Bactira in fuel tank?

Twiss · Unread post by **Twiss** » 02 Dec 2004, 19:04

i' ve heard that in diesels that life forms ive in the fuel tank !!![:I]
if so this can not be good and how can this be sorted as in have a cleaner fuel tank Pref with out have to manually clean the inside of the tank. would thse fuel addatives help if so which ones?
or on the other hand should i not belive this about life in diesel fuel tanks!![:)]

nick · Unread post by **nick** » 02 Dec 2004, 19:10

This is apparently true, there is something that can grow in diesel. However, from what I've heard it normally only affects vehicles that have been parked up for years, or old diesel storage tanks that are never touched.
Just using your car and refilling the tank normally will prevent it.

NiSk · Unread post by **NiSk** » 02 Dec 2004, 19:53

Hmm - must remember to give my XM TD it's yearly penicillin dose!
//NiSk

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 02 Dec 2004, 19:58

There is a bacteria which lives in water that can become trapped in fuel tanks. This bacteria can digest diesel and produces a brown sludge which ultimately contaminates your fuel system and blocks your fuel filters.
There was a lot of talk about it amongst the yachting fraternity, since boats have large fuel tanks which end up with water in them, and a lot of boats, especially sailing boats stand for long periods, don't use a lot fuel etc.
As far as cars go, if you use your car regularly I don't think you'll ever come accross the problem. Modern diesels have a water trap which will remove water from the fuel, and most diesels have some sort of recirculating fuel system so any water that gets into the tank will be removed pretty quickly.

mpr1956 · Unread post by **mpr1956** » 03 Dec 2004, 01:41

Hi there, I believe this bacteria is cladosporium resinae, I work on an airfield, and this gunge(which looks a bit like snot -and has the same consistency) can be a problem in aircraft fuel tanks(and sometimes contaminates fuel bowsers)necessitating constant fuel quality checks and inspections. I hadn't realised it could occur in vehicles... I will check my fuel filters more often!

prm · Unread post by **prm** » 03 Dec 2004, 03:42

A certain amount of water is induced into diesel fuel tanks during refuelling, mainly due to differences in temperature and humidity between vehicle and underground storage tanks. Fungus and algae microrganisms are active within any sediment and to some degree feed on hydrocarbons.
A good indication of any contaminants within the tank, fuel filter may be discoloured with a brown/blackish slime or (mpr 1956 Snot !! ) also crystals on cold climate regions.
A regular use of additives helps to reduce any build-up and would recommend a complete drain-down on any engine over 100k.
Peter

Twiss · Unread post by **Twiss** » 03 Dec 2004, 14:16

Ah so my ears tells me no lies then. it kindy good to know but i have none of those symptons so i have nothing to worry about.
Why is it that scientists alway give bloody long and differcult to pronounce words !!!:)

Unread post by **Jon** » 03 Dec 2004, 14:19

My neighbours P reg Berlingo D van was having all sorts of problems with crud in the fuel filter, poor running etc. He eventually dropped the tank, and found a whiteish jelly like crud was blocking the fuel pickup. It was the first time I'd seen this problem.