Scary breakdown situation

[TCL]

Yesterday my parents had a brush with disaster on our ‘97 holland 32 Destiny down in the USVI. The boat sits for long periods but receives excellent and loving maintenance and was recently surveyed and commissioned for the season. She has a large above deck fuel tank and the combination of mediocre fuel and tropical weather makes sediment in the fuel tank a constant concern- even with additives. The boat is used primarily to get from st Thomas to St. John and then fair weather beach, island hop and occasionally fish while we’re down there. Although it’s all close to shore boating there are some brief open ocean exposures that can get pretty intense, hence having a hearty boat like the holland makes sense—there are actually quite a few downeasters down there.

Heading out on the trip yesterday from stt to stj, a trip my dads been doing for over 30 years, the water was much bigger than he’s maybe ever seen. Turns out the forecast was over 10 ft. In the brief crossing the boat was getting tossed around real good and what seems to have happen is debris got stirred up from the bottom of the tank and got into the racor clogging it instantly and cutting fuel supply. Engine stalled out and wouldn’t restart and mayday proceeding followed.

They connected right away with the uscg on vhf and put on life jackets expecting the worst. 10+ waves, 25 knot wind, and rocky atols and reefs all around… the ocean ripping through the deep cut between little st James and St. John..

Uscg put out a call to all vessels in the area and a yachtsman on a rib responded extremely quickly. They watched as he bounced around approaching them and they successfully roped up to his 150 powered dingy. He towed them into safety and barely stuck around to be thanked, a hero truly.

After manually bubble priming (we all know how long and tedious that is) the motor fired back up and there were a few visible pieces of debris in the racor. We’re pretty certain that was the problem, however resolving it while getting tossed around like a bath toy and fearing the worst would have been nearly impossible. It was so rough he could barely open the engine box.

What would you guys recommend besides services the filter and polishing the tank? It’s a mechanical Volvo TAMD 370 diesel I’m not sure what racor model but pretty basic common one. Is there a racor model that’s self priming?

This is a scary reality check on a ride we’ve done countless times with family friends and kids. I wasn’t there and fortunately no kids were on board. But the thought of my parents out there is bad enough. We’re all a little shaken.

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I see 2 potential issues.

1. Deck mounted fuel tank ? Would it be warmer and grow more funky stuff.

2. Lack of use. Solution…we are currently on the hook in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar, …could you please deliver a few dozen of Tony’s Famous Meatballs?

 

[AW_Holland32]

I see 2 potential issues.

1. Deck mounted fuel tank ? Would it be warmer and grow more funky stuff.

2. Lack of use. Solution…we are currently on the hook in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar, …could you please deliver a few dozen of Tony’s Famous Meatballs?

You’re not wrong, place an order to the hook in Lloyd harbor this summer

 

[Downrigga]

I see 2 potential issues.

1. Deck mounted fuel tank ? Would it be warmer and grow more funky stuff.

2. Lack of use. Solution…we are currently on the hook in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar, …could you please deliver a few dozen of Tony’s Famous Meatballs?

I can't speak for the meatballs but it would make no difference if the fuel tank was mounted on the deck. Most of the fuel storage on earth is located above ground and out in the elements. Treat the fuel before its an issue and the problem won't materialize.

 

[AW_Holland32]

A little update on this, she’s now had similar breakdowns (thankfully in safe places) 2 more times after having a mechanic go through the filters etc. I got some AJX down there but it hasn’t had time to work it’s magic yet, good forum Rec super nice guy. Tomorrow the tank goes under the knife for a deep cleaning. Holes between each baffle and then glassed back together over a couple days by a character who lives aboard his homegrown trimaran in the harbor and has been a long time friend.

 

[Downrigga]

A little update on this, she’s now had similar breakdowns (thankfully in safe places) 2 more times after having a mechanic go through the filters etc. I got some AJX down there but it hasn’t had time to work it’s magic yet, good forum Rec super nice guy. Tomorrow the tank goes under the knife for a deep cleaning. Holes between each baffle and then glassed back together over a couple days by a character who lives aboard his homegrown trimaran in the harbor and has been a long time friend.

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I promise you that you do not have to cut the tank open. You don't have to see the inside of the tank to clean a tank that has a bacterial issue. Let the ajx do its thing and your problem will be solved if you find out how the water is getting into the tank.

 

[Kirby]

A little update on this, she’s now had similar breakdowns (thankfully in safe places) 2 more times after having a mechanic go through the filters etc. I got some AJX down there but it hasn’t had time to work it’s magic yet, good forum Rec super nice guy. Tomorrow the tank goes under the knife for a deep cleaning. Holes between each baffle and then glassed back together over a couple days by a character who lives aboard his homegrown trimaran in the harbor and has been a long time friend.

View attachment 154813

Keep in mind AJX comes in two different strengths. TCS is for cleaning a heavily fouled/contaminated tank. The TMS is the maintenance dosage that’s used with each fuel addition after the tank is clean. The products are essentially the same but the TCS,(I.E. tank cleaning system) is stronger than the TMS. You can start with the TMS product if your tank is mildly fouled. Hope that helps. Feel free to contact Archie Jost directly with any questions as he is the owner of AJX and is a wealth of knowledge. Hope that helps!
Bob

 

[AW_Holland32]

I promise you that you do not have to cut the tank open. You don't have to see the inside of the tank to clean a tank that has a bacterial issue. Let the ajx do its thing and your problem will be solved if you find out how the water is getting into the tank.

