Our experts at Fuegy are always keen to help their clients maintain vessel and engine health and as Hong Kong is now approaching winter, it’s time to start preparing.
One of the most common issues you face in Hong Kong over winter with an inactive boat and fuel sitting in your tanks is the formation of condensation. This is actually a significant problem here as the difference in temperature between day and night, or one day to the next, is substantial, which can leave the fuel tank much colder than the outside air. This is far more rife than in the summer months, when the temperature rarely fluctuates far from 30 degrees Celsius.
Condensation forms, then gradually drips into your tank of fuel. Water being heavier than diesel, settles at the bottom of your tank and becomes a prime breeding ground for algae known as “diesel bug”. Not to mentioned causing potential issues of water contamination in your fuel, corrosion and a host of other potentially expensive problems.
Here are a few steps to help protect your marine diesel engines during the winter season in Hong Kong:
Advice from Our Fuegy Experts:
1/ Leave your tanks full over winter: If the tank is partially empty the air above the fuel can condense on the exposed metal surfaces and cause condensation to form.
2/ Only buy fuel from a reputable source: Choose a supplier that puts in the measures to ensure the best quality fuel. Looks for suppliers that have fuel polishing systems.
If you buy the cleanest fuel from the start there is less chance of diesel bug building up. “Contamination breeds contamination”.
3/ Look at using some fuel Acticide (or Biocide): Use over the winter months to prevent micro-organism growth such as bacteria and algae (“bugs”) that can plug fuel filters and corrode fuel tanks and engine components. When left in storage, these micro-organisms can prevent your engine from starting and/or running properly.
4/ Other products like Diesel Guards can contain Stabilizers, moisture dispersant, corrosion inhibitor, detergent, cetane improver and lubricity improver. These can help get the engine started and running properly.
After you have treated your fuel, you can also install new primary and secondary fuel filters, and then bleed the fuel lines to eliminate any air pockets.
5/ Fresh oil: Used diesel engine oil contains acids and other contaminants that can eat away at metals over the winter, so it’s a good idea to drain off and change the oil.
To change the oil, run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil, then shut down and drain or pump out the old oil. Its good practice to also change the oil filters at this time.
6/ Good drainage: You can drain the systems by first closing the seacocks for the raw-water inlets, then removing the inlet hoses and intake-pump covers, as well as all drain plugs. After clearing the raw-water systems, replace all of the drain plugs.
7/ Preparation for Springtime : While you can wait until spring, now is a good time to do electrical checks and connections, as well as O-rings on fuel fills. Also inspect the physical connections and along the exhaust outlets — lots of water flows through here!
Replace, repair and service anything that looks suspect or worn and you’ll have that much less to do next spring.
If you’re not planning on using the boat for a period of time or its out of the water you can considering sealing the exhaust outlets on the hull and air filters on the engine.
This prevents moist air from finding its way into the combustion chambers via open exhaust or intake valves while your diesels are enjoying some well-deserved downtime.
Why not play it safe and get Fuegy to help set you up for the winter
Fuegy customers not only enjoy the highest quality fuel here in Hong Kong, but our client service extends to so much more. Join Fuegy today and let us take care of your Boat, including assisting with winter fuel storage protocol, additives and engine care.
To learn more or get a quote contact Fuegy at info@fuegy.com
