Insights
Marine knowledge,
written by the board
Practical guides on marine misfuel, water in diesel, the diesel bug, and engine recovery — published by the EEK board of directors.
Boat Misfuel & Water Damage: How NZ Insurers Handle Claims
How New Zealand marine insurers assess boat misfuel and water-damage claims, and why starting the engine is the one mistake that can void your cover.
Water in Marine Diesel and the Diesel Bug: How Fuel Polishing Fixes It
Water in a boat's diesel tank feeds the diesel bug, a living contamination that can strand you offshore. Here's how it grows, why it's a real risk on the water, and how fuel polishing restores your fuel.
Petrol in a diesel boat: why you must not start the engine
Petrol in a diesel boat can damage the injection system within seconds of cranking. Here's why marine diesel injection is so vulnerable, and the one rule that protects your engine.
E10 Ethanol in Boat Tanks: Phase Separation and Older Outboards
Why ethanol-blended E10 fuel can separate in boat tanks, what it does to older outboards, and how EEK transports your vessel to a certified workshop for manufacturer-spec fuel system recovery.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Failed Risers, Raw Water Ingress & Milky Oil
Milky or frothy oil on the dipstick means water has entered your boat's engine. Here's why it happens, why you must not start it, and what to do next.
Petrol in a Diesel Boat: Why You Must Not Start the Engine
Marine diesel injection systems are precision-built and extremely vulnerable to petrol contamination. Starting the engine turns a manageable misfuel into a severe mechanical recovery.
Petrol in a Diesel Boat: Why Marine Injection Systems Are So Vulnerable
Putting petrol in a diesel boat is more common than you'd think, and marine fuel systems are especially unforgiving. Here's why you must not start the engine and what to do next.
Wrong Fuel in Your Outboard: Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke Risks
Putting the wrong fuel in your outboard can foul plugs, damage the engine, and ruin your day on the water. Here's what every skipper needs to know and how EEK gets you back underway.
How NZ Marine Insurers Handle Boat Misfuel & Water-Damage Claims
Running a contaminated marine engine can void your insurance claim. Here's how NZ boat insurers assess misfuel and water-damage claims, and what to do immediately to protect your cover.
Petrol in a Diesel Boat: Why You Must Not Start the Engine
Marine diesel injection systems are precision-built and extremely vulnerable to petrol contamination. Starting the engine turns a manageable misfuel into a costly recovery.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Why Milky Oil Means Do Not Start
Milky oil is a clear sign of water contamination in your marine engine. Starting it can turn a recoverable situation into catastrophic engine damage.
E10 Ethanol Phase Separation in Boat Tanks: Why Older Outboards Are at Risk
E10 petrol can separate into water and ethanol in your boat's tank, leaving a corrosive layer that damages older outboards. Here's what Kiwi boaties need to know.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Why Milky Oil Means Do Not Start
Milky oil is a clear sign of water contamination in your marine engine. Starting it can turn a recoverable situation into catastrophic internal damage.
How NZ Marine Insurers Handle Boat Misfuel & Water-Damage Claims
Running your boat's engine after misfuelling or water contamination can void your insurance claim. Here's how NZ marine insurers assess these claims and what to do immediately to protect your cover.
Ethanol (E10) Damage in Marine Engines: Phase Separation
Ethanol (E10) fuel can cause phase separation in marine engines, leading to issues like water contamination and saltwater ingestion. Older outboard motors are most at risk.
Ethanol (E10) Damage in Marine Engines: Phase Separation
Learn about ethanol (E10) damage in marine engines, focusing on phase separation in boat tanks and why older outboards are most at risk. Discover how to prevent and address this issue.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: What to Do
Discover the causes of water in your boat engine's oil and what you should do right away. Learn how to prevent further damage and why it’s crucial not to start the engine.
Wrong Fuel in Outboards: Risks & Solutions
Discover the risks of wrong fuel in outboard engines, including fouled plugs and water contamination. Learn how to address these issues and get back on the water safely.
8 Ways to Avoid Misfuelling Your Boat at Marina Fuel Dock
Avoid costly and dangerous misfueling mistakes with these practical tips for boat owners, ensuring your vessel stays safe and operational.
Avoiding Troubles: Understanding Outboard Fuel Issues
Wrong fuel in outboards can lead to fouled plugs, water contamination, and other issues. EEK Mechanical provides expert solutions for marine vessels.
Avoiding Risks of Wrong Fuel in Outboard Motors: Tips & Solutions
Using the wrong fuel in your outboard can cause serious damage and costly repairs. Learn how to identify issues and get back on the water safely.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Causes, Risks & What to Do
Water in your boat's engine oil can indicate serious issues like failed exhaust risers or raw water ingress. Learn how to identify the problem and why you should never start a milky oil engine.
Swamped or Submerged Outboard Recovery: Why Salt Water Causes Rapid Corrosion and Immediate Steps
Salt water quickly damages outboard powerheads when submerged. Learn what to do immediately to minimise damage and protect your vessel.
8 Practical Tips to Avoid Misfuelling Your Boat at the Marina
Misfuelling can cause costly damage and delays. Discover 8 simple ways to ensure you fuel your boat correctly at NZ marinas like Westhaven and Tauranga.
Swamped Outboard Recovery: Why Salt Water Causes Rapid Corrosion & Immediate Actions
Salt water quickly damages outboard powerheads when submerged. Learn what to do immediately to minimise damage and protect your vessel.
E10 Ethanol Damage in Marine Engines: Risks & Prevention
E10 ethanol-blended fuel can cause phase separation and engine damage, especially in older outboards. Learn how to protect your vessel and what to do if issues arise.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Causes, Risks & What to Do
Discover why water in your boat's engine oil is a serious issue, how it occurs, and the crucial steps to take to protect your vessel. Always remember, do not start the engine if water contamination is suspected.
Water in Boat Engine Oil: Causes, Risks & What to Do
Water in your boat's engine oil can indicate serious issues like failed exhaust risers or raw water ingress. Learn how to identify the problem and why you should never start a milky oil engine.
E10 Ethanol Damage in Marine Engines: Risks & Prevention
E10 ethanol-blended fuel can cause phase separation and engine damage, especially in older outboards. Learn how to protect your vessel and what to do if issues arise.
Preventing Marine Fuel Contamination During Winter Lay-Up
Proper preparation during winter lay-up helps protect your vessel’s fuel system from contamination. Learn essential tips to keep your boat ready for spring.
8 Practical Tips to Avoid Misfuelling Your Boat at the Marina
Misfuelling can cause costly damage and delays. Discover 8 simple ways to ensure you fuel your boat correctly at NZ marinas like Westhaven and Tauranga.
Marine Fuel Polishing: How to Clean Water, Sludge & Bugs from Your Tank
Learn how marine fuel polishing can effectively remove water, sludge, and diesel bug from your boat's fuel tank without wasting good fuel. Keep your vessel running smoothly with expert help.