algae inthe tank - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

odie · #1 11-22-2004, 03:31 PM

I think I found the cause of my problems...

Algae.

I pulled the tank strainer and it was clean.

I put a bucket under the tank drain and poured about a gallon of diesel into the filler. A bunch of flakey stuff came out.

It looks like fish flake food. I brought a sample down to a local diesel place and they think it's algae.

The clear inline filter was getting lots of gunk fast. Only 2 weeks and a new inline filter had almost clogged.

This all started a couple weeks after starting my WVO experiments. I guess the tiny bit of water that remained in my oil storage & mixing drums was enough to allow algae to grow. I had to wash out the drums I was using.

What I don't understand is that water should drop to the very bottom of the tank and drums. If I pump oil from above the bottom, should that prevent any water & algae from getting into my vehicle tank?

Also, the vehicle tank pumps off the bottom, would not any water in the car's tank get burned as soon as the car is started? Thus removing any water from the fuel and preventing algae growth?

Can Algae grow in veggie oil? Or grow only in water?

The local diesel shop sold me some stuff called BIOBORE. Any one heard of this stuff? Any good for algae control? Kinda pricey, $20 for 16oz. But one ounce treats 40 gallons.

boneheaddoctor · #2 11-22-2004, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

I think I found the cause of my problems...

Algae.

I pulled the tank strainer and it was clean.

I put a bucket under the tank drain and poured about a gallon of diesel into the filler. A bunch of flakey stuff came out.

It looks like fish flake food. I brought a sample down to a local diesel place and they think it's algae.

The clear inline filter was getting lots of gunk fast. Only 2 weeks and a new inline filter had almost clogged.

This all started a couple weeks after starting my WVO experiments. I guess the tiny bit of water that remained in my oil storage & mixing drums was enough to allow algae to grow. I had to wash out the drums I was using.

What I don't understand is that water should drop to the very bottom of the tank and drums. If I pump oil from above the bottom, should that prevent any water & algae from getting into my vehicle tank?

Also, the vehicle tank pumps off the bottom, would not any water in the car's tank get burned as soon as the car is started? Thus removing any water from the fuel and preventing algae growth?

Can Algae grow in veggie oil? Or grow only in water?

The local diesel shop sold me some stuff called BIOBORE. Any one heard of this stuff? Any good for algae control? Kinda pricey, $20 for 16oz. But one ounce treats 40 gallons.

I use that its good stuff, use it regular for a tanks then every few tanks after that. Should keep the problem at bay or getting out of hand.

whunter · #3 11-22-2004, 04:41 PM

Biobor, what is it, why do I need it???

83-240D · #4 11-22-2004, 05:16 PM

for my algae problem. i'm not very good at measuring so the 1/2 bottle in the tank really killed them critters real good like. tooke tha tank out, cleaned it and no more problem.

odie · #5 11-22-2004, 05:24 PM

1/2 bottle? damn...you dropped the bomb on them!

The instructions say 1/2 oz for a tank "shock treatment"

Is $20 a bottle a good deal? anyone found it in the gallon size?

odie · #6 11-22-2004, 05:28 PM

I have some pics but they won't upload. file is too big. And I used the lowest resolution setting on the camera.

TwitchKitty · #7 11-22-2004, 06:44 PM

You may be seeing some tallow. I have some buildup in my filler neck that I can't positively identify. Almost all of my WVO has had RUG mixed with it and I buy my diesel from high-volume outlets I will be surprised if mine is algae.

I can see the fish food description, I may have the same thing. I am wondering if the additives in gasoline are causing a smaller version of the biodiesel process in my fuel tank. The residue may be tallow or soap or something like that.

I just returned from another road trip in my car. The first tank leaving town had about 10 gals blend, I trust it that much.

Check this thread at infopop:

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=447609751&f=159605551&m=563103245

jake1090 · #8 11-24-2004, 01:43 PM

I have an '84 300SD. The fuel guage is... shall we say neurotic?? I can be driving along... with half a tank.... then suddenly it drops down to just under a quarter...then a few moments later... it pops back up to half a tank. I've read that this can be caused by the sender unit getting caked up with algae. What I can't figure out is how to remove the fuel sender so I can clean it. On W123's its accessed through the rear deck... I'm not so sure about the W126's. Can anyone enlighten me on this matter?

danwatt · #9 11-24-2004, 02:43 PM

My 126 has the same problem. I replaced the sending unit, but that didn't change a thing. Only other thing I can think of doing is to replace the instrument cluster.

P.E.Haiges · #10 11-24-2004, 06:07 PM

osie

Its not algea, its fungus.

Algea only grows in the sun and inside your fuel tank is where the sun don't shine.

P E H

83-240D · #11 11-24-2004, 10:03 PM

it was dark.

my wife will tell you i am not very good at following directions.

whunter · #12 11-24-2004, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake1090

I have an '84 300SD. The fuel guage is... shall we say neurotic?? I can be driving along... with half a tank.... then suddenly it drops down to just under a quarter...then a few moments later... it pops back up to half a tank. I've read that this can be caused by the sender unit getting caked up with algae. What I can't figure out is how to remove the fuel sender so I can clean it. On W123's its accessed through the rear deck... I'm not so sure about the W126's. Can anyone enlighten me on this matter?

A bad ground.
Look behind the instrument cluster, just left of center.
You will need a strong flash light.
Deep in there you will see a mass of brown wires.
Unbolt all the grounds, retin (coat with solder) each connector, clean the body mount area and remount the wires.
If you still have the issue after doing this, PM or e-mail me.