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  #1  
Old 08-01-2006, 10:01 PM
Surf-n-Turf
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Very dirty diesel

Restoring my little 240D. I changed out the fuel filters last weekend. The primary was black. Could not see through it. Once I took it off the fluid came out and I could see how crunged up the element was. Almost looks like a PO ran WVO without filtering it. My other "clear" fuel lines are black. Is there something to add to the tank to kill off algae? That seems to be a problem I have heard of before. A young man told me there is some algaecide at Marinas that I can get. Sounds like a good idea. Is pulling the tank out way too excessive?

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  #2  
Old 08-01-2006, 10:21 PM
C Sean Watts's Avatar
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Does sound like microbe growth.

before anyone retorts "no - not microbes" I'm using the scientific term for a large group of organisms that could include algae or bacteria. - I'm sure someone (or two) have debated Koch's theory here before

Also, shades of green or combinations of green and black with or without small white specks.

Marine supply stores cary such products, "bioblock" or "biodor" but don't quote me on those trade names.

Do be sure and let us know how it goes.
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  #3  
Old 08-01-2006, 10:27 PM
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Surf,

Sounds like U have a fungus (its not algae) problem. Only way to cure it is to put a fungacide in the fuel tank. If U don't cure the problem the fungus will plug your filters and tank screen. Biobor is the main fungacide manufacturer but diluted products might be found at marinas or tractor (farm equipment) dealers. I tried truck stops but couldn't find any fungacide available.

U don't have to remove the fuel tank. The fungacide will kill the fungus but it may plug a few filters until it is out of your fuel system. Just replace the filters when they plug up, no sense replacing then sooner. U might have to take out the tank strainer and clean it.

P E H
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  #4  
Old 08-01-2006, 10:36 PM
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startron is what you want ^_^
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  #5  
Old 08-01-2006, 11:35 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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Location: Lafayette Indiana
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in my expereince usually you can run the dead fungus out thru the filters after it has been killed.

tom w
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  #6  
Old 08-02-2006, 09:16 AM
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Location: new bedford Massachusetts
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startron fuel tank cleaner

startron fuel tank cleaner.

Enzyme fuel cleaner that dissolves sludge and whatnot.

Get it at a marine store and follow instructions on the bottle.

Post your results please.

I had great results with the same condition you describe.

Steve
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  #7  
Old 08-02-2006, 09:41 AM
C Sean Watts's Avatar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges
Surf,

Sounds like U have a fungus (its not algae) problem. Only way to cure it is to put a fungacide in the fuel tank. If U don't cure the problem the fungus will plug your filters and tank screen. Biobor is the main fungacide manufacturer but diluted products might be found at marinas or tractor (farm equipment) dealers. I tried truck stops but couldn't find any fungacide available.

U don't have to remove the fuel tank. The fungacide will kill the fungus but it may plug a few filters until it is out of your fuel system. Just replace the filters when they plug up, no sense replacing then sooner. U might have to take out the tank strainer and clean it.

P E H
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  #8  
Old 08-02-2006, 09:08 PM
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Location: S. Texas
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The amount of time you will spend dropping the fuel tank and cleaning it properly will be nothing compared to the time you will spend changing fuel filters, esp. when your are broken down at midnight on a lonely road.

You can drop the tank, replace the rubber hoses, flush out your fuel lines, clean your sending unit, clean your suction screen, and be back on the road in a few hours. I did it on my 115 in about 3 hrs.

This may sound strange but I hung my tank by a rope from a tree. Put a couple of gallons of hot, soapy, water with a cup of bleach in it into the tank. Had a friend hoist the tank up to waist height, tie the rope off and then we sloshed the tank back and forth for a few minutes. It really hammers the water around in the tank.

Empth the tank. With the fill and suctions open you can rinse the tank easily. Stand it up on one corner outside in the sun. The remaining water will settle onto the corner. Tie a rag or paper towels to a opened out coat hanger or wooden dowel and swab the remaining water out.

It is easy to drop and replace the tank if you have a floor jack but barring that a friend will do. Don't forget to connect the rubber hoses at the top of the tank. Take care not to damage the sending unit when you clean it. Best is to use some carb. cleaner and just spray it, don't try to wipe clean. Blow out the old fuel fron the fuel line. You could gravity drain some bleach through the line.

Have fun.
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  #9  
Old 08-02-2006, 09:12 PM
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i think ramps would be fine to "drop the tank" (really your lifting it out of the trunk on the w123's)....
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  #10  
Old 08-02-2006, 10:47 PM
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Tank Removal

I drained, removed, cleaned, and installed my tank all in about 2 hours. Haven't had a clogged filter since. I replaced the strainer and all of the rubber hoses when I did this. My 240 had been sitting for almost three years, it's a happy camper now. Chuck

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