The ongoing fuel saga
Saturday 24th October 2020
This morning I did a routine check on the engine systems only to find the active water separator on the fuel line was full of water … again. We have two fuel tanks and used the main tank all the way from New York to Annapolis in very bumpy conditions with no issues – so we are confident the main tank is clean. But we switched to running off the forward tank on leaving Annapolis and after a few days of light non-bumpy use we have sucked up 50-100 ml of water into the separator. The conclusion is that water must be leaking into the forward tank. I replaced the gasket on the fill pipe cover when we were at anchor in the Delaware River, but this might have been a step too late as we took a lot of seawater over the foredeck on the previous passage. We filled our three jerry cans with diesel here in Soloman’s Island and added that to our main tank and our plan is to run on that until we reach Portsmouth, VA in a few days time. Then we’ll “polish” (filter) the fuel in the forward tank, once again, to remove residual water and re-double our efforts to make sure that it stays dry. Other than the fill cap it’s really hard to imagine where the water might be getting in, but until we solve that it will continue to be a problem.
Whilst pouring the diesel into the main tank I leant against the lifeline and “ping”, the so-called “Gate Eye” attachment fell off and the line collapsed. Luckily I didn’t fall into the water, but of course the attachment did. It appears that it simply came unscrewed and it shows that we are not checking our rigging / lifelines carefully enough. This could have happened out at sea with disastrous consequences. We have rigged up a temporary line and will order a replacement part as soon as possible.
It is never boring living on a boat.
Mike
38 19.709 N, 76 27.072 W
Certainly sounds like you always have to be on your toes!! That's a funny image!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up on my favorite bloggers. I thought the white fence was Trump's Southern border wall (paid for by Mexico). Also, thinking about your fuel problem problem..any chance that it is condensation? Is the tank touching the hull against cold water and is it or has been humid. If the tank is full of course no condensation. And lastly, the reason you liked the stacked hibiscus because it looks like the corona virus..just saying isn't that what drug scientist would like???
ReplyDeletehi Paul, I think condensation could have contributed to water in the fwd tank but i think the major source of water has been leakage through the deck fill pipe due to a poorly fitting gasket. I've replaced that and put some additional sealer on the outside. The real problem is the main tank where we don't seem to be getting any water (must have been some in the past) but still have residual growth. I suspect the best solution would be to steam clean the tanks ... but that's not happening any time soon. I am optimistic that we are winning by continuing to "polish" the fuel and careful use of fuel stabilizers.
ReplyDelete