Does Diesel Fuel Ever Expire?
Fuel is a necessary component for any diesel engine, so in the interest of cutting long-term costs, many businesses and individuals choose to buy their supplies in bulk. While this approach certainly seems to make financial sense in the short term, the excess fuel will of course require long term storage, a considerable expense in and of itself. Adding to the further cost of fuel storage is the risk of storing it for too long, leading to the fuel’s expiration. This liability does not just apply to diesel fuel stored in barrels for later use, but also applies to the unused fuel that sits stagnant…
Get the Most Out of Your Diesel Fuel Economy, Part 1
No matter how enjoyable it may be to take a vessel out onto the open water, most would probably agree that boats aren’t the most fuel efficient vehicles around. The costs related to a boat’s fuel needs alone can be high enough to scare off all but the bravest boaters. In fact boats used so much more fuel when compared to land based vehicles, that their fuel use is measured in gallons per hour, or gph, as opposed to miles per gallon. That being said, the fewer gallons your vessel manages to burn per hour, the better. If your vessel runs on a marine diesel…
Diesel Engine Basics – The Four-Stroke Diesel Cycle
Found in many diesel-powered vessels of all kinds, a Four-Stroke Diesel Engine is a type of engine that is so named because it requires that the piston complete four strokes while turning a crankshaft in order for internal combustion to occur. As the engine reciprocates, the piston moves up and down the cylinder twice, with the crankshaft revolving twice. The heat of the engine is then transferred to the fuel at constant pressure. The four strokes required for this process are the Induction or Intake Stroke, the Compression Stroke, the Power or Combustion stroke, and the Exhaust Stroke. 1. The Induction or Intake Stroke During…
VIDEO | Diesel Injector Maintenance
Diesel Vessel Safety – Is a Life Jacket Enough?
The sea provides endless enjoyment for diesel powered vessel owners all over the world. But as beautiful as the open ocean is, it can be equally as dangerous and unpredictable for the initiated and uninitiated alike. Whether it is a novice or seasoned veteran behind the wheel, the ocean makes no discrimination with its violent power. Even the most experienced seafarers can find themselves caught off guard by inclement weather, navigational miscalculation, mechanical problems, or a nearly infinite number of other unexpected problem scenarios. No one is immune to the water’s mystery and power. That is why regardless of experience or skill level, there are…
Diesel Engines, The Environment, & You
Over the past several decades, the state of our planet’s environmental health has become a critical concern that is never far from our public consciousness. It has become one of the most important and divisive issues facing our society today, swaying the results of national policies, laws, and elections every year. Regardless of political affiliation, most would agree that something must be done to ease the damage being done to our oceans, forests, and other valuable ecosystems by humanity’s wasteful and irresponsible means of energy production. The most obvious cause of our currently deteriorated environmental state is the transportation industry, the primary source of excessive…
The Basics of Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance
In our ever-changing economic climate, no detail can be overlooked when performing maintenance on your vessel’s engine. Even if you’re using high quality MTU parts in your marine diesel engine, one overlooked detail can mean the difference between a pleasurable hobby and an economic liability. Making sure that each individual system of your marine diesel engine is performing optimally is the best way to maintain its overall functionality and longevity. It is important know that many components have changed since the clunky diesel engines of years-gone-by. In an effort to both improve performance and lower the level of harmful emissions, most modern diesel fuels now contain…
Common Rail Fuel Systems – What You Need to Know
As the 21st century moves along at a lightning pace, we find ourselves in a constant state of motion. Whether by ground, sea, or air, the methods that we use to get from place to place, or just enjoy the freedom of being behind the wheel are constantly evolving. Long gone are the days of wanton vehicular waste – where once the miles of freeway constantly clouded by a blackened haze of filthy emissions were the everyday routine, most now feel need for a fuel solution that is both more reliable and environmentally responsible than the noisy, cloud-spewing options of the past. Even diesel engines,…
MTU Maintenance Concept
The MTU maintenance system for their products is based upon a preventive maintenance concept. With advanced planning, preventive maintenance ensures a high level of equipment dependability. The load profile/load factor of your MTU equipment determines the maintenance schedule to be used. The time intervals at which the maintenance work is to be done, along with the tasks and relevant checks involved are average values based on operational experience and should be regarded as guidelines only. Technical requirements and special operating conditions may require additional modification of the maintenance intervals and /or maintenance work. In order to carry out the individual maintenance, using authorized personnel, such…