Portable Diesel Fuel Polishing System

Enjoy as I explain a simple yet effective fuel polishing system I have built for my Cal 31 sailboat. The individual parts were all purchased from Amazon for less than $100.00.

[andrewj]

Did something very similar to this, but I put a 20 micron filter before the water filter separator, that will clean most of any debris. Also a water fuel sep filter like yours is $20 on Amazon, fuel pump is about $10, and I got Wix 20 micron for $4 each. I got a cheap garden sprayer and filled it with fuel, and sprayed it into the tank against the walls and any areas that might hold things. I did a pump out into barrel, then pumped it back out into the tank (two cycles of cleaning...the last 20% of fuel in barrel, went though a 3rd cycle). Afterwards I ran it from the tank, through the filter system, back into the tank overnight. I also took samples in clear bottles to compare throughout the process. At the end I plumbed a 10 micron filter/pump with SOV (2), so I can run it as needed for further cleaning. I also pour some fuel conditioner into the tank.

[daneulekowski]

Thanks for your video, just bought a sailboat that hasn't been in the water for 4 years. This is exactly what I want to build .

[MicksWorkshop]

Excellent idea! I'm going to build one. I just got a Catalina 28 that has been sitting for a couple of years and I'm guessing the fuel is pretty dirty, it used to start right up and now it won't start. I'm replacing the fuel filter this weekend, but I think polishing it would be more efficient that just trying to let the engine run and keep clogging up new filters.

[businessexpansionstrategie]

Great system without breaking the wallet. I'll adapt it to clean the diesel of my sailboat. Do you have the video on how to clean the tank?

[seadragonsltd]

I am copying your system but after six stores (Marine, hardware, et al) I cannot find the 5/16 fuel filter replacement nozzles you replaced the 3/8 with! Where did you get yours? Thanks

[Slowhand]

I’m just trying to figure this fuel polishing stuff out. This is cleaning diesel fuel of water and any debris? Also when do you replace the filter?

[KSW]

Hey what's the name of the filter you're using

[richardbarber]

As .far is I understand, you are duplicating what happens to the fuel during normal operation. Fuel is always passed through two fine filters then there is a significant % recycled to the fuel tank as the engine runs. I agree that cleaning diesel fuel of unknown quality is a must but generally speaking we are spared the trouble. Happy Cruising.

[kgbean]

Why do you have so much air in the system? Just curious.

[KSW]

The name of the filter system..?
I wish to build exactly what you have.

[mattwhite]

Can you share the source for your 5/8" fittings? I guess the threads are not SAE so I hope to grab some that will work. Thanks!

[JotaStroeter]

Can you share the model of the pump please?

[calvinhorn]

Your system is flowed. You need to filter the fuel before it goes through the fuel pump. The fuel pump mixes the water and fuel so fine that the filter can not remove all of the water. If you run the fuel through filter first, it will remove more water before mixing it with the fuel. Good luck.

[byronnelson]

Great basic idea, however it does not clean the walls of the tank. Most fouling is on the walls of the tank, not in the fuel itself. Most cruisers experience fuel filter and fuel feed problems during and after a rough passage. Problems are caused from junk off the tank walls. Done correctly a polisher will spray the sides of the tank.