algae in tank-help!
 

I just purchased a 1984 300D from Florida. I drove it north and discovered there is algae growing in the tank. I live in the DC area. I suspect the cold winters will kill the stuff. Will it? If not, do I need to go through the expense of taking the whole system apart or are there other solutions?

algae in the tank
 

this is a common problem for boat owners - the diesel is less refined than car diesel, boats get left for long periods without use - especially yachts (at least longer than most cars) and the environment is quite damp(!)

There are a number of chemical treatments available that can kill and breakdown the algae allowing it to be burnt - I suggest you find a local(ish) yacht chandler and have a word with them - I can suggest the chemicals I use, but I am in the UK so I think this will not be useful to you

treat the tank - and use the car :) then feed it fresh fuel (and treat that) a couple of time and I expect it'll be fine.

Welcome to the forums. Search feature is your friend. There are plenty of answers.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=3851819

I used biobor JF -it is available thru west marine and others.

but you may want to pull the tank and steam it, looking back it would have been easier for me.

I pulled my tank, cleaned it, the strainer and sending unit, replaced all fuel lines and filters and started running B100 which keeps the whole fuel system clean as a whistle. I do blend fuel in the colder months.

I had some algae in the tank, just grows from the condensation. Sitting with little use seems to invite it. Looked at the auto supplys for a biocide to add to the fuel with no luck finally went to West Marine and they have plenty. When you kill the algae it seems to make its way to the fuel filters, so you have to change them a few times afterward.
But if the tank is real bad you may have to clean it out. I always like the easy way first and hope it works. Changing filters as opposed to dropping the tank is easy.

Answer:
 

SAVE this link for later need.
Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/146034-fast-navigation-do-yourself-links.html




Algae/Fungus fixation...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/138733-algae-fungus-fixation.html

240D fuel tank removal and cleaning
Good for any W123 sedan.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/92826-240d-fuel-tank-removal-cleaning-post813925.html

Check out this fuel pickup screen
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/140961-check-out-fuel-pickup-screen.html

300SD Fuel Filter Replacement Instructions
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/105344-300sd-fuel-filter-replacement-instructions.html

Biobor, what is it, why do I need it???
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/105304-biobor-what-why-do-i-need.html#post723857

Filters, Fungus, Biocide, etc.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/115952-filters-fungus-biocide-etc-post823378.html

Algae Clogged Filter Pic StarTron WORKS !
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/138728-algae-clogged-filter-pic-startron-works.html

W123 Fuel Tank Screen Replacement
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/199206-w123-fuel-tank-screen-replacement.html

Recommended diesel fuel additives?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/166888-recommended-diesel-fuel-additives.html#post1298228

fuel additives
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/32674-fuel-additives.html#post179712

Additives
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/89658-additives.html#post589420

Diesel Engine Additives (Fuel, Oil, Trans, Brake, etc.)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/198602-diesel-engine-additives-fuel-oil-trans-brake-etc.html#post1607735

Why Put Transmission Fluid In Diesel Tank?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/51956-why-put-transmission-fluid-diesel-tank.html#post304476






Have a great day.

Novice, on the 123 model the tank is in the trunk... unlike the wagon where it has to be dropped... I took mine out and went to the local car wash... it is easy to get a good cleaning and look at it due to the position of the holes... I felt better knowing mine was sparkling clean when I put the new filters , lines, and biocide into it....

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/21560/377%20710%201725/0/Fuel%20Additives/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710%201725&Ne=0&Ntt=Fuel%20Additives&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1 &isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=6&subdeptNum=169&classNum=764

Will this work?

How did you find out you had algae or is it fungus? Either way, how?

If it's growing in a dark diesel fuel tank, it's fungus.