Regal 42 Fly-Grande Coupe, Owner'S Manual

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4
Chapter 4
SOLUTIONS FOR RECOVERING DIESEL FUEL
QUALITY
As a Regal yacht 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 biocides
do not prevent microbes from forming but aid in break-
ing up the clusters. If the vessel is to be stored for over 2
months pour biocide in the semi empty vessel fuel tank.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh diesel fuel to prevent con-
densation build up. Run the boat for a short run to bet-
ter 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 oft en the fuel dock pump fi lters
are changed and if their diesel fuel is blended with a
biocide. Always 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 oft en due to today’s diesel
fuel shorter storage life.
4. Make sure to drain the 10 micron Racor water sepa-
rator fuel fi lter and the engine secondary fuel fi lter
before each outing. Look for sludge/water. Dispose
of contaminated diesel fuel properly in approved
containers. 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. Th e 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. Th e combustion process moves from a con-
trolled burn to an explosion. Pump out the old die-
sel and replace with a fresh supply.
Old diesel fuel creates more stress on engine parts
and produces more noise than normal resulting in the
trademark 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 condi-
tioner) and then top off the tank.
Remember: LESS AIR MEANS LESS WATER AND
LESS GROWTH!