Marine Diesel Engine Fuel

Marine Diesel Fuel Is Your Marine Engine’s Lifeblood … Good Fuel (Blood) = Healthy Engine

Always keep an eye on the condition and color of your fuel.

Fuel tanks must be clean and full.

Always have one (preferably twin) primary fuel filter / water trap and an engine filter / water trap.

Primary fuel filters should be changed regularly—same time as oil change, every 100 hours.

Secondary filters may not require changing as frequently.

Some engine filters can be replaced with an after market fuel filter / water trap unit.

Keep at least two spare fuel filters in a plastic bag and stored in a clean dry place.

Use only high quality fuel lines. They must be clean, internally and externally, and easily removable. They must have quality twin hose clamps at each join.

Water traps / filters must be easily visible and serviceable. Check glass regularly for water, drain off any water from base of bowl by loosening the drain plug whilst holding cup underneath.

Bleeding may not be necessary after this process.

The primary fuel / water trap should preferably be located below the level of the fuel tank to allow gravity bleeding after primary filter change, eliminating the need to pump bleed.

Always use fuel conditioner / biocide, to prevent algal growth in fuel. Add at each refuelling.

Old fuel tanks: Many are contaminated and should be replaced or chemically cleaned.

Poor fuel and water will cause expensive damage to your fuel pump and injectors.

Fuel tanks should have correctly sized fillers and breathers. The fuel pick-up should have a shutoff valve and, ideally, the tank will have a drain fitted lower than the pick-up. This drain can be used to fit a balance line with central drain. Ideally they should have inspection hatches for cleaning.

A balance line between multiple tanks helps balance the ship’s load.

Tanks should have baffles and be adequately secured.

This is an excerpt from Laurence Burgin’s acclaimed e-book Marine Diesel Engine Basics. This e-book is highly recommended for all marine diesel engine owners. Grab your own copy now from: