Life's Inevitabilities: Death, Taxes, and Diesel Malfunctioning
In a recent turn of events, the classic wooden boat 'Isabel', owned by editor Hugo, has been successfully treated for a diesel bug infection. The boat, which is kept in the Salterns marina, was found to have been infested with the microbial contamination towards the end of last summer.
The problem was identified as a fuel filter clogged with diesel bug, a common issue for old motor boats that can be caused either by taking on bad fuel or developing an infestation in the tank. Diesel bug is a problem that arises when diesel fuel contains 7% biofuel, which attracts water, leading to microbial growth.
The downside of keeping 'Isabel' in the water all year round is that it spends a long, cold winter safely tucked up in the marina but largely unused for five months of the year, which is the perfect conditions for the bug to take hold. To prevent and treat diesel bug, it is essential to control water contamination in the fuel, maintain dry fuel storage, and use appropriate chemical treatments.
To tackle the issue, the fuel tank in 'Isabel' was stripped out, cleaned, and replaced with fresh filters and a new tap. A biocide, Biobor JF, was used to kill bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms causing the contamination. Fuel polishing, regular inspection, and cleaning of fuel filters and fuel system components also helped remove sludge and prevent clogging caused by microbial sludge.
A change of filter, fresh fuel, and the treatment managed to get 'Isabel' through to the end of the season. The cost to clean and replace the fuel system was £579 inc VAT.
To prevent future diesel bug infections, it is recommended to keep diesel fuel dry and water-free, avoid metals like copper, brass, and galvanized fittings in fuel systems, use fuel vent filters when storing diesel long-term, store diesel fuel with stabilizers, and regularly inspect and clean fuel filters and fuel system components.
Maintaining fuel system detergents and dispersants, keeping the boat’s bilge and fuel system dry, and prompt treatment are key to controlling diesel bug. Regular monitoring, fuel maintenance, and prompt treatment are crucial in minimizing microbial contamination and its harmful effects on fuel systems in older motor boats.
- The successful treatment of 'Isabel', Hugo's classic wooden yacht, on the Salterns marina, included the use of Biobor JF, a biocide to eradicate the diesel bug causing the marine fuel contamination.
- Next season, 'Isabel', a blend of home-and-garden charm and marine lifestyle on the water, will be better equipped to prevent diesel bug infections, with proper maintenance like keeping diesel fuel dry, avoiding metals like copper in fuel systems, and regular inspections and cleanings of fuel filters.
- While luxury equipments like the flybridge on 'Isabel' offer an exquisite view of the ocean, it is essential to house the boat itself on adeck designed to ensure fuel system components remain dry, thus minimizing the risk of diesel bug infections.
