Thread by @CRTBoating

This is going to be quite a long thread #BoatsThatTweet so please read all the tweets. Have you ever come across "sticky fuel"? There's been reports of an increasing number of fuel related engine breakdowns that aren't related to diesel bug. #Diesel #Fuels

Our friends at @RCRRescue report that there’s been an uncharacteristic peak in fuel-related component breakdowns not linked to diesel bug. Injection pumps were found to have failed even though the diesel was clear and bright.

RCR engineers found in both cases the injector pump racks had seized solid and the nozzles were blocked, and when replacing the plunger filter head, they found the fuel had a sticky, syrup-like substance.

Alongside stuck injection pump racks, injectors and filter head plunger failures, @RCRRescue is seeing cases of fuel filters blocking with wax inside them. Engineers are also reporting reoccurring issues with these systems and ‘sticky fuel’.

So what is it? @RCRRescue managing director Stephanie Horton says "We now believe it may be related to a reduction in FAME free fuel and a change in fuel and fuel treatment additives."

This sticky fuel issue isn't just affecting boaters but farmers and other diesel engine users too. The UK Petroleum Industry Association (PIA) tested samples but failed to pinpoint a single cause.

The UK Petroleum Industry Association (PIA) found that testing 100 fuel and clogged filter samples, only 15% were found to contain contaminants as a result of poor storage, and in many cases, they weren’t significant enough to cause a blockage. So what is this "sticky" fuel?

More detailed tests revealed high total contamination levels and particulate counts, many between 15-20 mg/kg. (Clean gas oil normally a level of 6mg/kg). An external lab tested the sticky residue it revealed the problem was caused by sterol glucoside and monoglyceride particles

It's an industry wide problem. @RCRRescue says "There’s an industry task force currently looking at sustainability and the use of second stage bio-diesel for marina applications. ‘Sticky fuel’ symptoms were reported in their testing samples when using first stage bio-diesels.

If you have suffered from a "sticky fuel" problem then @RCRRescue would like to hear from you. It’s important we get to the bottom of the problem as these are costly breakdowns and business are also at risk due to the reoccurrence of issues and covering repairs under warranty.

Here's how to get in touch - "Fuel Samples, River Canal Rescue, 11 Tilcon Avenue, Baswich, Stafford ST18 0YJ, email: [e-mail] with fuel issues in the subject line or call 01785 785680." #Diesel #StickyFuel

Here's another tweet about the same thing

https://twitter.com/marineindnews/status/1337045665998921730