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Topic: Lucas Algaecide alternative? (Read 1630 times) previous topic - next topic

Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Tried to buy some Lucas Algaecide today at Kelley's Truck supply in Nac.  None available.  Counter sales fellow, friend of mine, said Lucas took it off the market due to some EPA matter.

He suggested Killem by FPPF.  However some of our threads about algaecides led me to question if this is a good choice, though some liked it.  Others liked Dee-Zol. One or two cited a Walmart carried product.

What I do not know is if there are some technical reasons to prefer one product over another or if there are experiences (pro/con) that led members to now prefer one product over the other.  I know some think it not needed for the most part, that you can manage well by the fuel you buy, and a full tank, but East Texas has some excessive humidity at times, say 250 days per year, and condensation is a concern to me.  Two friends with water in their tanks got my attention.

Ideas on which is best product or formulations or which is really a type that you might avoid for some reason?

Mike

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #1 –
Mike,

Biocides are basically "weed killer".  Not sure there is a significant difference.  Our Academy carries Biobor JF, one of the better known Biocides.

Brett

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #2 –
I also use biobor JF from Academy sports.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #3 –
We add Power Service Diesel Kleen DIESEL KLEEN® +Cetane Boost®: Max HP Formula ? use during non-winter months for to every fill up and carry several containers of Power Service Bio Klean
BIO KLEEN® DIESEL FUEL BIOCIDE: A dual-phase biocide to kill microbes, bacteria  and Diesel 911
DIESEL 9?1?1® For Winter Emergencies: Winter Rescue Formula ? use to reliquefy for emergencies.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #4 –
AMSOIL Diesel

I use Amsoil Fuel Additives (as needed) as in link above. Have done for 4 yrs with this coach. I have not used an Algea additive as of yet and here in S Okanagan the truckers say it is not needed unless you go to a wet or humid area.
John H

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #5 –
The best approach to microbial contamination is prevention. And the most important preventative step is keeping the amount of water in a fuel tank as low as possible, preferably zero.  If you can do that, you will not need a biocide.  There are products on the market that get rid of the water. 

Here is some good reading about diesel fue additivesl:  The Truth About Fuel Additives | Fleet Management

And you can purchase fuel microbe test kits: 
Dieselcraft.com Fuel Microbe Test Kits Fuel Algae Test Kits
http://www.kmtlabs.com/ProductTestKits.aspx
http://www.cumminsfiltration.com/pdfs/product_lit/americas_brochures/LT36279.pdf
along with several more on the market.  Most of the big transportation companies do nothing unless they determine there is a problem.  But our motorhomes sits more, so we should be a bit proactive.  But no sense dumping wasted money into the fuel tank that isn't needed.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #6 –
Pat, I along with all other Amsoil accounts get all that testing/discussions on what their products do and not do. I trust them a great deal and we should not forget that they were the first Synthetic oil producer way before all the others jumped on the band wagon. They (other brands) said it was not a good thing to use but they all now have a synthetic line of products,  Every can of Amsoil products is covered by a no question insurance policy (I have a copy) that if it is proven by an independant body that their oil etc caused any damage if used as they say, then Amsoil will replace that engine or !!
I do not believe they have ever had to do that.
JohnH

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #7 –
My two cents on this subject. I believe it is impossible to get and keep your fuel water free. Having said that I have always used a algaecide and believe that for a couple of bucks per tank it is pretty cheap insurance.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #8 –
Michael:  I have two units of Lucas Algaecide.  U may have one, just let me know and I will bring to Nac on my next trip.  DAN

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #9 –
Dan, thanks for offer.  Guess I best find a substitute.  Both Randall and don had problems, reminds me keep full tank here but while always above 3/4, not often full to the brim.

Wish you could get the hotel back, get a group of investors.  Some speculate university might buy, I not see that but...

Mike

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #10 –
Mike I use Raycor Biocide, I get it from the local diesel injection shop. Also about any marine supply store should have a product that will work.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #11 –
west marine always has a biocide....

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #12 –
I just bought some Biobor biocide at the local Academy store.  They had it in stock.

  Academy Sports + Outdoors

These are sports and outdoor stores common throughout the southeast.

Ken

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #13 –


The product that I saw at Academy Sports, which I think was Biobor JF was clearly labeled for large storage tanks not for mobile use. I did not buy it

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #14 –
Mike , FPPF fuel additives have been around for a long time, I used them back in the early 70's in the winter to keep fuel from jelling in the semi tractor. Back then they were good stuff, had a refer tank jell up once added FPPF to it and was back running in 4 hours at -10 below.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #15 –
I used Killem - FFPF about 5 years ago right after I got the coach when I had a bad case of algae.  Worked fine (followed by several changes of fuel filters...).  We try not to be in wet places, but when we went back to the east coast several years ago, I used some as a preventative.  Directions on the container say not to use it too often.

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #16 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Mike , FPPF fuel additives have been around for a long time, I used them back in the early 70's in the winter to keep fuel from jelling in the semi tractor. Back then they were good stuff, had a refer tank jell up once added FPPF to it and was back running in 4 hours at -10 below.
Still at the same address that they operated out of way back in the '70s.
 

Re: Lucas Algaecide alternative?

Reply #17 –
thanks to all...think Killem be okay then, just limit use.

Been pretty cold in Fredericksburg tx.    About four days with nights in lower 20's, days between 30 - 35.  Filled water tank, disconnected city water.  Today some relief, 27 in a.m. but 55 afternoon, back to 28 tonight.  Worry about the small chances of precipitation on way home, early temps around 30.  Not sure if Austin uses salt on bridges, would like to avoid that.

Hope this finds you each with friends and family for Christmas,

Mike