Anyone use algaecide?

Topic: Anyone use algaecide? (Read 1172 times) previous topic - next topic

Anyone use algaecide?

May 03, 2017, 08:29:58 am

These buses often sit as much as run, . Does anyone add the algaecide to the fuel?

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #1 – May 03, 2017, 08:33:29 am

Absolutely.

Anytime diesel will be stored over 3 months in winter or 2 months in summer:

Tank FULL to reduce condensation and add a biocide. Biobor JF is a common one and at least in our area, available at Academy.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #2 – May 03, 2017, 08:49:46 am

Always! Saves a lot of fuel filters and broke-down-on-the-side-of-the-road time!

TOM

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #3 – May 03, 2017, 10:52:01 am

Not on every tank full. But like others have said if the coach is going to be stored we do

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #4 – May 03, 2017, 11:00:05 am

And some of this for asphaltene;
Amazon.com: Penray 105032 Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner - 32-Ounce...

I use both Biobor JF and Penray. When I thought I had algae last year Brett mentioned asphaltene so I used both immediately. And the fact that I haven't seen anything in the fuel filter bowls since leads me to believe that it was asphaltene, as the algae once killed is still in the system, but the asphaltene disintegrates when treated.

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Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #5 – May 03, 2017, 11:03:23 am

I realize biocide is cheap insurance. This one had a addition in 2015, no files since. The fuel in the separator shows clear honey color. Since this coach lives in almost zero humidity, should I still add biocide, and how often? When adding, does it matter whether the biocide is added before or after the tank is filled? Thanks, guys.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #6 – May 03, 2017, 11:16:29 am

Quote from: mike leary – May 03, 2017, 11:03:23 am

I realize biocide is cheap insurance. This one had a addition in 2015, no files since. The fuel in the separator shows clear honey color. Since this coach lives in almost zero humidity, should I still add biocide, and how often? When adding, does it matter whether the biocide is added before or after the tank is filled? Thanks, guys.

Mike,

Even in the desert, temperatures DO go down to the dew point. Was any of the driving (i.e. replaced by AIR in the tank) on a day with more humidity/higher dew point than any time before you refill the tank?

Is tank completely full? If not, air goes OUT as temperatures rise and IN as temperature falls.

Bottom line, I always add a biocide as mentioned above when storing.

Obviously better to add before filling so it gets mixed. But adding to a full tank and driving 25 miles would achieve the same thing.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #7 – May 03, 2017, 11:34:38 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 03, 2017, 11:16:29 am

Was any of the driving (i.e. replaced by AIR in the tank) on a day with more humidity/higher dew point than any time before you refill the tank? Is tank completely full? If not, air goes OUT as temperatures rise and IN as temperature falls.

I have no clue about the humidity/dew point, maybe time for some more gauges! The tank is down to 1/4 and we've sat here since October. Will be fueling soon to go back to Payson, I'll check at our local NAPA to see what they've got. Thanks, Brett!

Should I be adding EVERY fill-up, or?

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #8 – May 03, 2017, 11:56:37 am

I don't, use it in any of my stuff and never had problems. As long as the fuel caps don't leak water in, I don't have issues.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #9 – May 03, 2017, 12:03:53 pm

always - cheap insurance...dont ask how I know.....

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #10 – May 03, 2017, 12:38:16 pm

Always use it.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #11 – May 03, 2017, 12:42:36 pm

I used to add it at every fill regardless of running or storing. A couple of years ago had a CAPs injector pump start leaking to the tune of $5800 bucks. I don't know if the biocides had anything to do with it, but now only use it if we will be sitting on fuel for a while, as we live aboard and normally move every week or so it's not often.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #12 – May 03, 2017, 01:22:20 pm

I know, up in the PNW, the boat owners have a heck of a time with contamination, some have had to replace their tanks! I've never believed in "additives", but will throw a can in when we fuel, maybe.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #13 – May 03, 2017, 01:50:06 pm

Airplanes are stored in the desert and Biobore is put in every time and then again after they come out of storage. The Algae eats aluminum and airplane wings are the actual tank, most of the time, so it will eat holes in the skin. Some airplanes have a block of crystals installed at various rimes during maintenance for the same reasons.
Cheap insurance on any RV.
Speedbird 1.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #14 – May 03, 2017, 02:00:30 pm

Quote from: mike leary – May 03, 2017, 01:22:20 pm

I know, up in the PNW, the boat owners have a heck of a time with contamination, some have had to replace their tanks! I've never believed in "additives", but will throw a can in when we fuel, maybe.

Actually, you would be adding OUNCES. A small container of Biobor JF should last for years when used when storing.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #15 – May 03, 2017, 02:08:17 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 03, 2017, 02:00:30 pm

Actually, you would be adding OUNCES. A small container of Biobor JF should last for years when used when storing.

O.K., you know, of all people, we have a 100 gallon tank. How much of ANY Biobor, etc., should be added on re-fill?

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #16 – May 03, 2017, 02:15:39 pm

Quote from: mike leary – May 03, 2017, 02:08:17 pm

O.K., you know, of all people, we have a 100 gallon tank. How much of ANY Biobor, etc., should be added on re-fill?

1oz treats 80 gallons and I think a KILL dose is twice that.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #17 – May 03, 2017, 05:37:31 pm

Quote from: mike leary – May 03, 2017, 02:08:17 pm

O.K., you know, of all people, we have a 100 gallon tank. How much of ANY Biobor, etc., should be added on re-fill?

It should be on the label of any algaecide - best to check what yours recommends

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #18 – May 03, 2017, 11:22:40 pm

How about adding the TW3 2 stroke oil?

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #19 – May 03, 2017, 11:30:43 pm

Algae grows in the diesel fuel (maybe in the water in the fuel). The biocide kills the algae. I don't think an oil addative will do that. If our coach isn't getting significant use for a couple months I add it, run the engine, AH and generator to make sure the biocide gets in all parts. Store your coach with a nearly full tanks of fuel.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #20 – May 04, 2017, 01:32:58 am

We are now adding Power Service Clear Diesel but only when storing. Add the bottle and fill the tank to the top.
For 20 years, we also add Power Service Diesel Kleen at every fill up 1-oz for 10-gal fuel.
Buy both at Walmart.
Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner | Power Service

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #21 – May 04, 2017, 08:10:12 am

The 2 stroke oil is to add lubricity for the fuel pump. pre 2007 spec. It will not take the place of biocide.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #22 – May 04, 2017, 08:43:53 am

Quote from: Protech Racing – May 04, 2017, 08:10:12 am

The 2 stroke oil is to add lubricity for the fuel pump. pre 2007 spec. It will not take the place of biocide.

Lots of previous discussion on fuel additives. This linked post has some of the "hits" from a search

Fuel additives?

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #23 – May 04, 2017, 09:28:32 am

Quote from: Protech Racing – May 04, 2017, 08:10:12 am

The 2 stroke oil is to add lubricity for the fuel pump. pre 2007 spec. It will not take the place of biocide.

When I remember or have some on hand, I toss in some tcw3. I have mechanical 8.3 with inline pump that is lubed by engine oil, so it's not as big of deal as some other engines.

Re: Anyone use algaecide?

Reply #24 – May 05, 2017, 05:05:08 pm

I added Cummins' Centinel system to automatically add crankcase oil to the fuel to extend oil changes.

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