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Diesel fuel 101?
I'm a diesel newb, but I've seen a bunch of posts lately about "microbes, algae, dirty fuel" etc.
Doing some research, I think the following link is a good summary of diesel fuel issues. Yes, there are/were links to questionable products embedded in the text, but the theory seems good. http://www.dieseldoctor.com/messageboard/data/584.html Any comments on the 'science' in the content? FYI - I just changed the fuel lines and the fuel I removed would definitely be considered "dark". Since I've got 5 gallons, it's going back in but will definitely be diluted with fresh new fuel. No slime on the strainer, but the PO (or mechanic) did a hack job of re-installing it. I assume he tried to re-use the O-ring and had to overtorque the strainer back in. Cross reference to post with pic of clogged/slimed strainer: Wanted: fuel tank/system advice |
#2
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Aside from:
"Eliminate fuel contamination with magnetic fuel treatment conditioning" it sounds ok. There are a number of threads on here regarding algae/fungal infections in diesel fuel. I dealt with the same problem, drained the tank, treated with Biobor/startron/Soltron, and I'm a happy non-fungal camper again. Even draining the tank, you should still treat it with an antimicrobial agent such as the three I just listed to kill off any contaminants that remain on the sides of the tank.
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TC Current stable: - 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL - 2007 Saturn sky redline - 2004 Explorer...under surgery. Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth |
#3
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Quote:
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Charles 1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html |
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I have never drained a tank yet. The biocide makes the bacteria small enough to pass through the filter harmlessly. DRaining the tank is a very drastic step and what the heck are you going to do with the fuel. Gas has to be drained and discarded when it goes bad, diesel does not.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC] ..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis. |
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Quote:
In my case "draining" the tank is a by-product of changing a fuel line that had some cracks in it. I didn't want 5 gallons of fuel in a bucket, but I've got it. There's no muck, scum, slime or algae in my tank or fuel - it's just dark and cloudy. That may not have been clear from the original post. The pic is from someone else's tank. |
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Quote:
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TC Current stable: - 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL - 2007 Saturn sky redline - 2004 Explorer...under surgery. Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth |
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Yo homie !
"Dark" diesel is 99.99999% chance FUNGOIDAL.
Startron.
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'84 300SD sold 124.128 |
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I'd like to note that what is growing in your fuel tank is not algae. Algae is a photosynthetic ogranism, it needs light to grow. What is in your tank in either fungus or bacteria. I'm a plant biologist so this bugs the hell out of me.
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Andrew '04 Jetta TDI Wagon '82 300TD ~ Winnie ~ Sold '77 300D ~ Sold
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#9
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That was funny.
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#10
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Quote:
Charlie
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works |
#11
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How about, I have a black microbial growth in my diesel fuel?
BTW, from what I've read, Startron is less likely to plug the filters than the biobore (sp?) as it kills the bacteria. I'm using the Startron on mine. The primary filter is very black but none of the typical signs of filter plugging. I'm on the third tank of fuel with Startron. How long does it take?
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Charles 1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386 |
#12
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Since I had the head off my engine, I took the tank out to have it cleaned. Still, I wonder what is the best way to keep those nasty fellows from growing in the fuel besides driving a lot.
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Your TACH may have a loose connection...I was wondering why your mechanic would be dead one minute then flopping around the next... PanzerSD i am inspired. i will replace my windsheild... with an intercooler. swedishK |
#13
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All the bugs that grow in diesel fuel grow were water and diesel are together. So teh key is to keep water out, which mean keeping the tank full. Air in the tank can contain water so if you keep the tank full you have less air and therefore less water, which means less likely chance for bugs to grow.
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Andrew '04 Jetta TDI Wagon '82 300TD ~ Winnie ~ Sold '77 300D ~ Sold
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#14
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yes.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC] ..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis. |
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