Just doing some research on bugs, apparently one of them can grow in Diesel forming a slime. Does anyone know if the fuel companies add anything to fuel to prevent bug growth? I recall someone on this site posting a question where they mentioned slime? in their fuel.
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I dont think the oil companies add anything to couteract the algae that can grom in diesel. I have personally seen a severe case of this in a farm diesel tank. It was so bad that a fill of diesel from this tank disabled a combine harveter by blocking the fuel tank gauze filter completely (before the fuel even got to the main fuel filters).
It also a huge problem on pleasure boats which dont get used much. I have seen quite a few products in boating magazines that can be added to diesel to prevent the algae. A good way alleviate the problem is to avoid leavbing the tank empty for any long periods of time, to stop the condensation.
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You can get hold of a marine biocide from any marine shop - try down your local marina. If you leave diesel long enough it will start to grow an algae substance. Search Google for "Diesel Bug" and that should give you some reading!
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See the following link
www.peimf.com/news/
Some indication that it is a matter that is dealt with by the forecourt retailer.
Also occurs in petrol.
Other than blocking fuel intakes/ filters, I wonder what other problems these slimes can give?
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I was hoping it was one of the many additives added to vehicle fuel, if it isn't there is a potential for clogging in cars if left unused with near empty tanks for "long" periods.
Whether boat fuel or agri-diesel gets as many additives as Car fuel - probably not.
Must be a worry for those putting away stocks of biodiesel as well.
Thanks for reply.
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FSII is added to aircraft fuels which as a side effect prevents the growth of Cladasporium Resinae, dunno if the same thing is added to diesel. Would have thought so, otherwise the fuel would be going all gummy when it gets cold.
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For some obscure reason; the only road cars that seem to be affected are the much-unloved common-rail Freelanders - they can clog their filters in very short order.
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IIRC, the bugs prefer to grow in the fuel / water interface, so, if your condensed water level gets near to the fuel suction point, filter blockage is inevitable even before you try to inject water. Just killing the bugs, however, doesn't reduce the risk of injecting residual water, so a full drain-and-clean of the fuel tank is highly advisable if you have a slime / bug problem. Biocides are available, although I see them mainly in marine shops.
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We treated a problem of Cladasporium Resinae in (Jet) aircraft fuel tanks using a widely available commercial product called "Biobor". I recall the instructions on the can also recommended it as suitable for home heating systems, not sure if that wouid commend it for use in Diesel though - contact the manufacturer?
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