Fuel, tanks, problems, and polishing

[ramiroelliot]

Our '92 C30 had the fuel tank replaced in 2011. We didn't own it then, so we don't know why - but it's not original.

The current tank is 18 gallons, .090 aluminum, and is centrally located in the stern of the boat - under the quarter berth about directly under the steering pedestal.

A group of our dockmates took a multi day trip two weeks ago. 3 out of 4 of them had fuel system issues, most with significant amounts of water in their diesel tanks. Needless to say(?) I resolved to learn from their problems rather than repeat them myself.

Yes, I've checked the O-ring on my diesel deck full. It's good.

I've since pulled the sender from my tank and visually inspected as best I could. I see a -little- dirt near the forward bottom edge of the tank. I tried sucking it out with my vacuum evacuator, and got some if the dirt, but no appreciable water.

Our boat sits a lot, and I have neglected keeping the tank full (condensation) but we seem to have fared pretty well.

What have others done with "fuel polishing"?

I'm making up a rig with a fuel transfer punk and filter/water trap combo. Will get it going later this year.

Just curious....

[robbjd]

Our 97 34Mk2 has a factory Universal EZ bleed system which bypasses the high pressure pump back to the tank. I always run with the valve on the return line 1/2 open so the fuel flowing back to the tank is filtered twice.
We have a 2 micron Racor filter/water separator which does a great job of removing water from the fuel, and the standard Universal secondary fuel filter.
 A polishing system may be overkill on our boat, but I have purchased an other Racor, and a fuel pump and will put this together after Christmas. I'll add pictures to this thread when it's done.

[Ron Hill]

rob : You are doing the best that you can. If the boat sits alot, I'd run the engine a bit and then check the water separator drain on your Racor.

In aviation we always drain some fuel into a glass jar first flight of the day.  Any water sticks out like a sore thumb!!

A few thoughts