Algea Treatment

Topic: Algea Treatment (Read 1349 times) previous topic - next topic

Algea Treatment

May 25, 2020, 04:24:25 pm

Going to post this because it's first hand experience and may help someone else.. Last year I bought 80 gal of fuel at a TA Truck stop in Jacksonville Fla and picked up a load of fuel Algae.. I try to only buy Loves fuel because Ive never yet bought any that was dirty.. I never developed a loss of power but would have if I wasn't deligent about changing filters while i'm in my shop vs on the road.. The algae was so dense I figured I would have to go the long route to get it out but thought I would try a product that a friend of mine had positive results with in a 3000 gal bulk tank. Product is FPPF "Killem".. Its taken a year and 4000 miles of treatment to get rid of the gunk and I changed my primary filter every 1500 miles. Today I pulled my filter and had barely a trace of gunk inside so I can say with confidence what FPPF Killem did for me and I am very skeptical about fixes in a bottle. On a side note I use straight methanol for water dispersal that I buy in a 5 gal bucket because of all the units on the yard, you can buy it from FPPF in 8 oz bottles.. Not for algae but for water and water is the beginning catalyst to create algae.. I bought my algae at about 3.50 a gal. Many other products on the forum for algae but I have witnessed this to dispose of it.. Todays filter was put on in Quartzite Az 1500 miles from my shop..Now I plan to get back on schedule and change fuel filters at oil change intervals..As always DWMYH.

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Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #1 – May 25, 2020, 04:32:30 pm

The miles and refueling and retreating is the ticket, not the time.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #2 – May 25, 2020, 06:08:22 pm

Dub, one of the things I look at when pulling into get fuel is how busy are they--I agree you can get bad fuel anywhere but I figure if they are turning over the fuel frequently hopefully it will be good-- But I would defer to you experience with long haul!
Chris

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #3 – May 25, 2020, 06:11:33 pm

I keep an empty glass jar next to the fill. Pump a few ounces into it. If it looks OK (no dirt, water or algae), I empty it into the tank and fill the coach.

Put a lid on the jar and save it for the next fill.

No, not 100%, but a reasonable precaution that only takes 15 seconds.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #4 – May 25, 2020, 06:19:02 pm

Your right Chris that's why I was supprised to get gunk from the busy TA.. Gulf coast fuel is more susceptible to algae because of humidity but I have had no problems with Loves fuel all across the Gulf. Buy enough fuel across the country and your bound to get at least water goodness knows I have but that's the first black algae I have ever bought and have bought much fuel.. We are all just one fill up away from it.. I wouldn't have fueled at the TA that day but Karen wanted to stop and I was on half a tank so filled her up. That's not to say TA is bad but I would steer clear of the one in Jacksonville.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #5 – May 25, 2020, 06:21:13 pm

Not a bad idea Bret.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #6 – May 25, 2020, 06:28:25 pm

I figured I would end up at Keith's at Nac. but on recommendation I gave Killem a try and it appears to have worked.. Having trucks I should have built a system like he has to "polish" fuel but was always busy doing something more pushing.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #7 – May 25, 2020, 08:22:33 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 25, 2020, 06:11:33 pm

I keep an empty glass jar next to the fill. Pump a few ounces into it. If it looks OK (no dirt, water or algae), I empty it into the tank and fill the coach.
Put a lid on the jar and save it for the next fill.
No, not 100%, but a reasonable precaution that only takes 15 seconds.

That's it. Water probe on the primary filter is available on a lot of filters. You can have the cleanest tank in the world but it only takes one bad fueling stop to bring along some water and or algae. Not necessarily the station but the tanker is a good bet. If you have the clear plastic bowl with drain on the bottom of the primary filter, it's good to run the engine after fueling and put a flash light on one side. Morning check does not hurt either.

I always liked Racor with the priming pump built in the top, an optional water sensor and a heater for very cold climates.

Aquabloc® filter media in 2, 10 or also 30 micron rating.
See-thru collection bowls make it easy to see water in fuel.
99% water removal efficiency.
Engineered polymer bowls are reusable, impact-resistant and virtually indestructible. When it's time for service, only the filter element is replaced – the see-thru bowl and drain valve assembly are reused. The long life cycle of the bowl saves money and reduces environmental impact.
Optional priming:
Integrated primer pump and vent plug.
Hand-operated fuel priming pump.
12 volt or 24 volt electronic priming pump.
Optional water-in-fuel sensor.
Also optional 200watt in-bowl heater available in 12 or 24VDC.

