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There are two grades of diesel engine fuels currently in use
today. The first is Grade #1 and the second is Grade #2. The more
common of these is the latter. The National Fire Prevention
Association and the United States Military both agree that the flash
point of Grade #1 diesel fuel is 100 degree Fahrenheit. The flash
point of Grade #2 diesel fuel is 125 degrees Fahrenheit. We all know
that gasoline installations in boats must be properly ventilated.
This is in accordance with numerous regulations including those of
the United States Coast Guard. Even the National Fire Prevention
Association is concerned enough about the flammability of diesel fuel
to require that it be treated with the same respect as gasoline.
Diesel engines used in the marine industry today operate with
very high exhaust temperatures. The result is that any defect in the
cooling water to the exhaust line can cause excessive buildup of
heat, which in turn could create a fire. The volume of cooling water
can easily be restricted by a blockage of the flow of water anywhere
within the system, thereby creating a potential fire hazard.
After a diesel engine has been stopped it continues to emit a
tremendous quantity of heat. This is rather normal considering the
temperatures that the engines must operate at in order to combust the
fuels. If this heat emission elevates the temperature in the engine
compartment above the flash point of the diesel fuel, then there is
an extreme potential fire hazard. (Certain makes of diesel engines
operate at low temperatures, thereby greatly reducing the above
described hazard.)
Because there are numerous switches and electrical connections
adjacent to and in the engine compartments of most yachts, any spark
and short-circuit from this wiring combined with the heat factor and
the presence of diesel fumes may cause a potentially disastrous fire.
In summary, we highly urge that you exercise the same degree of
caution with your diesel powered yacht as you would if it were
gasoline powered.
Pearson 323 Owners Manual (1978 model year)
PEARSON YACHTS
OWNER'S GUIDE AND PROTECTION PLAN
SECTION VIII-E: OPTIONAL DIESEL ENGINES
Page 18 of 38
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