Originally Posted by pawoSD

Except timing chains do stretch, thats why the timing becomes off....they both wear & stretch, its a timing chain thing.....

Just so long as they don't break.

Originally Posted by tenknots

I share your pain Pete. I did some research on this problem a few months ago. This is a synopsis:

The fungi is Hormoconis Resinae, previously called Cladosporium Resinae.

The fungi breaks down stable compounds such as the benzene ring structures of fuel to simpler linear hydrocarbons that can then be broken up further by sulphur-dependant Pseudomona Aeruginosa (bacteria) species. Collectively, the microbes will over time greatly impair the ignition characteristics of fuel.

Cladosporium resinae also produces a bio-surfactant that degrades fuel by allowing water to partially mix with it creating an emulsion, which affects the combustive qualities of the fuel, impacting the performance characteristics of the engine and increasing fuel consumption.

The problems is that the fungi multiply rapidly into dense mats. Their strong acidic excreta, when released into water and fuel, become extremely corrosive to the whole fuel system.

A biocide kills the critters, but leave their dead bodies behind which are what do most of the clogging.

Not sure if the Startron does what it says. I spoke to an engineer at Star-Brite and they claim it allows the critters to be passed through filters and burned.

I know, too much information for a lousy microbe.

How about we just call 'em bugs?

Originally Posted by Elktonjohn

Ok, I'll bite, algae sounds pretty good when hungry enuf but....what's the latest news Pete? Those storms knocked me out all day yesterday and spent the day getting records from Augusta Med to take to UVA tomorrow so am missing out on the soap opera...as the wrench turns. How's your head fred?...more important is how's the bolt bit what was init?

Originally Posted by tenknots

I share your pain Pete. I did some research on this problem a few months ago. This is a synopsis:

The fungi is Hormoconis Resinae, previously called Cladosporium Resinae.

The fungi breaks down stable compounds such as the benzene ring structures of fuel to simpler linear hydrocarbons that can then be broken up further by sulphur-dependant Pseudomona Aeruginosa (bacteria) species. Collectively, the microbes will over time greatly impair the ignition characteristics of fuel.

Cladosporium resinae also produces a bio-surfactant that degrades fuel by allowing water to partially mix with it creating an emulsion, which affects the combustive qualities of the fuel, impacting the performance characteristics of the engine and increasing fuel consumption.

The problems is that the fungi multiply rapidly into dense mats. Their strong acidic excreta, when released into water and fuel, become extremely corrosive to the whole fuel system.

A biocide kills the critters, but leave their dead bodies behind which are what do most of the clogging.

Not sure if the Startron does what it says. I spoke to an engineer at Star-Brite and they claim it allows the critters to be passed through filters and burned.

I know, too much information for a lousy microbe.

How about we just call 'em bugs?

Originally Posted by pmari

It's not only fungi, there are bacteria too, that contaminate diesel fuel.

If you include other Hydrocarbon Utilizing Microorganisims (HUM bugs) there are phototropic oganisims (algae) that are used in spill remediation.

Originally Posted by whunter

This stuff is bad news in a diesel fuel system.

Originally Posted by vwnate1

WHAT is bad ? the fungus or the emzyme ? I had a terrible fungus problem and I used the Startron stugg to very good effect , no leaks , rotted hoses , nothin' .

I now add a little bit every three tankfulls or so as I keep getting fungussy fuel from the trucksatops I buy from , no matter where I buy it .


TIA ,

Originally Posted by paulem

I tried to order some online last night . . . and they emailed me today and said they can't ship it, that it needs to be purchased locally. Anyone found it here?