Question: StarTron Diesel Enzyme Treatment - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lindajane · #1 05-26-2016, 03:03 AM

Hello,

I have a 83 Mercedes 300D. The fuel filter continually gets black.
Car has stopped a couple times. Now I keep the tank full, and
check the fuel filter weekly. My mechanic said around $600 to
steam the tank. So on this forum, people have recommended
the Star Brite Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment to clear this
up. My question is, I have a full tank, can I add it now, After
I have put the gas in. And, the first few days, should I be
cautious about Big pieces of grease/dirt coming loose and
clogging the fuel filter?.. Don't want to get stuck somewhere
because of this. One person told me that this stuff dissolves
the gunk to pass through the fuel filter.
Any opinions on how to use?
Directions are 1 oz. to every 8 galleons, thereafter,
one oz. to every 15 gallons.
Any advice,
Thanks!
Lindajane

t walgamuth · #2 05-26-2016, 04:25 AM

I am not familiar with the brand name. I assume it is a biocide. I have found that it will break down the bacteria and they will flow through your filters. Just dump it in, change plugged filters and drive.

Junkman · #3 05-26-2016, 08:37 AM

My 85SD wouldn't run worth a crap. I dumped a heavy but random Startron into the fuel tank, waited a day then started it. No more problems. I don't know for sure what the original problem and am a sample size of 1 which makes for a very poor study. Regardless, Startron won't hurt and does kill crud that grows in fuel. Carry spare filters and tools if you're concerned. (I always have 2 sets of filters in the trunk.)

Startron has 2 versions gas & diesel. I haven't looked to see the difference. Perhaps view their site as gas version is more readily available carried at the chain stores. West Marine has the diesel version which means tax, shipping & wait time.

Maxbumpo · #4 05-26-2016, 09:10 AM

No need to pay for a fuel tank cleaning yet.

The StarTron looks like it will help with the water in your tank (which is where the microbes live while they eat the fuel at the water/fuel interface). Use a double dose first time, be ready to change out filters on the side of the road.

In addition, you need a biocide to kill the microbes that are living in your fuel tank. Most marine stores (like West Marine) will have it in stock. In your shoes, I'd use the biocide first, just add it to your tank, use the "shock" treatment amount. That should penetrate the water and microbe colony and kill them off. After a couple days you can add the StarTron to disperse the water.

Going forward, use the StarTron every fall to de-water your fuel tank. Water will naturally build up in the tank every day, because the heat-cool cycle will cause moisture to condense out of the air inside your tank, and then it flows to the bottom of the tank and stays there, creating a nice home for future microbial growth.

Clemson88 · #5 05-26-2016, 09:43 AM

It works. I'm not a believer in snake oil cures but I tried StarTron after reading about it here. I do not use it regularly because it isn't necessary for my car.

I have never put anything in my fuel tank but fuel. I have never added anything to my oil or transmission other than the proper oils. I have never put stop leak in a radiator. If it's screwed up you fix it.

I suggest you search StarTron on the search feature on this forum and read the reviews. Ultimately, it's your car.

funola · #6 05-26-2016, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxbumpo

No need to pay for a fuel tank cleaning yet.

The StarTron looks like it will help with the water in your tank (which is where the microbes live while they eat the fuel at the water/fuel interface). Use a double dose first time, be ready to change out filters on the side of the road.

In addition, you need a biocide to kill the microbes that are living in your fuel tank. Most marine stores (like West Marine) will have it in stock. In your shoes, I'd use the biocide first, just add it to your tank, use the "shock" treatment amount. That should penetrate the water and microbe colony and kill them off. After a couple days you can add the StarTron to disperse the water.

Going forward, use the StarTron every fall to de-water your fuel tank. Water will naturally build up in the tank every day, because the heat-cool cycle will cause moisture to condense out of the air inside your tank, and then it flows to the bottom of the tank and stays there, creating a nice home for future microbial growth.

