Rusty Fuel Filter

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Feb 17, 2013 | 07:21 PM

#16

Poolguy601

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 203

Likes: 1

From: Delaware

There is a product called Killem. It kills the algae in the fuel. But get ready. Filters clog very fast after you add it.

Feb 18, 2013 | 08:59 AM

#17

JMP E350

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Senior User

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 105

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It is my understanding that "Algae" needs water and SUNLIGHT to grow...
Is this really algae or do diesel guys use algae as an acronym ??

Could tank sediment just be fuel breakdown products and waste products of fuel deterioration and re-polymerization ?? Not really algae ?
Has anyone run kerosene to help flush a fuel system ?

Feb 18, 2013 | 09:21 AM

#18

JMP E350

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 105

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Oh Goodness.... Sooo many articles on cleaning the sludge out of your fuel system!!!

Really sounds like I need to drop the tank and do a good cleaning and fuel pump Mod..
Get it all cleaned out and start over!
Now to limp along until warmer weather...

Feb 18, 2013 | 09:32 AM

#19

nlemerise

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 4,243

Likes: 16

From: AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMP E350

Algae is used as an acronym...algae is a photosynthetic organism that must have three things to live: sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. They are a number of organisms that can exist in diesel when a sufficient water supply is present (because they need water and live on the fuel/water interface). Bacteria, yeasts, and molds can grow in the fuel. Keeping water out of the fuel and fresh fuel in the tank is the key! I wouldn't try to flush it out of the system, if your diagnosis leads you to organisms growing in your fuel tank. I'd siphon the tank empty and then drop the tank. Open it up clean it out and do the in-tank mods. Clean out the fuel lines and the fuel filter. Then watch where you buy fuel, use the water drain on your filter housing regularly. In the winter, in particular, keep the tank on your truck full. The warm fuel in a cold environment will cause condensation inside the tank, with the condensation being proportional to the area of the tank that is not covered by diesel fuel. You mentioned tank sediments, diesel fuel deteriorates fairly rapidly with a number of fuel by-products created over a short time (a study said that diesel breaks down about 25% the first month). These settle out as "sediments" in the tank. I'd also put on a filter head pre-pump with a water stripping element and drain.

Feb 18, 2013 | 09:47 AM

#20

Tim Hodgson

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,856

Likes: 52

From: Sacramento Delta, CA

Since you have a van, I agree, you should drop the tank and take a look. See:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fuel-tank.html

Please post pics of your pickup screens and inside of the tank.