How To Make A Fuel Polisher For Only $125! E226

We install a DIY fuel polisher on our Hatteras Motor Yacht. For only $125! Hopefully, we have solved the fuel algae problem that we had this past boating season.

#fuelpolisher #hatterasyacht #algaeinfuel

[festerofest]

Great DIY money saving. That sludge from the bottom of the tank was just NASTY! I really didn't expect a Roger-Out in a short boat maintenance episode, but Lyn sneaks in a tricky little Roger-Out for the fans at 3:28.... How sweet is that!!

Roger-Out!

[bradh]

After 3 or 4 years my colleague is finally getting his boat up and running. His 2 Detroit's had been waiting on repair work after he bought his beautiful Hatteras. Should be going this week.

[Tommya]

Really enjoy all the self diagnostics and problem solving.

[michaellippmann]

Yep been there, done that and about to do it again on a new to us boat! 😂
The boat we recently sold, which we sailed for 21 years, had a severe sludge issue so one of the first things we did was remove the tank, make a 6" x 6" access panel on top and clean that sucker!
Had 0 fuel delivery issues!
Now we get to do it again on a 40 year old boat that we just bought this summer (gluttons for punishment) but well worth it as when you need the motor you NEED it!
Anyway, great video and yes I bought the same filter and cannot believe it is not a Racor - except the price gives it away! I have bought a couple original Racor 500's in my life and my wallet is still aching!!!
Cheers
Mike and Ally 🇨🇦
S/V Bears Mistress II

[CatchinMemories]

What a great idea. Just ordered all the parts. You guys are amazing..

[mtmdesigns]

A nice trick with the vacuum. When I did my tanks I used compressed air connected to a length of copper tubing to stir things up in the tank and help get the fine stuff to the fuel polisher.

[TheMerad]

Here's how I "vacuum fuel": I put a shop vac on the opening of a portable 5 gallon fuel can. I get a rubber hose that fits snug over the vent on the tank ( I drilled the hole a little larger first). Then I get a piece of pipe that also fits snug into the other end of the hose. This becomes my "vacuum tube" that I can run around the bottom of the tank. The vac supplies suction but all the fuel goes into the can. With several cans on-hand it's quite manageable and not messy. All the fuel is only in the fuel cans during the process.

[michiganengineer]

I'm going to guess that a fuel polishing setup would be just as useful for a gas burner as it is for a diesel. That is a VERY nice money saving hack there Captain!

[johnstagl]

I'm assuming you sit for long periods. If you're burning through fuel, usually a couple of Raycors will do the job for the mains. Also, I typically use an additive at each fueling. I'm assuming you do that as well. Finally, like the others suggested, I would always recommend using durable equipment.

[Harrybollox]

Great video, giving me ideas. I watched a comparison of Chinese ‘racor’s with the real thing on YouTube a while back. Worth digging up if you can find it, I think The only issue might be if you can’t put genuine filters in the thing but it doesn’t matter, just get the cheapest ones that fit it. It’s only a polisher after all. I guess if you ran it while underway in seas you might pick up more junk with the fuel sloshing around so there’s an option

[Mini-Driver]

Have you ever visited one of the Marine Salvage stores down in Florida? You may be able to get a "Name Brand" filter system for a fraction of the cost of new. I plan a road trip from Virginia for a few items I'm looking for. Just thought I'd mention it. Great video.

[richardcorcorran]

Getting that junk off the bottom was the best thing you good have done. Underway that junk would get churned up and in your lines and filters. Well Done.

[en]

Thanks for the video! I am curious if the filter in the Racor knock-off got dirty/turned black after polishing? If it did not get dirty that would make me concerned I was not really cleaning the fuel. But if the filter got very dirty that would reassure me that the polishing process was doing some good. I ask since in some cases there is sludge at the bottom of the tank, but unless agitated up by choppy seas, the fuel sitting above it (like in your 5 gal jug) is clean.

[doncritzer]

Should be a drain plug below the pickup, that's why the sludge never gets removed...you need to hook up polisher to that lower drain, the pickup is a good 2 inches above bottom of tank so you don't suck up the sludge, you have so much it isn't working, once you roll in the swells sludge churns up again

[paulmach]

My only suggestion is spend some more money on a decent “gear” type pump. Will flow a lot more and the diaphragm pump you have used won’t last long 🍻

[jameslandi]

What you've done will undoubtedly help; yet, the problem, as you likely already know, is that the entire inside of the tank (save for the top) has heavy deposits of algae that produce sludge.... you might consider the installation of a "day tank" --- one that holds sufficient filtered fuel to power the motors for several hours, that you can fill as you go with your fuel polisher...OR using shorter fuel pick up that don't draw from the very bottom. Having "re tanked" two large (55 and 60) foot Chris Crafts, I can attest to ugly gunk I saw when sets of tanks were cut up for disposal... that algae gunk is ubiquitous-- and thickly lines the insides, for the "fall out" at the bottom is constantly renewed! Respectfully, James

[johnclayton]

I'm already a subscriber. Love your videos and your tenacity. I'll see you on the water in my 31 foot Chris Craft 315 Commander. A thing you might like. When I was in New Orleans right after 9-11 in 2021, I was at the "House of Blues" there. In the restaurant, on the ceiling were these back-lit tiles with images of all the great Blues artists. It was amazing. I have since learned about 3D printing. Those tiles I saw were 'Lithophanes'. Traditionally, they were carved in white marble stone. But we can make them very easy now from a regular jpg or png photo.
The thick parts of the plastic, when back-lit, appear dark. The thin parts of the plastic, when backlit, appear lighter. All of the grey-scale of a black and white photo are preserved in a quality lithophane. Investigate this yourself.
I have a 3D printer. I will make one lithophane for you for free, since you and your wife have brought me joy following your adventures. I am a better mechanic than you are. But being as good as you are is enough, Very entertaining videos. How can I send you a sample lithophane? And then the one I will make you for free? Do you have a Post Office Box # in the US? Not good to give out real addresses, I understand. God bless you all! And thank you for the knowledge and entertaining videos. Kindest regards, MANSELSWORKSHOP on YouTube.

[EdwardSavka]

i am currently doing this on my 37PC with twin yanmars.. i was thinking of sending an air line down to blow air and disturb the bottom. my fuel polisher is running as we speak. thanks for video.

[TerryKeever]

Cool solution to your problem. I assume most boats have similar issues over time as the sediment builds in the tank especially pleasure craft that are not used for longer periods..

[phaioncirrus]

Hi Ed I don't think you've ever explained in a video, but where did you get the know-how in doing all this mechanical work, construction, etc.? Did you ever train professionally or just picked it up or what?