Why the biocide first? If it is a bad case of algae, that will guaranty the engine will stall from fuel starvation due to plugged up filters probably at the worst possible moment (like entering an on ramp in bad traffic). Why not do the Startron first, which breaks up the algae into small particles which will pass not plug up the filters and gets burned while driving? Much less work and hassles. I have used Startron for diesel personally and it really does do what it claims.

lindajane · #7 05-27-2016, 02:04 AM

Thanks, I found at a good price through HomeDepot. I ordered online, and
a week later picked up at the store...

lindajane · #8 05-27-2016, 02:06 AM

Is Star Brite Star Tron Not a Biocide Treatment?
You're saying I should use a Biocide treatment before Star Tron,
What does it do different than the Star Tron, and do you
recommend a biocide?
Thanks

lindajane · #9 05-27-2016, 02:09 AM

Thanks, I keep my tank Full, my car did suddenly come to a crawl twice, luckily
off the freeway, and changing the filter worked. I go through a tunnel often with
no place to pull over, so I'm very careful. I would make a Lot of people Very
pissed off If I stalled in that tunnel..Found a good price on fuel filters online
so always have a bag in the car.

Marshall Welch · #10 05-27-2016, 02:19 AM

I believe StarTron enzyme treatment contains enzymes which digest large particles of asphalt and other deposits over time. I'm not aware of it being a biocide, ie, killing fungus/bacteria. I think you can look it up online.

I have a bottle of it in my trunk, and have been using it for over a year. I haven't checked to see if the pieces of black gunk in the bottom of the tank are gone yet. I haven't had any problems with pieces breaking off and clogging the primary filter, but that's just my experience.

BioBor is an example of a biocide.

funola · #11 05-27-2016, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshall Welch

I believe StarTron enzyme treatment contains enzymes which digest large particles of asphalt and other deposits over time. I'm not aware of it being a biocide, ie, killing fungus/bacteria. I think you can look it up online.

I have a bottle of it in my trunk, and have been using it for over a year. I haven't checked to see if the pieces of black gunk in the bottom of the tank are gone yet. I haven't had any problems with pieces breaking off and clogging the primary filter, but that's just my experience.

BioBor is an example of a biocide.

Asphalt? Please explain how asphalt got in the tank. Asphalt is sticky. Algae is slimy, black but not sticky.

This link is from Starbright, maker of Star Tron for diesel. There is no mention of asphalt.
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Diesel Additive

psaboic · #12 05-27-2016, 09:12 AM

You have gotten some good advice. I have personally used StarTron with good results. If I were in your shoes, here is what I would do. Dump a treatment into the tank and drive it, making sure you have a couple spare filters and the tools to change them. (An old motor oil bottle with some fresh diesel in it to fill the spin on filter in case you have to change it is nice too). Drive the tank to as nearly empty as you feel comfortable with, then drain the rest of the tank and then remove and clean the tank strainer. Fill with fresh diesel, put in another treatment of StarTron and you should be good.

Junkman · #13 05-27-2016, 10:01 AM

She only needs to mess with cleaning the tank filter if Startron doesn't take care of the issue. It did on my SD and I haven't had an problem since. The bottle has dosage amounts. I remember simply dumping some in and not being accurate - probably used a strong dose.

Maxbumpo · #14 05-27-2016, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Why the biocide first? If it is a bad case of algae, that will guaranty the engine will stall from fuel starvation due to plugged up filters probably at the worst possible moment (like entering an on ramp in bad traffic). Why not do the Startron first, which breaks up the algae into small particles which will pass not plug up the filters and gets burned while driving?

The biocide is designed to get into the water in the tank and kill the microbes. If you remove the water first (with the StarTron) then you may have compromised the ability of the biocide to do its job.

I'm speculating here, just offering advice.

The main point is that StarTron is NOT a biocide. It may do a great job of dewatering and cleaning up the mess, but will it kill the microbes?

Maxbumpo · #15 05-27-2016, 10:13 AM

OK, website is w w w DOT starbrite DOT com.

According the Star Tron Diesel Formula: "Star Tron also helps control biological growth without the use of poisons/biocides."

Key word there is "control". In my opinion, that does not mean that it treats them and to clean them up, but helps to prevent them.

From the BioBor website: "Biobor JF will eliminate and prevent microbial growth in your diesel fuel and dramatically increase the life of your filters".

Given the choice between "eliminate" and "control", I'll with "eliminate" first.