Jakob Lang Sailingvideo

Stuck In Spain With Engine Problems | Ep. 10

May 3, 2025 · 26 min · 29K views · Muros, Galicia

What this video covers

A solo sailor aboard a 31-foot boat, Wolf, diverts to Muros, Spain, after engine failure caused by diesel bug.1:25 Inspection reveals the pre-filter is clogged with bacterial sludge, a result of fuel sitting in the tank for five months with condensation.1:31 Because the tank lacks a service port, the sailor cleans the fuel lines using a dinghy air pump and replaces the pre-filter.5:13 After adding a shock dose of biocide to the fuel, the sailor struggles for two days to bleed air from the fuel system, eventually succeeding by manually priming the lines from the tank to the fuel pump.18:56 While waiting for the biocide to treat the tank, the sailor cycles 80 kilometers inland to Santiago de Compostela, navigating mountain terrain and repairing a rear brake with local assistance.7:53 The engine successfully restarts after the fuel system is bled and the tank is refilled.21:02 Proper fuel maintenance and regular use of additives are essential to prevent bacterial growth in diesel tanks during long-term storage.

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