[C320-list] Engine/Fuel Issue with my 2001 Yanmar

[Warren Updike]

This is an interesting issue.  I used to use Diesel Kleen and BioBor.  I
still use Diesel Kleen; but, switched to StarTron several years ago.  I've
not seen a bad review of it, and it does seem to work.  It takes 1 oz. for
16 gal. of diesel so with my typical 10 gal. fill-up I'm dealing with
fractional ounces.  At the end of season, I fill the tank and give a double
dose on the "more is better" theory.  
The proof is in the pudding, so they say, and I can say that the bowl on the
primary fuel filter is nearly clean.  I used to change my fuel filter every
season; but, since using StarTron I've only changed it once in three years
and then only because I thought I should.  I also don't see much water
accumulated in the bowl so that attests to the quality of the fuel I find on
the Chesapeake.
In short, Diesel Kleen and StarTron have kept my fuel clean (I think.)  I've
never had a fuel problem so I'll keep doing what I've done.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Mielenhausen [mailto:kmielen at suddenlink.net] 
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 4:52 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Engine/Fuel Issue with my 2001 Yanmar

Harvey recommended Biobor as your algaecide. He had no preference for
lubricity enhancer. (I happen to use FPPF Killem).

I am currently adding Diesel Kleen for lubricity...
http://www.powerservice.com/dk/

One of our other owners uses this one...
http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/
which has the benefit of working at lower ambient temperatures.

Both are available at WalMart and auto stores.

I have also used AFC-705 in the past
http://www.algae-x.net/specs/products/afc.pdf
It has the benefit of algaecide plus fuel enhancer.
Could not find it locally, however it is available a big truckstops and
mailorder (e.g. Defender).

Looking at the literature on Biobor JF, it looks like it might serve both
functions also....
http://www.hammondscos.com/assets/files/specs/BioborJF%20Spec%20Sheet.pdf

Karl

On Sun, Nov 13, 2011 at 11:21 AM, Sam <sweston088 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Any particular additive works best?  Thanks,  Sam
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 11, 2011, at 12:43 PM, Karl Mielenhausen <kmielen at suddenlink.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Just attended a diesel maintenance seminar conducted by our yacht club.
> The
> > mechanic (Harvey Smith, who some of you may know from when he had a
> > business on the Chesapeake) indicated Tom's problem might be algae in
the
> > fuel tank. Algae tends to clump together and might be restricting flow
at
> > the pickup tube.
> > Engine stops, fuel line suction drops, algae falls away, engine can be
> > restarted.
> > Just something else to check.
> >
> > Also, he cautioned against any fuel additive containing alcohol. He has
> > seen premature failures of the lift pumps as a result of alcohol as well
> as
> > ultra low sulfur fuel. He said to open on of the bleed points and
> manually
> > pump the lift pump. Should get a good gush of fuel with each stroke. If
> > not, it may be starting to fail.
> >
> > Lastly, Harvey said he was seeing more injector problems due to the
Ultra
> > Low Sulfur Fuel and to use a lubricity additive (make sure it
> > does not contain alcohol).
> >
> > Karl
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 6:05 AM, <tjdames at comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> >> All,
> >>
> >> I am hoping that someone has had a similar experience and can provide
me
> >> with some guidance. As of late I have been having an issue with my
> engine
> >> (Yanmar - for my 2001).
> >>
> >> When the issue began 3 weeks ago,  the engine started fine, ran for
> about
> >> 3 minutes, than sputtered and would not restart. When it stopped it
> >> sounded/behaved like a lawnmower running out of fuel.
> >>
> >> My mechanic said it had to be "primed", which he did, and it ran fine
> for
> >> ablut 30 minutes until he shut it off, and let it sit over night. The
> next
> >> morning, the same thing happened, it ran for a few minutes and
sputtered
> >> out.
> >>
> >> He now tells me that he suspects fuel is draining back to tank through
> the
> >> fuel sytem and he is going to "install a check valve" into the system.
> that
> >> will "hold fuel in system". Please note that half of my current fuel is
> new
> >> this year, purchased very early in the season.
> >>
> >> Has anyone ever had a similar experience and does the mechanic's
> solution
> >> seem logical?
> >>
> >> I would appreciate any thoughts!
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Tom Dames
> >> Whisper 708
> >>
>