The drive towards using bio-fuels has created a situation that may not be good for your marine diesel engine. Biodiesel in the form of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) is now permitted in your diesel.
What's bad about that?
FAME is known to cause problems including the degrading of many of the metals and rubbers that are used on marine engine installations, plus the 'drying-out' of seals. It acts as a solvent and so can 'clean' your fuel tank, causing debris within the fuel. It is also hygroscopic, meaning that it will absorb water more readily into your fuel tank. And, there is a greater chance of the 'diesel bug' affecting your diesel, which appears to be made worse by the lowering of sulphur in the fuel.
How much of a problem this will be for the marine industry, no one is saying, but in first few years of use there appeared to be an increase in the cases of marine engine failure due to fuel contamination.
There is hope for us however, but YOU NEED TO ACT NOW!!!!
As of 14 January 2011 it is compulsory to supply an Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel but it is NOT compulsory to mix FAME with the new diesel and the Department of Transport suggests up to 75% of diesel supplied will not contain FAME.
It is absolutely VITAL that you PRESSURISE YOUR MARINA/diesel supplier to ensure that they always sell you FAME-free diesel.
Always ask your fuel supplier for "FAME-free" diesel.
