Black Algae

Rodeo man

Member
I'm guessing that's what I have (I understand it's not actually algae). I sometimes don't make it 5-10 minutes on a filter. Whats my best course of action?
 
Funny you should ask. I posted almost the same question about
2 weeks ago. Out cat 307 excavator had "algae" plugging a
filter. It is not really algae from what I have learned on this
site but microorganisms. I replaced the fuel filter and cleaned
the screen filter on the transfer pump. We added star tron
enzyme fuel treatment. As I figured as people here told me it
will keep plugging filters. That is a 100 percent true
statement. We never drained the tank and cleaned it like was
suggested here. I wanted to but dad is stubborn on some things
and wouldn't drain the tank. Guess he figured the magic in a
bottle would solve everything. It didn't ! I just got a call
from him not even an hour ago saying the machine quit again. He
asked how I got the small screen on the pump apart so he could
clean it. I told him and told him he needed to drain the tank.
I got the yea, yea from him. I am going to the farm tomorrow
and draining, flushing the tank and lines ! He just won't
listen. As far as I know that is the only way to be rid of the
problem. Drain, flush, and blow out lines and install new
filters. Otherwise you will probably be fighting this problem
for a long long time. One other thing is I know our bulk tank
is ok because we only have issues with this machine which we
have had for 2 years and never used much. Our tractors and
other pieces are fine. Don't know how how you are fueling but
you might want to look into that also to make sure your not
getting a bunch of water in your fuel. Hope this helps !
 
I would say that what you have is bacterial fungi. The spores live on the Interface between water and fuel. They clump together when they come up against an obstruction such as a filter. Have found the most effective cure is an additive you put the tank

If you google fuel bug treatments there is a lot on the market.
 
I made up a fuel cleaning system for small systems. Just need a filter head and filter.Some hose and a 12v pump and bucket. I would let in run while I
did my work.
 
Any idea what causes this problem?? Just bought my first diesel-powered machine recently and don't yet have a shop to work in. If I have problems over the winter, it'll be stuck in its place until probably April or May!!
 
I had that in my kubota 3400 series last year, black
looking snot. I drained the tank on several occasions
and then vacuumed out the tank with my shop vac. Each
time it came back, could not find a biocide product
without ordering it. I did find power services clear diesel and gave it a try. It worked, went all winter
and summer with no problems.
a175264.jpg
 
Water in the fuel tank. Can come from contaminated fuel or
condensation. Probably more common on units not run a lot.
 
I had no luck with enzyme treatments. They broke it down, but
it is still in the tank. Filters still are plugging. Have not
tried many but the treatments aren't working for me. What have
you had luck with ?
 
I believe your right on your cleaning of the system. We tried star tron in our excavator system. Broke it down but will still not pass through the filters. Drain, and flush is the only way I can see to get rid of it for good !
 
I made this one up after watching. The big rig fuel cleaners working. They had large filter assemblies. Large pumps to move the fuel. Valves to switch from one bank of filters to the other. Of course they were cleaning 500 gallon tanks and up. My system worked out well,for the systems I worked with.When I was through I would add some treatment.
 
You have a microorganism that feeds on the sulfur in the fuel, and the oxygen that is coming from the water that is your fuel
tank. The best way to get rid of the problem is to (1) buy fuel from a clean reliable source. (2) drain and remove your tank from
your tractor, clean it with murataic acid. (3) When you are putting your tractor up from a hard day, or even an easy day, fill the
tank, and it will prevent water from forming from condensation in the tank as it cools.
 
Amazing that anything could live in a fuel tank. Since I have never heard of it in a gas tank; I wonder if a gallon of gas in a tank of diesel would kill it.
 
(quoted from post at 16:02:08 10/15/17) Amazing that anything could live in a fuel tank. Since I have never heard of it in a gas tank; I wonder if a gallon of gas in a tank of diesel would kill it.
As someone posted that it's from moisture in the fuel, I have to wonder if using some of that old 'Heat' alcohol product might work?
 
There are biocides available that should prevent this, but you have to be proactive about it! It's
too late for you, follow the advice of others to clean the system. I add a little biocide once in
awhile, a little 2-stroke oil for the injector pump, and I switch to winter diesel the first of
November, never had a problem, yet!
 
The reason you guys are having problems today is the new lower sulfur fuels.

First thing you need to do is get rid of the water.
But that is near imposable with newer fuels.
Lower sulfur fuels are prone to water separation.
So now you need to use a good fuel stabilizer and cleaner.
Most of these products these guys are talking about; IE: clear diesel are fuel cleaners.
This will mix the fuel and water forcing it threw the filter.

Never put more fuel in the tank than you can used in 2 or 3 months.
These newer fuels are prone to breaking down and forming a sludge that is similar but not related to algae.

OK now you are treating ALL fuel; using this fuel in a timely manner; so your tank should get cleaner and cleaner.
The problem is you can never wash all the microorganism out of the tank.
So your only choice is to kill them.
Fuel cleaners may wash but will not kill the microorganism
I will say that again
Fuel cleaners may wash but will not kill the microorganism
You get the tank fairly clean; lax up on the fuel cleaners; and bam the microorganisms stuck in some crease of the tank explode again. You are now back to square one.
If the bottle does not say biocide you are only cleaning the tank not killing the microorganisms.
 
Guys, buy premium #2 diesel fuel, it has everything in it to prevent algae. Truck stop #2 fuel does not. Yes
it will cost you a few Penny's a gallon more than Truck stop fuel but you will not have a repeat of the
problem and won't have to mess around with high priced additives. If you have an algae problem your fuel
supplier is not providing you with premium #2 fuel.
 
I reccomend that everybody try to prevent this problem. Its extremely aggravating, and expensive to a degree. Be easier to avoid, than fix.
 
LOL he sounds just like my dad. Well if it aint broke don't fix it. TO him broke is when it's unfixable.
 

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