Fuel Sanitation; Bacterial Contamination - BENETEAU Oceanis 351 Manual

Check below decks for presence of fumes or fuel leakage. Check bilge, engine
space, and main cabin.
WARNING! IF FUMES OR EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE IS FOUND,
DETERMINE THE CAUSE, CORRECT IT, AND CLEAN UP ANY
SPILLAGE BEFORE PROCEEDING.
Open all hatches and ports to ventilate the boat.
Switch on battery.
The engine should be started only when it is certain that no potentially hazardous
condition exists.
13.3.4.
The fact that a diesel engine does not require an ignition system can, and usually
does, result in an engine that is far superior to a gasoline engine with regard to
dependability. Whether this is actually the case depends greatly on cleanliness of
the fuel that is supplied to the engine since the close tolerances required by the
engine's fuel delivery system make it extremely intolerant of any form of dirt or
water contamination. The engine is supplied with filters that prevent contaminants
from reaching the engine where they could cause damage, but a clogged filter,
although providing this protection, can also stop an engine. Keeping the filters free
of dirt and water is an obvious answer to this problem, and the cleaning schedules
set forth in the engine manual will in most cases keep filters clean enough to
prevent stoppage.
13.3.5.
A factor that can cause additional problems is bacterial contamination of the diesel
fuel. The bacteria involved need both water and fuel to exist, and if present, will
thrive in a fuel tank. As they multiply, they form a filter-choking brown slime.
Often their presence will not be known until rough weather churns up the fuel tank
causing clogged filters at a most inopportune time.
Keeping water out of the fuel will, of course, prevent the problem entirely, and
while every effort should be made towards this, such as obtaining fuel from
reputable dealers, it must be remembered that a certain amount of water due to
normal condensation in the tank is to be expected.
Oceanis 351
Rev. 00
11/6/2006

Fuel Sanitation.

Bacterial Contamination.

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8:54 AM