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Fuel viscosity

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Pascal, Aug 18, 2021.

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  1. Pascal, Aug 18, 2021
    #1
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Had a fuel sample sent to a lab and it came back with elevated viscosity at 2.5. Acceptable is 1.3 to 2.4. Lab notes it is usually the result of mixing nr 1 and nr 2 diesel.

    I am assuming that marine diesel is nr 1, correct?

    also has elevated particle count so we ll have to keep an eye on the filter. Will also run the fuel thru the (finally rebuilt) Alfa Laval.
  2. Ken Bracewell, Aug 18, 2021
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    How was the sulphur content? If it's high, you'll also need to keep an eye on your DPF filters if you have them.
  3. Pascal, Aug 18, 2021
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    No DPF

    sulphur not reported

    Attached Files:

  4. Ken Bracewell, Aug 18, 2021
    #4
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I ask because I once had a supplier give me high-sulphur fuel in lieu of ultra-low-sulphur, along with a phony spec sheet. We noticed as our generator back pressure was going through the roof. This resulted in months of chasing issues on gens and mains.
  5. echo charlie, Aug 18, 2021
    #5
    echo charlie

    echo charlie Member

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    Can't you just buy a viscosity cup and check it yourself ?
  6. Capt J, Aug 18, 2021
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Your engines were built during a time when #2 diesel was the standard. I wouldn't worry about it.
  7. Pascal, Aug 18, 2021
    #7
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The MTU tech who just did the in frame on the port 16V2000 isnt too worried about it either. I just wonder how one would get nr 2 diesel in the boat since marine diesel appear to be nr 1. Trying to save a buck getting cheap diesel delivered? Have about 2500 gallons left :)

    just transfered 1000 gal from aux tank thru the Alfa Laval, then will polish the main tank.

    I just don’t understand how most systems on this boat needed to be gone over, rebuilt or set up correctly. Even the electronics... they installed a pair of new Garmin touchscreen and radar... probably $20k worth but didn’t bother connect the sounder module!

    Now working on an issue with the air compressor. It works but the pressure switch doesn’t... I wonder what the full time captain was doing on this thjng.