Example: Racor RK22266-01 Replacement Spin-On Diesel Filter Bowl & Water Sensor | eBay

That's why pilots have a clear container to look at the gas after fueling and before they make the first flight of the day.

Pierce

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #8 – May 25, 2020, 08:28:50 pm

The problems that I have had with algae I can trace back to a fill up from A small station that doesn't have a high turn over rate and sells bio-diesel. I think that a low turn over rate is probably not as big of a factor as bio-diesel. I won't use it again if I can get around it and for sure will add an algae treatment of some kind if I do have to. (just my opinion) Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #9 – May 25, 2020, 08:35:29 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 25, 2020, 06:11:33 pm

I keep an empty glass jar next to the fill. Pump a few ounces into it. If it looks OK (no dirt, water or algae), I empty it into the tank and fill the coach.

Put a lid on the jar and save it for the next fill.

No, not 100%, but a reasonable precaution that only takes 15 seconds.

Is it possible to pump a few ounces on those high flow pumps??

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #10 – May 25, 2020, 08:56:43 pm

Quote from: fkjohns6083 – May 25, 2020, 08:28:50 pm

The problems that I have had with algae I can trace back to a fill up from A small station that doesn't have a high turn over rate and sells bio-diesel. I think that a low turn over rate is probably not as big of a factor as bio-diesel. I won't use it again if I can get around it and for sure will add an algae treatment of some kind if I do have to. (just my opinion) Have a great day ---- Fritz

We use and prefer bio-diesel all the time. Most all stations in the San Joaquin Valley pump a blend. Lower pollution and better lubricity are real pluses. BTUs are close to the same. It does absorb more water than petro diesel.

Diesel fuel and vehicles are under fire everywhere. VW just lost a multi-million dollar suit yesterday. Bio-diesel is an important step forward to keep diesel vehicles legal to travel in city centers throughout the world where many are banned today.

Pierce

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #11 – May 25, 2020, 09:30:38 pm

Having run many 1000, gallons, through boats, about the same size Eng.s. we are using now.' Have not seen a ttl of a qt of water. Buying fuel on the ICW, Mobile-corpus Christi.
1. bio Bore (sp) like the other product, won't fix anything, BUT regular use will kill the bugs.
2. Keep tanks full, as best U can.
3. Racor, or other filters, smaller the # (2 Micron Great, better than useless 20) the better, remember, some of the fuel u are pumping to your eng. bypasses thus u Have a cleaning through the filter, with out thinking about it. Look at the bowl if U have a primary with a bowl, got some black stuff. CHANGE the FILTER.
THE PRIMARY, YOUR BEST FRIEND...
Just a few quick thoughts.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #12 – May 25, 2020, 10:34:42 pm

This algae didn't grow in my tank, I bought it.. I'm vigilant about such and continually keep check on the condition of my filters in all my diesel rigs. What I'm saying is some of the strands of the algae I bought were 2 inches long and Prolonged use of Killem as in 4000 miles it reduced it down to where today there were 4 pieces in the bottom of my filter the size of a pea. Some good points made and I am just passing on the name of a product that worked for me during very close monitoring. Close monitoring is how I am able to tell exactly where I bought it..Very conscious of my equipment and there is not much going to live in it without me knowing.Took me 5 primary filter changes to get it filtered out and never had loss of power because I would change the primary before plugging.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #13 – May 25, 2020, 10:50:40 pm

I have a Racor I think it's called in the shop that my mechanic took off one of the Detroit's...Can't recall why he changed it to spin on but I'm thinking of mounting it on this Cummins.. Like said above it gives a good view of your fuel as it's clear plastic and a good 6 in round.. When water goes in the filter the fuel rises higher in the bowl.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #14 – May 26, 2020, 12:02:15 am

Unlikely it came off a Detroit as the secondary filter is usually the one mounted on the engine. Right after the lift pump. The clear plastic Racors are the primary filter and are the first in line to catch the water and algae from the tank. Normally mounted down low on the frame rail but I have seen some 71 series with both on the engine but spin on. The heat, vibration and the plastic may not get along. I always mounted the Racors on the car firewall.

