is drawn through
the vent system. As the demand for air increases in rela-
tionship to the engine revolutions per minute (rpm’s) the
engine induction system supplies the required additional
air supply by inhaling more air through the vents.
Check the vents periodically for any obstructions or for-
eign objects such as nests or spider webs. If the propul-
sion system is running at a lower than normal cruising
rpm or seems to lack power or the vessel is slow to plane
check the fresh air supply to the engines including the
engine air fi lters.
SOLUTIONS FOR RECOVERING DIESEL FUEL
QUALITY
As a Regal boat owner you have a huge investment in
your diesel propulsion system. Being the engines are a key
component in the system, keeping the fuel system clean
is a high priority.
Following are some solutions to help clean up a diesel
fuel “algae” problem:
Periodically use a biocide to
control
microbial activity
which can lead to more rapid formation or clustering of
solids such as wax and asphalt.
Remember that bio-
cides do not prevent microbes from forming but aid
in breaking up the clusters.
If the vessel is to be stored
for over 2 months pour biocide in the semi empty ves-
sel fuel tank or tanks. Fill the fuel tank with fresh diesel
fuel to prevent condensation build up. Run the boat for
a short run to better mix the biocide inside the fuel tank
and fuel system before storing the vessel.
1. Always make sure the fuel tank fi ll cap is securely
tightened to prevent any water infusion.
2. Always buy diesel fuel from a marina or fuel dock that
moves a large amount of fuel through the pumps.
Ask how often the fuel dock pump fi lters are changed
and if their diesel fuel is blended with a biocide. Al-
ways carry a couple of extra primary and secondary
diesel fuel fi lters. Use exact replacements in order to
match micron fi ltering capacity.
3. Figure on changing both primary and secondary fuel
system fi lters more often due to today’s diesel fuel
shorter storage life.
4. Make sure to drain the 10 micron Racor water separa-
tor fuel fi lter and the engine secondary fuel fi lter be-
fore each outing. Look for sludge/water. Dispose of
contaminated diesel fuel properly in approved con-
tainers. Do not drain diesel fuel in the bilge.
5. Never let diesel fuel remain in the boat’s fuel tank
for more than six months. The cetane value will drop
which is its ability to ignite easily. Good grades of
diesel support a cetane rating around 50. When the
cetane level drops the engine is more diffi cult to start.
The combustion process moves from a controlled
burn to an explosion. Pump out the old diesel and
replace with a fresh supply.
Old diesel fuel creates more stress on engine parts and
produces more noise than normal resulting in the trade-
mark diesel clatter.
Pour a cetane booster and conditioner in the fuel tank-
with the new batch of diesel fuel.
Note: In severe cases of “algae” the fuel tank may need
to be pumped out. To remove the ability to generate new
algae, the tank should be pressure washed which removes
small deposits of “algae” from the baffl e system and hard
to reach areas. Add a biocide (not a conditioner) and then
top off the tank.
Remember: LESS AIR MEANS LESS WATER AND
LESS GROWTH!