Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...

Biocide for dummies

September 02, 2021, 10:06:40 pm

My coach has been sitting with a 1/4 tank of gas in Phoenix since the accident (5 months). From what I've read, I need to run some biocide through it when I fill up  so I went to autozone tonight and ended up just standing in front of the diesel additives like a deer in the headlights.

Nothing actually said "diesel biocide" and everything I did see only treated up to 30 gallons at $10/bottle. So can someone nudge me in The right direction here? What do I need to see on the bottle to know it's the right stuff and where are you guys buying yours? What are you buying?

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #1 – September 02, 2021, 10:12:50 pm

The most common biocide is Biobar JF.

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #2 – September 02, 2021, 11:13:46 pm

Power Service makes several diesel additives and it's available at most parts stores and truck stops. Here is a biocide: Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide - Power Service

I keep an 80 oz container of Power Service Diesel Kleen next to out fuel tank. Check the reviews for all of their products on Amazon: Amazon.com : power service products Does not cost much to add to your fuel.

Our U300 fuel tank does not allow daily changes of pressure with the possibility of water vapor condensing on the tank sides. We live in a pretty low humidty climate but nothing like Arizona. On the other hand, you never know when  the next tank will have water and algae in it so it's good insurance.

Check the bottom of your primary filter after starting. Any water from the tank will quickly find it's way to the bottom see through sigh glass. All of the products will help your generator also.

Biobor JF also gets excellent reviews at Amazon. It just is more expensive for treating the same amount of fuel. Amazon.com : Biobor JF

Any of the higher rated diesel fuel additives will give you a little better mileage as well as raising the Cetane rating so the engine will start quicker. Especially in winter if you have summer diesel. Cetane is just the opposite of Octane as it allows the diesel to explode at lower compression temperatures.

Pierce

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #3 – September 02, 2021, 11:13:57 pm

Biobor JF is the most commonly used biocide, and is commonplace in the marine diesel industry.  I'd carry an extra set of fuel filters on your next trip.  Got a bad batch of fuel once in the boonies and I went through 2 sets of fuel filters before I could run the generator under load or get the Aquahot to run continuously.  The Cummins was running rough, too.  Filter change X2 over the next week of travel solved the problem. 

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #4 – September 02, 2021, 11:20:03 pm

I should add that since my bad fuel experience I do use Diesel Kleen routinely like Pierce.  Bought a case through Walmart online pretty cheap a few months ago.  I only use biocide (Biobor) if I'm going to sit for months and months.  Hopefully that's not very often.

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #5 – September 02, 2021, 11:40:09 pm

Biobar JF for me too.  I add the appropriate qty avery time I add fuel.  I have 2 sets of fuel filters (engine, AH and Generator) in my spare parts bin.  Change your engine fuel filters some time where it is safe to do so and it is not an emergency.  Then when you are stuck on the side of the road you will have an idea what to do and the tools to get it done.

I have Diesel Kleen as well, tried it last winter. Not sure if I noticed any difference.

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #6 – September 03, 2021, 12:10:16 am

amazon biobor - Bing

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #7 – September 03, 2021, 09:07:17 am

Biobar is a biocide to kill algae.  Look for a product that states , Kills algae.  The rest are cetane modifiers ,for more power.  For low time use, use the Biobar ..

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #8 – September 03, 2021, 04:50:30 pm

Another good product is FPPF/ Killem. Dissolves algae as well as prevents. Did it for me.

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Re: Biocide for dummies

Reply #9 – September 03, 2021, 06:51:55 pm

For over 20 years:

Power Service

Diesel Kleen with every fill

Clear-Diesel when sitting for several months or longer

Bio Kleen carried for microbes emergency

Diesel 911 carried for water emergency

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