MEP803a Marked 'JP Fuel Only"?

[shazam]

Hi, folks! First post, but I've been lurking for awhile and have learned a lot already. Thanks!

My new-to-me MEP803a has 'JP Fuel Only' stenciled above the fuel filler port. I assume that to mean jet fuel only. Any ideas what changes would have been made to the unit to eliminate fueling with 'normal' diesel? Interesting!

Thanks!
Jim

 

[devilphrog]

No changes required. The military uses JP fuel for everything (simplifies the supply chain/logistics). It's stenciled to prevent somebody from dumping gasoline into it. Jet fuel is kerosene based, so is a bit "drier" than regular diesel. Diesel fuel is just fine in it, and will actually provide better lubricity to the injectors/pumps, and is easier on fuel lines and seals. If you look at the instruction placard underneath the control panel cover you'll see the different fuels allowed, such as DF-2 (#2 diesel fuel).

 

[shazam]

....and I managed to show my total ignorance in my first post Thanks, devilphrog. Note to self....read more, before asking questions.

Ancillary question.... My intention actually is to run sump-dump Jet-A in the unit as much as possible, as I have a source. My long-term storage will be in a 55 gallon drum located in indoor cold storage, which will only be used in a long-term outage. Recommendations for additives that help the lubricity issues and/or help with the moisture?

I also read the post on 'filtering' the incoming air to the drum with a drying agent, and will be implementing something of that nature also.....and a water separator on the out-flow side.

This forum is an amazing resource for someone who only learned the word lubricity a couple weeks ago! Thanks!

Jim

 

[Light in the Dark]

No sweat... people read the word 'jet' and suddenly think $$ fuel costs.

In my stored fuel, I use a combination of things.

Stabilizer - https://www.amazon.com/PRI-D-Fuel-Stabilizer-Diesel-32oz/dp/B007ETLKG8
Algaecide/Biocide - https://powerservice.com/psp_product/bio-kleen-diesel-fuel-biocide/
Antigel - https://powerservice.com/psp_product/diesel-fuel-supplement-cetane-boost/

Feel like there is one other thing I am forgetting... but thats a good baseline. Then as I put into the machine, you can add some Optilube for lubricity (http://opti-lube.com/diesel-fuel-improver/xpd-diesel-fuel-additives.html).

You must make sure you have some Diesel 911 on the shelf, for the cold months. Its a Power Service product, and is the ace in your pocket in the wintertime if you are experiencing gel-up.

 

[devilphrog]

If you have access to sumped fuel, you probably have access to Biobor (you need less than an oz for a 55 gallon drum), and you can also run Lubribor to add lubricity.

 

[Guyfang]

If you delve into the operators manual, you will find a list of fuels that are usable in the gen set. Jet-A is on the list.

 

[shazam]

Checked with the DOM for the jets today. He says SOP is to add Biobor algicide to each load of Jet-A they get in, so I"m covered there. On the sumped fuel they re-use in the Jet-A truck diesel fuel tank, they add Schaeffer's Neutra.

Took a pic of the Neutra label, which says it stabilizes fuel during extended storage, dissolves fuel deposits, and neutralizes the harmful effects of sulphur in fuel. It doesn't say anything about lubricity.

They've been running the fuel truck on this combo for years, so either they're lucky or it works for them.

The label of Biobor says it's a biocide AND lubricity additive. Label on Lubribor says lubricity agent. Too confusing!