southern boating

get less effi cient fuel but a bit on the
dirty side as well. “With those who
run gasoline engines, you might want
to consider a treatment with every oil
change,” advises Sprague. “You really
want to help control that moisture as
the alcohol can separate out with only
the minimal amount of water.”
The problem for diesel fuel oil with
the same issues associated with
gasoline storage is the combination
of low sulfur levels with the product’s
affi nity for water, sludge and bio-growth
(bacteria and fungi). “What we want to
do here is even out the playing fi eld for
performance, how the fuel is handled
once it gets to the end user in regards
to its stability, and try to control any
contaminants,” Sprague adds.
So here’s where our additives,
stabilizers, treatments, and conditioners
come into play. The fi rst thing you want
to do is keep a careful watch on your
primary and secondary fuel fi lters. Drain
your Racors or similar systems should
any sign of water be present. If you
have to change the elements a bit more
often, or if you begin to notice a drop in
rpm levels, you more than likely have a
fair amount of gunk in your tanks that
gets roiled up as you use your boat
and clogs the free fl ow of fuel to the
engine(s). “With severe problems in
this area, such as obvious plugging,
it’s best to take some time out and
have those fuel tanks professionally
cleaned,” Sprague suggests.
For diesel users, the fi lter problem
can be a direct result of using a
biocide additive. As the juice begins
to do its work and kill the “bugs” at
the water/oil interface, which is where
the organisms live, the accumulated
buildup of dead bodies adds to the
already sludgy bottom layer of the
fuel tank resulting in a Stephen King-
like, non-combustible mass that gets

sucked up into the fuel system. “If

you think you might have something

growing, you should use a biocide

treatment,” said Sprague, “but be

aware of the consequences.”

Fuel stabilizers do their work by

scavenging and removing oxygen that

gets into the fuel by several means,

including the motion and agitation as

the boat moves through the water.

“Even trace amounts of oxygen present

in the fuel can cause problems,” warns

Sprague. To simplify the chemistry, the

additive can help repair the hydrocarbon

chain that was “damaged” at the

refi nery and/or chemically remove most

of the trace oxygen making it more

stable and more effi cient. It also works

to emulsify or blend any water droplets

present in the fuel oil thus helping to

impede the growth of bacteria. Other

positive results include the breakdown

of particulate matter that can be safely

fi ltered out, and the shattering of larger

contaminants that can be burned off

during combustion.

Before using any fuel additive

make sure to check with your engine

manufacturer as adding any of these

products to your tanks can void the

warranty. In addition, many OEMs

recommend a specifi c product line for

use with their power plants and fuel

systems. And as with any product

such as additives, always follow the

directions on the container. Should

you have any questions, contact the

manufacturer.

With today’s highly advanced

engines—and because of the

aggressive refi nery processes that

result in a more unstable end product—

using a fuel treatment can help you get

the best possible grade of gasoline or

diesel fuel into your system and have

you run more effi ciently.

— By Ken Kreisler AUTHENTIC p PRIVATE p UNIQUE

Authentically unique in

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Reef is more than a club, it’s

family; a family that holds tradition,

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A place where kids are free to play

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environment. A place to relax and

truly unplug from the world.

Whether it’s a day searching

FOR
SAILÜSH
OR
BIRDIE
HUNTING
ON


the golf course, life has its own

cadence at the Ocean Reef Club.

Interested in learning more about

the simple pleasures of this unique

club? There are only two ways to

experience Ocean Reef Club – as

a guest of a member or through

the pages of Living magazine. Go

to OceanReefClubMagazine.com

to request your free copy.

MARCH 2016 s SOUTHERNBOATING.COM s 47