That makes logical sense, but I’m a third party here my parents were on board in the break downs and have been trying to get to a point of peace of mind. They decided to attack it physically instead of relying solely on chemical solution. It’s hard getting things done down there and they are only around for short bursts so the players are lined up and tomorrow she gets the surgery. The boats been in the tropics over 20 years doesn’t seem crazy to get in there and clean and thankfully that doesn’t require cutting the deck or anything to major.

 

[Capecodfisherman]

I’ve been seeing these pop up on the novis in Canada lately. I’m considering buying one. Usually they are ahead of us when it comes to that kinda stuff so might be worth checking out. I have used bio bore before a really shitty weather window then had the tank polished after and had good results too.

 

[Downrigga]

That makes logical sense, but I’m a third party here my parents were on board in the break downs and have been trying to get to a point of peace of mind. They decided to attack it physically instead of relying solely on chemical solution. It’s hard getting things done down there and they are only around for short bursts so the players are lined up and tomorrow she gets the surgery. The boats been in the tropics over 20 years doesn’t seem crazy to get in there and clean and thankfully that doesn’t require cutting the deck or anything to major.

I have been playing with diesel fuel for over 40 years. I have helped 1000s of customers over the years deal with this issue. I'm here to tell you that cutting open that tank is a waste of time and money. The bacteria is very easy to kill. The beauty of the ajx is that it will not only kill the bacteria which any of these products do but it will melt the debris so your fuel will become clean all on its own. I hate to see you cut open a perfectly good tank for no good reason.

 

[captjohn]

A little update on this, she’s now had similar breakdowns (thankfully in safe places) 2 more times after having a mechanic go through the filters etc. I got some AJX down there but it hasn’t had time to work it’s magic yet, good forum Rec super nice guy. Tomorrow the tank goes under the knife for a deep cleaning. Holes between each baffle and then glassed back together over a couple days by a character who lives aboard his homegrown trimaran in the harbor and has been a long time friend.

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You do NOT have to go under the knife if you give the AJX a few days to work. You are wasting your money!!!!

 

[captjohn]

I have been playing with diesel fuel for over 40 years. I have helped 1000s of customers over the years deal with this issue. I'm here to tell you that cutting open that tank is a waste of time and money. The bacteria is very easy to kill. The beauty of the ajx is that it will not only kill the bacteria which any of these products do but it will melt the debris so your fuel will become clean all on its own. I hate to see you cut open a perfectly good tank for no good reason.

I completely agree with you!!!! He is wasting a lot of money for absolutely NO reason if he cuts the tank open!!!!

 

[Downrigga]

I completely agree with you!!!! He is wasting a lot of money for absolutely NO reason if he cuts the tank open!!!!

It's just not the way you clean up a bacterial problem. Fuel maintenance discipline. Easily solved with chemicals. People want to install all the crazy filters that promise the world. None of that stuff sloves the problem.

 

[AW_Holland32]

Appreciate the passion experience and concern from you guys, again I’m not there right now but this is what went down. The hole in the top deck was made to pull the pickup tube out, which was complete clogged with the stuff about 6 inches up. The other hole was used to clean and the baffles had holes in them which allowed the shop vac and scope to get around. The buildups were described as feeling like wet construction paper, as if it built up on the walls and then peeled off in sheets. Really nasty stuff and a lot of it. We’ve been using a biocide consistently but the AJX brand is new to us and will be used going forward. Thanks again for taking the time to care.

 

[Downrigga]

It comes off in sheets when the biocide attacks it. My guess is it has grown above the fuel level in the tank. You should hit that tank with a heavy dose and close up the tank and let the AJX do its thing. You have water in that tank. It needs to come out. Disconnect the fuel lines at the filter and pour some AJX into the lines and blow them out in a few days. Remember, its a microbe. Even though the line may look clear your not out of the woods until you kill the microbe. If it is not killed it will come right back. Good luck!

 

[AW_Holland32]

It comes off in sheets when the biocide attacks it. My guess is it has grown above the fuel level in the tank. You should hit that tank with a heavy dose and close up the tank and let the AJX do its thing. You have water in that tank. It needs to come out. Disconnect the fuel lines at the filter and pour some AJX into the lines and blow them out in a few days. Remember, its a microbe. Even though the line may look clear your not out of the woods until you kill the microbe. If it is not killed it will come right back. Good luck!

Wouldn’t running the motor be enough to circulate the AJX throughout the system especially with a shock level quantity? The lines were blown out with compressed air already once recently chasing this issue.

 

[Downrigga]

Wouldn’t running the motor be enough to circulate the AJX throughout the system especially with a shock level quantity? The lines were blown out with compressed air already once recently chasing this issue.

If the lines are clear sure. I thought they might be plugged.

 

[AW_Holland32]

If the lines are clear sure. I thought they might be plugged.

Yeah lines were blown out again today and filters changed as well. With the plug of crap in the pickup and the boat being tied up on St. John as opposed to in its slip in st Thomas I don’t see how the solution could have had enough time and exposure to do it’s thing, should have had it in there all this time since the initial breakdown.

 

[Downrigga]

Your problems will be over soon.

 

[Kiteboy]

Is AJX the stuff that Archie Jost makes?

 

[Downrigga]

Is AJX the stuff that Archie Jost makes?

Sells ,yes