It’s been raining incessantly lately in Hong Kong. The humidity index is 84% with the average temperature 30’c which creates great of condensation. Walking passed by the familiar shops on the beaten track, you can hardly see through some of the shop windows due to the high condensation. Ever have the urge to wipe it off because it’s too misty to see? We get it, no one really likes moisture that is caused by the warm rainy weather.
Especially to the yachties and boaters, the rough sea and heavy rain are not doing any good. Most of the time they have to dock their boats during this weather.
Did you know if you are going to leave fuel in your fuel tank it is best to have it near full, why?
Because the condensation will cause water building up in the half-fueled tank, this creates a moist environment for fungus and bacteria which degrade the fuel. You can experiment by adding water to fresh, clean fuel and leaving it in a clear glass jar on a shelf in a cupboard. Chances are that within three to six weeks you’ll see stringy black goo in the fuel. This is not algae, but it is microbial growth, and it will gum up the inside of a fuel injection system in short order.
The microbial growth is commonly known as Diesel bug. It is the water in the fuel tank that the diesel bug survives on, and allows it to reproduce at an extremely fast rate. The microbial contaminants that include microbial bacteria, fungi and algae can clog filters, wreck engines, corrode fuel tanks, and leave you powerless at sea.
However, you need to be careful as fuel will often expand, particularly in warm temperatures which could result in an overflow.
There are a few ways to treat diesel bug. Using biocides or enzymes but depending on your type of fuel, some will stop the bug’s growth but not kill it. Using ‘diesel polishing’ to remove water and impurities including the bug, but if the root cause has not been properly addressed, it’s likely to return.
Just remember that with today’s newer diesel engines, it’s a must to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to the letter when it comes to things like fuel additives, engine oil, and cooling system contents.
If you need help to examine your tank and make sure it’s in a good order, you can contact one of our expert fuel team at Fuegy, we will be glad to provide a quote and service inspection.
Click here to get a quote, sms, whats app or call: +852 9126 9124. Email info@fugy.com
1 comment. Leave new
Hello,
Nice blog, right point to focused here in the last two-year global humidity has increased 2%. therefore direct effect by the atmosphere. many yachts owner has problems related to yachts engine.over this blog had covered right Information related to preventing engine issue,
We want to also know about engine maintenance tips. If possible so please post here! it will be beneficial for us.
Thankyou!