Anyone recognise this diesel residue?

Erin · 12 July 2012, 19:07

I'm in the process of working through some improvements on the family motorboat and today tackled the fuel system.

The fuel filter/separator (Separ) has been gradually filling up with black sediment. I've tracked this back to the dip-pipe in the main tank which is encrusted both internally and externally with a soft black residue. I really don't think this is bug as the rest of the tank is pretty clean considering its age and we regularly use Soltron or Grotomar. It seems to be a reaction with the copper pipe which over the years has eaten into the copper. Does anyone know what it is?

And before you ask, the plastic spoon you see in one of the photos was what I used to decant all 290 litres

. I've no idea where the marble came from!

wiLlfish · 12 July 2012, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

I've no idea where the marble came from!

I noe wher itt cum fromm.

Itts de marbul owt ov a jiggul sifon.

Yew noe. Dem fings dat yew av too gett de rite rist akshun gowin.

S4r wud luv wan.

Erin · 12 July 2012, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiLlfish

S4r wud luv wan.

I'll paint it orange and send it over to him.

willk · 12 July 2012, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

I've no idea where the marble came from!

I used to joke about the lads putting ball bearings in my tank - I wonder....

uncle al · 13 July 2012, 09:21

we used to call it s%$t in the tank well someone had to say it.

Erin · 13 July 2012, 10:39

Thanks guys. Most resourceful and helpful as ever

martini · 13 July 2012, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Thanks guys. Most resourceful and helpful as ever

And you expected what exactly??

colcreate · 13 July 2012, 20:34

Diesel reacts with Copper, Zinc, Brass etc. It's a complex chemical thing...... if water is also present (condensation) then = fungus and bacteria which generate organic acids which de-stabilises the fuel and increases the reaction.
Fuel lines should be stainless or similar.

martini · 13 July 2012, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by colcreate

Fuel lines should be stainless or similar.

Bugger, that's another job for me then....

Erin · 13 July 2012, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

And you expected what exactly??

There we go, a helpful answer at last. Thanks colcreate.

Got a new pipe made up today out of steel. If it lasts as long as the old (copper) one I'll be quite happy.

martini · 13 July 2012, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Got a new pipe made up today out of steel.

Not sure whether to feel relieved or insulted

Erin · 13 July 2012, 21:19

Marine Hydraulics sorted me out with a combination of BSP and hydraulic threads to match the tank fitting and fuel hose. £20 including silver soldering the parts together which I thought was pretty good and same day service which I find is pretty rare round the harbour.

uncle al · 14 July 2012, 07:28

well thats gratitude for you we put a strain on our brain cells and thats all the thanks we get glad your sorted though, we are here to help, he writes tongue in cheek