The recent string on CO poisoning was a tragic topic.  So sad.How risky is the CO issue on diesels?  I have older CO detectors, but they prolly need to be replaced if really needed.Thanks, Jim42' Present ACMY (twin FL160s)Washington, NCSent form my smartphone, except typos...

Diesel engines produce 1/28th the CO levels of gasoline engines. Because diesels utilize excess air even at full load, the production of CO is significantly reduced. CO is a product of incomplete combustion. A gasoline engine requires precise balance of air/fuel mix, and anything that upsets that balance can result in incomplete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide. Be aware when discussing this that there is a SIGNIFICANT difference between CO and CO2. They're not interchangeable, completely different chemical compounds. Both can kill, but by different physiologies. Generally, the marine-related CO poisonings are tied to the operation of a generator using a small gasoline engine. Small gas engines are horrible at CO production, as they typically run a rich mixture and CO production can exceed 30,000 ppm. Exposure to >10 ppm over time can result in CO poisoning; CO in the body is cumulative, CO binds to hemoglobin 200 times more agressively than oxygen. As long as the CO level is >10 ppm, your body will replace oxygen molecules in hemoglobin with CO, and given enough time, rising CO levels in the hemoglobin will eventually disrupt oxygen transfer altogether with suffocation death resulting. Add to that the typical use is overnight while the occupants are asleep and oblivious to any symptoms. Even while awake, CO poisoning creates a stupor that renders the victims progressively unaware of any problems. A gasoline generator on a boat is a death trap, any vessel with a gasoline generator should be equipped with multiple CO alarms, of the kind that use cumulative readings that mimic CO poisoning. While diesel engines produce far less CO, they DO produce it, and given the right set of circumstances, it could lead to CO poisoning. So although the risk is significantly lower, it remains a risk, so YES, a CO detector/alarm is a great idea. The best location is in proximity to a sleeping area, where the risk of CO poisoning is the greatest. ------- Steve Sipe Solo 4303 /Maerin/ Brunswick Landing On 10/3/2020 7:54 AM, liketoplaa via Trawlers-and-Trawlering wrote: > > The recent string on CO poisoning was a tragic topic.  So sad.How risky is the CO issue on diesels?  I have older CO detectors, but they prolly need to be replaced if really needed.Thanks, Jim42' Present ACMY (twin FL160s)Washington, NCSent form my smartphone, except typos... > _______________________________________________ >