Biocide???

[Steve Phillips]

Should I be using a biocide with my diesel fuel. I have a Yanmar 65 hp turbo and am in the SF bay area. Also, any recommendation for which biocide to use in Baja?

 

[hp]

Biocide

Can't hurt. Can only help.

 

[Christopher VanOosterhout]

Think Before You Add the Additives

Gordon Torresen recently published an article about fuel additives. In it he said: "It seems foolhardy to me that many owners gamble with a ten-dollar jug of additive to try to resurrect fifty dollars worth of fuel when the heart of a ten thousand dollar engine is at stake."Anyone with questions about fuel additives (when and if to use) should review the full article. You can read the article on the Marine Diesel Direct Web site at http://www.marinedieseldirect.com then go to the article archive. You can also reach the article directly at:http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/articles/fuel-additives-engine.html

 

[Bryan C.]

Yes to biocide

Its not clear to me that the comment Mr. VanOosterhout refers to in the Torreson article concerns a biocide but other diesel additive products. If it includes a biocide it would be the first I've ever heard to advise against it, at least in warmer climes, as a biocide is necessary to prevent algae growth in your fuel. I believe the degree of necessity depends on your climate. In So Fla I'd be afraid not to use a biocide. Maybe its cooler in Frisco and not necessary. I'd check with local folks for their experiences. If in doubt, I'd use it. It is no fun cleaning out an algae fouled fuel tank/system.

 

[Howard]

Biocide

Steve:I concur with Brian's comments. I know the Navy had a problem many years ago with algae-fouled jet fuel. They weren't afraid to add biocide to that fuel to prevent the problem. And an F-14 engine isn't 10 thousand dollars it's a couple of hundred thousand.I've never heard of any damage to any engine from the proper addition of biocide to diesel fuel. The smount of biocide actually added is miniscule: the stuff we use call for about a capfull in 18 gallons of fuel.I wouldn't even think about not adding the stuff. When you get an algage fouling problem, it won't be tied nice and safe to the dock. It will be when you really need that engine.