I took a diesel fuel sample at the primary fuel filter and found small round beads of green alga. The amount of alga was small. The largest was about an 1/8" in diameter. Should I be worried? What action should I take? Thank in advance for the help, Jim
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Chuck Wayne
Alge in fuel
Yes, you should worry-Alge in diesel means that there is also water in the fuel-add a biocide and a fuel conditioner/water remover and keep a careful watch on your fuel filter-carry spares-you may also have to have your fuel "polished"- circulated thru an external filter until it's clean- the alge, or it's dead residue, is the major cause of fuel blockages in diesel systems
Yes, you should worry-Alge in diesel means that there is also water in the fuel-add a biocide and a fuel conditioner/water remover and keep a careful watch on your fuel filter-carry spares-you may also have to have your fuel "polished"- circulated thru an external filter until it's clean- the alge, or it's dead residue, is the major cause of fuel blockages in diesel systems
I'd get it cleaned up!
Jim: I would get you fuel replaced or cleaned. I have thought about trying to build something to do the "polishing" of the fuel. All you really need is a pump that can handle the diesel fuel and a water seperator filter. Hook the pump to a DC outlet or the batteries and let the fuel recirculate for an hour or so. This would remove the alge and the water too. This would cost about $70 for a filter setup, some hose, fittings and a pump. I would think you would be into it for about $150+ dollars, unless you can find some used stuff. You could sell the service around the marina for $35-50/hr of service plus filters. I would agree with Chuck that you should add biocide to your fuel (after you clean or replace it). I do not think that there is anything that you can add to diesel fuel to blend it so it can burn (unlike gasoline engines). Water in diesel engines is NOT a good thing.
Jim: I would get you fuel replaced or cleaned. I have thought about trying to build something to do the "polishing" of the fuel. All you really need is a pump that can handle the diesel fuel and a water seperator filter. Hook the pump to a DC outlet or the batteries and let the fuel recirculate for an hour or so. This would remove the alge and the water too. This would cost about $70 for a filter setup, some hose, fittings and a pump. I would think you would be into it for about $150+ dollars, unless you can find some used stuff. You could sell the service around the marina for $35-50/hr of service plus filters. I would agree with Chuck that you should add biocide to your fuel (after you clean or replace it). I do not think that there is anything that you can add to diesel fuel to blend it so it can burn (unlike gasoline engines). Water in diesel engines is NOT a good thing.
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darrel Richards
Dirty Fuel
Diesel fuel in sailboats sits for a very long time. Alge and other organisums are common. If fuel tanks are not kept full, you will get condinsation in the tank and thus water. You must keep the tank full, use a biocide and have the tank cleaned and the fuel polished every 3-4 years. Just had the tank and fuel polished on my Tartan 33 and the cost was $100. The service has the equipment and the know how to do this right. I wouldn't mess with trying to put my own cleaning/pump out kit together. The service even pressure washed the inside of the tank to remove any dirt or sludge. Highly recommend Gun Marine Fuel Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Diesel fuel in sailboats sits for a very long time. Alge and other organisums are common. If fuel tanks are not kept full, you will get condinsation in the tank and thus water. You must keep the tank full, use a biocide and have the tank cleaned and the fuel polished every 3-4 years. Just had the tank and fuel polished on my Tartan 33 and the cost was $100. The service has the equipment and the know how to do this right. I wouldn't mess with trying to put my own cleaning/pump out kit together. The service even pressure washed the inside of the tank to remove any dirt or sludge. Highly recommend Gun Marine Fuel Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
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David
Alge-X
There is a device called Alge-X that is installed in the fuel line. While going down the intercoastal last fall an old tank spit up crud that twice required a tow. After installation of the Alge-X never a problem so far.
There is a device called Alge-X that is installed in the fuel line. While going down the intercoastal last fall an old tank spit up crud that twice required a tow. After installation of the Alge-X never a problem so far.
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Ron
Do it your self
I rented a fuel polisher locally for $25 a day and did my own. It was an AC unit with a big filter and large volume. The return line had enough pressure to blast the insides of the tank. Check around your area at the boat shops. You may be able to rent one and do the job yourself. That way you know it will be right. Ron KA5HZV
I rented a fuel polisher locally for $25 a day and did my own. It was an AC unit with a big filter and large volume. The return line had enough pressure to blast the insides of the tank. Check around your area at the boat shops. You may be able to rent one and do the job yourself. That way you know it will be right. Ron KA5HZV
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Steve O.
algae=water
You cannot have algae in your tank without water, so you really have two problems. I would take the advice and have the tank and fuel cleaned because if you let your filters do it, it will happen at the least oppurtune time. Plus you will get sick of changing filters at $15 a shot, it adds up.
You cannot have algae in your tank without water, so you really have two problems. I would take the advice and have the tank and fuel cleaned because if you let your filters do it, it will happen at the least oppurtune time. Plus you will get sick of changing filters at $15 a shot, it adds up.
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Don Alexander
Biocide???
Jim, If you just add biocide it will kill the algae which will then sink to the bottom of the tank and this will surely clog your filters and stop your engine. There are products available which claim to re absorb the water and the algae back into the fuel and it all then passes through the filter and is burned harmlessly in the engine. Here in the UK there is a product called "Fuel Set" - made in Australia - which I always use now after having two bad experiences. By the way I am convinced that you buy the water with the fuel - particularly from places where the tank is floating in the water. e.g. Fuel Barges and some marinas. Regards,
Jim, If you just add biocide it will kill the algae which will then sink to the bottom of the tank and this will surely clog your filters and stop your engine. There are products available which claim to re absorb the water and the algae back into the fuel and it all then passes through the filter and is burned harmlessly in the engine. Here in the UK there is a product called "Fuel Set" - made in Australia - which I always use now after having two bad experiences. By the way I am convinced that you buy the water with the fuel - particularly from places where the tank is floating in the water. e.g. Fuel Barges and some marinas. Regards,
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John Visser
Water separator?
Wouldn't the water separator trap the water? I check mine, and occasionally drain a bit from the bottom, 'thouhg I've never yet found any water. Thankfully, I have a new tank, and I topped off with fuel plus a biocide at haulout last fall. When I first thoroughly cleaned the primary filter after removing the old tank, I found some crud in it, which I assume was dead algae. Anyway, my point is - get the water out! It will provide a place for algae to live, and, it will kill an injector if it makes it there. jv
Wouldn't the water separator trap the water? I check mine, and occasionally drain a bit from the bottom, 'thouhg I've never yet found any water. Thankfully, I have a new tank, and I topped off with fuel plus a biocide at haulout last fall. When I first thoroughly cleaned the primary filter after removing the old tank, I found some crud in it, which I assume was dead algae. Anyway, my point is - get the water out! It will provide a place for algae to live, and, it will kill an injector if it makes it there. jv
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