BIO DIESEL FACTS

Red diesel or gas oil could contain bio diesel, known as FAME or fatty acid methyl ester, bio diesel is hygroscopic it sucks water into the fuel and holds it there and if the are any bacteria in the fuel it could lead to bacterial growth within the tank and in turn lead to blocked filters, also a little known fact is that bio diesel has a shelf life of around six months 12 months at the most so there for it would be wise to turn tanks around in this time (IE) use the stuff. once in the tank bio diesel has a life of 6 months due to its reduced oxidation stability , and over time oxidation can precipitate solids again with the potential to block filters and fuel lines also excess water will be evident after a prolonged cold spell so water traps should be fitted ad  checked regularly, fuel stabilisers are available in the marine market with reference to the storage of fuel over a long period in excess of six months like a 180 ltr fuel tank so seek advice and research which is best marine 16 products seem to be the only one that addresses this as a selling point and having used this myself within my job i must say it works but seek advice as to your exact requirements. Remember the trick is to use the fuel and not keep the tank topped up as has always been the idea most live aboard will not have a problem but weekenders will need to think a little bit more about there tanks and wot is going on .