Pierce

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #15 – May 26, 2020, 07:44:00 am

I had Keith R. polish my fuel last year in NAC. Keith is awesome and his price for this service is very fair. My fuel ended up being in good shape but I view it as a belt and suspenders type of thing.

I only fuel up at busy truck centers and top off the tank before storage, every time.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #16 – May 26, 2020, 07:59:00 am

Jeff and Sandy, we are in NAC now for sessions with Xtreme and MOT. Can I have more info about Kieth R? Fuel polishing might be worth doing. We had an algae problem about a year ago, and had success with a marine product and a few fuel filter changes.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #17 – May 26, 2020, 08:49:45 am

Quote from: Michaelhayley – May 26, 2020, 07:59:00 am

Jeff and Sandy, we are in NAC now for sessions with Xtreme and MOT. Can I have more info about Kieth R? Fuel polishing might be worth doing. We had an algae problem about a year ago, and had success with a marine product and a few fuel filter changes.

Fuel polishing in NAC

And: Diesel Fuel Polishing - Tank Cleaning

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #18 – May 26, 2020, 09:17:48 am

Quote from: Dub – May 25, 2020, 10:50:40 pm

I have a Racor I think it's called in the shop that my mechanic took off one of the Detroit's...Can't recall why he changed it to spin on but I'm thinking of mounting it on this Cummins.. Like said above it gives a good view of your fuel as it's clear plastic and a good 6 in round.. When water goes in the filter the fuel rises higher in the bowl.

Dub,

Be sure it is not the Racor model that was discontinued/superseded because of air leaks.

Post model here, or just to a Foreforum search for that model number.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #19 – May 26, 2020, 10:36:41 am

https://www.amazon.com/Racor-Polisher-Diesel-10m-P510mam/dp/B00J909BF2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Fuel+polishing+system&qid=1590503096&sr=8-3
Was looking at a coach that was suspected contaminated fuel. Was thinking that this was a alternative and would retain if a load of contaminated fuel was purchased. Didn't buy that coach but still think it's a great idea.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #20 – May 26, 2020, 10:59:52 am

As important is the "machine" is that does the polishing is WHERE in the tank the fuel is removed from to be polished.

It is in the BOTTOM of the tank where the water, dirt and algae are located. So, it is important that that is where the pickup is for polishing.

And, best to "lean" the coach with the side where you will be accessing the tank for the polishing operation LOWER. Wait a couple of hours and the "heavier than diesel" contaminants will migrate to that side.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #21 – May 26, 2020, 11:43:58 am

Would be the perfect place for a drain. Lowest point. Also good for pickup location. Nevertheless running the fuel threw a polisher 5+ times addresses removing the suspended junk preventing it from settling to cook on the bottom of the tank. It cost more to slope the bottom of the tank and drain from the top like marine applications during manufacturing, but that's the starting point. Thousands of man hours have been spent on the prevention of contaminated fuel storage and delivery, and yet it still happens. Nothing to do with old fuel unused and stored in a coach for years. Everything gets old and goes bad. Water in fuel sensor may not indicate till the system has been static for hours to start detecting water. IMO
Scott

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #22 – May 26, 2020, 12:21:41 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 26, 2020, 10:59:52 am

As important is the "machine" is that does the polishing is WHERE in the tank the fuel is removed from to be polished.

It is in the BOTTOM of the tank where the water, dirt and algae are located. So, it is important that that is where the pickup is for polishing.

And, best to "lean" the coach with the side where you will be accessing the tank for the polishing operation LOWER. Wait a couple of hours and the "heavier than diesel" contaminants will migrate to that side.

This is the way Keith does it....with a hard lean. He sucks everything out of the tank.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #23 – May 26, 2020, 12:24:32 pm

Quote from: Michaelhayley – May 26, 2020, 07:59:00 am

Jeff and Sandy, we are in NAC now for sessions with Xtreme and MOT. Can I have more info about Kieth R? Fuel polishing might be worth doing. We had an algae problem about a year ago, and had success with a marine product and a few fuel filter changes.

Keith R. Works at MOT and does polishing after hours.

Re: Algea Treatment

Reply #24 – May 26, 2020, 02:04:30 pm

The tag is gone on this filter for a proper name but Detroit uses them a lot in past applications.. Also with no secondary filter. I'm having no filtration issues but if there is a convientplace for servicing I may mount it on my 8.3. It does give a view of the fuel and has a drain cock on the bottom. Now let's see if I can bring up the photo.

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