what is this black stuff? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 02-14-2015, 01:17 PM

You misunderstand... The biocides reintegrates the asphalt and other fuel byproducts back into the fuel cleaning the tank, and stopping the grit.

I think I said the bacteria is not the grit, bacteria assists in making the grit by breaking down the fuel... Bacteria and other organic compounds are slimy or milky... Not gritty.

What I said about the biocide is that the reason biocide cleans up the grit is that biocides include chemicals in them that reintegrate the grit back into the fuel so it can be burned.

Is that a better explanation?

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

It is rare that I would argue with you John, however....

I did not find anyplace in those that explained the phenomena of "asphalt" being a by product of treating with biocide. I am pretty sure there is a scientific definition of asphalt that does not include being produced in a fuel tank as a by product of using biocide.

They all appear to be advertising web sites.

One of the websites stated that the way fuel is refined is much different now than it once was. I don't have any knowledge of that. Has it changed in the last five years?

I know the sulfur has been mostly removed, does that impact the bacteria growth?

Every time I have found my filters clogged with black specs I have changed filters and treated with biocide and had no further problems.

I have driven a lot of miles in diesels, having owned ....25 or so and have never cleaned or replaced a tank strainer (that I can remember) or removed a tank for cleaning.

I do know that every site you linked offered a product which would solve all problems with bacteria....nothing wrong with that but I think we all know that advertising often parades as science but seldom is.

Have a happy valentine day!

t walgamuth · #17 02-14-2015, 02:17 PM

I guess we agree on the bottom line....the biocide cleans the tank of anything bacterial. I am dubious about the grit but since I cannot get in there and swim around I'll have to take your word about it.

To me the only grit I would expect to see would be basically dirt and dirt products which would come mainly from the air. If you keep a cap on your fuel tank you should have a minimum of that.

nelbur · #18 02-14-2015, 04:43 PM

The boat I was referring to ran on #2 diesel LSD just as our cars did before they were required to use ULSD. I am not sure if ULSD uses any asphalt based ingredients. Possibly not because asphalt has a high sulfur content.

vstech · #19 02-14-2015, 07:29 PM

Think about it. Asphalt is a solid concentration of petroleum. Diesel is one of the closest distillates of petroleum. Whenever something concentrates the fuel asphalt is settled out.

I'm not talking about pavement you know... Just a tar distillate of the base stock. For some reason, the bacteria digesting the fuel leaves it where it coagulates into the black slime or even into solid particles.