Algae in fuel filter

Topic: Algae in fuel filter (Read 1020 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Just had 3 day 1,600 ...

Algae in fuel filter

July 03, 2016, 09:47:14 am

Agree about impact wrench to make job easier, will do that on other 4 in back.

Messy job to replace fuel filter. My old filter is Razor (sp?) and my new one is NAPA Gold. It was leaking from bottom so double check the rubber rings and find that there is flat on top and kind of bevel at the bottom so put that ring at the bottom then other o-ring is flat both top/bottom so put that on top of beveled o-ring and finally have good seal. Took a while to get fuel into engine by cranking the engine for a good while.

I added picture here of Racor filter I took out, see some aluminum debris and black stuff, hmm....

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #1 – July 03, 2016, 09:51:51 am

Quote from: jclark93 – July 03, 2016, 09:47:14 am

I added picture here of Racor filter I took out, see some aluminum debris and black stuff, hmm....

That is scary! Be interested if anyone knows what that skanky stuff + debris is from?

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #2 – July 03, 2016, 10:32:50 am

I understand that there is secondary fuel filter, where is that located?

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #3 – July 03, 2016, 10:38:26 am

Did you fill the filters with fuel? Looks like that filter was on too long.When I changed mine the engine cranked right up,did not miss a
beat.I would consider running some of the additive that absorbs water.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #4 – July 03, 2016, 10:45:44 am

When we put the new filter, I had it filled with diesel then it leaked from the bottom when I tried to start the engine, I guess that got air into fuel line into engine so I guess it took while to get air out of fuel line before I finally start the engine.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #5 – July 03, 2016, 10:54:33 am

Quote from: jclark93 – July 03, 2016, 10:32:50 am

I understand that there is secondary fuel filter, where is that located?

Engine mounted fuel filter is on curbside, I access from under the bed.

33472 by WIX FILTERS - Fuel/Water Separator

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #6 – July 03, 2016, 02:02:32 pm

Jamie,

You need to add a BIOCIDE to the diesel tank. Here is a common one at West Marine, Academy, etc: Google

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #7 – July 03, 2016, 03:14:43 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – July 03, 2016, 02:02:32 pm

You need to add a BIOCIDE to the diesel tank.

Living down here, with zip moisture, do we need to add a Biocide, as well? With the Airstream (living in "moisture city" (PNW)), in 250,000 miles we never added anything. Now, is the fact we changed the lower filter every 3K might have had something to do with it? Whilst I was still working, she'd sit for months.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #8 – July 03, 2016, 03:18:07 pm

There are ways to minimize water in the fuel tank-- and, without water, no algae.

Keep tank full when storing to minimize condensation.

Certainly, in the desert SW, you are less likely to get moisture, but, when the temperature hits the dew point, there WILL be condensation.

If storing diesel over 2 months in summer or 3 in winter, personally I add a biocide.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #9 – July 03, 2016, 03:37:47 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – July 03, 2016, 03:18:07 pm

If storing diesel over 2 months in summer or 3 in winter, personally I add a biocide.

I don't have a full tank, and we're in a crappy site that makes moving daunting, to say the least. Should I throw some Bio in, just to beat the lag before service in October?

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #10 – July 03, 2016, 03:43:16 pm

Having the joy of an algae episode in my tank by his side is cheap insurance against an expensive and aggravating and inconvenient event

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #11 – July 03, 2016, 04:24:50 pm

I really don't know of any downside to adding biocide but there is plenty of downside to not adding it Trust me a tank full of algae will go through filters and frustrate you and leave you on the side of the road not a good thing

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #12 – July 03, 2016, 04:37:32 pm

Thanks, Mods

My files show the fuel was treated with biocide just before we bought the coach in late 2014. Not many miles since. I guess the question is, "how often does the fuel need to be treated?" Is it a "northern/southern" sort of deal, every other tank, how long being sitting (like us)? Color me confused.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #13 – July 03, 2016, 05:06:07 pm

Biocide is added when fuel is added. Said another way, you want the recommended concentration-- it does not disappear.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #14 – July 03, 2016, 06:26:26 pm

In addition to biocides, I have had really good luck with a Cummins product, Fleetguard asphaltine dispersant. If your coach sits for long periods, the asphaltine in the low sulfur diesel will settle out (one of the side effects of low sulfur fuel) and is often mistaken for algae--- it plugs filters just like algae will. The asphaltine dispersant prevents it from settling. I have used it for years on my boat with great success.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #15 – July 06, 2016, 11:39:00 am

Will buy Biobor JF today at boating store. Ok to add Biobor JF (1 oz treats 80 gallons) along with Diesel Kleen from PS?

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #16 – July 06, 2016, 01:59:20 pm

With all that algae you may want to consider having your tank polished after treating with biobor. They use a really high flow pump with filtration that sucks, filters, and returns fuel to the tank. The high flow creates a lot of turbidity and will help dislodge debris from the floor and walls of the tank.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #17 – July 06, 2016, 02:16:44 pm

Quote from: rvlooker – July 06, 2016, 01:59:20 pm

With all that algae you may want to consider having your tank polished after treating with biobor.

I know, up north, the fishing boats that sit all winter need polishing/ tank replacement. What I don't know, is do our tanks need to be removed for polishing? $:-\$

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #18 – July 06, 2016, 03:24:31 pm

No way. Never need to remove the tank to polish. It can be polished right thru the filler. Even better would be a newer foretravel with fillers on each side. Multiple points gets better coverage.

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #19 – July 08, 2016, 11:16:04 am

Quote from: rvlooker – July 06, 2016, 01:59:20 pm

They use a really high flow pump with filtration that sucks, filters, and returns fuel to the tank.

Where do I get that high flow pump with filteration?

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #20 – July 08, 2016, 12:00:45 pm

https://youtu.be/h4TKD85hrT8quote author=jclark93 link=msg=238603 date=1467990964]
Where do I get that high flow pump with filteration?
[/quote]

Here's a do it yourself type video on fuel polishing...

Re: Algae in fuel filter (split from Re: Just had 3 day...)

Reply #21 – July 08, 2016, 12:49:55 pm

Looks like Amazon.com: XtremepowerUS 12 Volt DC 20GPM Gasoline Fuel Transfer Pump... is a good pump for this application.

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