Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel fungus, also known as diesel bug, is a common issue that can cause serious problems for your fuel, equipment, and wallet. The fungus thrives in diesel fuel tanks and storage systems, feeding on the hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel and producing waste products that cause corrosion and engine damage. The first indication of microbial contamination is often mucous-like accumulations on fuel filters and an increased need to replace them. If left untreated, the contamination can cause engine shutdown and reduced combustion efficiency. The best way to prevent diesel fuel fungus is to control tank water buildup and practice good housekeeping of diesel fuel. However, once the contamination is present, the only way to get rid of it is to use a biocide to kill the microbes.
How to get rid of diesel fuel fungus:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Control tank water buildup with Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus |
| Use fuel stabilizers | |
| Conduct routine system maintenance | |
| Use fuel treatments to disperse contaminants and prevent sludge buildup | |
| Use mobile fuel polishing systems | |
| Use biocides or chemicals that kill bacteria and other contaminants | |
| Use electro magnets to break up waxy, non-fungal solid clusters | |
| Treatment | Use a biocide like Bell Performance Bellicide |
| Use Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide | |
| Use Clear-Diesel to remove residual water and contaminants | |
| Drain the tank and steam clean | |
| Use Biobar to kill the algae | |
| Recirculate diesel through external filters | |
| Use Solturon, an enzyme marketed by Starbrite |
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What You'll Learn
Use a biocide to kill microbes
The first step in dealing with diesel fuel fungus is to identify the problem. Signs of microbial contamination include:
- The need to replace fuel filters more frequently than usual due to the accumulation of biomass or biofilm byproducts that clog filters.
- More frequent cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors.
- Premature wearing of rings and cylinder liners, leading to higher oil consumption due to acidic byproducts produced by microbes.
- Rotten fuel smell caused by sulfuric acidic byproducts from microbes.
- Black exhaust smoke during system startup, indicating the engine's inability to completely combust the contaminated fuel.
Once you suspect diesel fuel fungus, it is important to confirm the presence of microbial contamination through testing. In-field microbial tests like ATP-By-Filtration can determine the extent of the contamination.
If microbial contamination is confirmed, the next step is to treat the fuel with a biocide to kill the microbes. Here are some detailed instructions on using a biocide to address diesel fuel fungus:
Choose an Effective Biocide
Select a biocide that is specifically designed to kill microbes in diesel fuel, such as Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide or Bell Performance Bellicide. These biocides are effective in both diesel fuel and water, killing bacteria and fungus that grow in dispersed and free water associated with diesel fuels. They also help prevent fuel-filter plugging and protect fuel system components from corrosion caused by organic acids produced by microbial growth.
Calculate the Correct Amount
Refer to the product's instructions and use a product calculator to determine the appropriate amount of biocide needed for your specific tank size. Adding too much biocide can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes.
Apply the Biocide
Follow the biocide manufacturer's instructions for proper application. This may involve adding the biocide directly to the fuel tank or using a mobile fuel polishing system to circulate the fuel, filter it, and return it to the tank.
Post-Treatment Maintenance
After treating with a biocide, consider using a product like Clear-Diesel to remove any residual water and contaminants from the fuel system. Maintain your diesel fuel system through routine maintenance, including regular fuel testing and sampling, to prevent future microbial contamination.
Precautions
Biocides are toxic and can harm more than just the microbes in your fuel. Use biocides as recommended by the manufacturer and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and the environment during handling and application.
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Drain the tank, steam clean, and refill with fresh fuel
Diesel fuel fungus, also known as "diesel bug", is a common issue in fuel tanks. It occurs when fungal spores and bacteria, which are commonly present in fuel tanks due to their ease of spread, find favourable conditions for growth. The presence of bacteria and fungi in diesel fuel can lead to the formation of biomass, which accumulates and breaks down, resulting in sludge at the bottom of the tank. This sludge can cause significant problems, including clogged filters, fuel injectors, and fuel lines, ultimately leading to engine shutdown and engine wear.
To effectively get rid of diesel fuel fungus, it is essential to follow a comprehensive process that involves draining the tank, steam cleaning, and refilling with fresh fuel. Here is a detailed guide on how to tackle this issue:
Draining the Tank:
- Before initiating the cleaning process, ensure that you have drained the tank of any remaining diesel fuel. This step is crucial as it provides access to the interior of the tank and allows for a thorough cleaning.
- Depending on the tank's accessibility, you may need to disconnect and release it from its housing. Take necessary precautions to avoid creating additional issues, such as ensuring easy sliding without causing problems with nearby components.
- Once the tank is accessible, use a suitable tool, such as a cut milk carton or a purpose-built scoop, to remove the sludge from the bottom of the tank. Transfer the sludge to a safe and appropriate disposal container.
Steam Cleaning:
- After removing the majority of the sludge, use a steam cleaner to thoroughly clean the interior of the tank. Steam cleaning is highly effective as it not only removes residual contaminants but also kills any remaining microbes, fungi, or bacteria.
- Ensure that the steam cleaner is suitable for use in confined spaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective operation.
- During steam cleaning, pay close attention to the areas where the fuel-water interface typically occurs, as this is a common habitat for diesel bug microbes.
- If steam cleaning is not immediately available, a thorough rinse with fresh diesel fuel can be used as an interim measure to flush out the tank. However, steam cleaning should still be performed at a later date to ensure optimal results.
Refilling with Fresh Fuel:
- Once the tank has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it is essential to refill it with fresh, uncontaminated fuel.
- Consider using fuel additives or treatments, such as Bell Performance Dee-Zol and DFS Plus, to control water buildup and prevent future microbial growth.
- Regularly test and sample your fuel to detect any early signs of microbial contamination. Products like the Liqui-Cult Fuel Test Kit can help identify potential issues before they become full-blown infestations.
- Maintain proper fuel tank housekeeping by routinely inspecting and servicing your tank to minimise exposure to water and prevent sludge buildup.
By following these steps of draining the tank, steam cleaning, and refilling with fresh fuel, you can effectively eliminate diesel fuel fungus and prevent its recurrence. Remember to take appropriate safety precautions and consult professionals if you have any doubts or concerns during the process.
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Use a mobile fuel polishing system
Microbial contamination of diesel fuel is a common issue that can lead to serious problems for your fuel, equipment, and wallet. It occurs when bacteria and fungi reproduce and form biomass, which accumulates at the fuel-to-water interface, on tank surfaces, and filters. Over time, this biomass breaks down, forming sludge that can clog filters and fuel injectors, leading to reduced combustion efficiency and even engine shutdown.
One effective solution to remove microbial contamination from diesel fuel is to use a mobile fuel polishing system. Fuel polishing is a technical cleaning process that removes water, sediment, and microbial contamination from diesel fuel. It involves circulating fuel out of the tank, filtering it, and then returning it to the tank. This process can be performed by a mobile fuel polishing system, such as the FuelTurbo unit, which offers a high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally sound solution.
The FuelTurbo system can be easily operated by anyone with basic mechanical skills and does not require any disturbance to the fuel pipes, supply, or return lines. It is a self-pumping and self-monitoring system that automatically switches off in the event of any issues to avoid contaminated fuel from being passed back into the tank. The system can be used to clean and restore diesel fuel in various applications, including marine vessels, power generators, construction equipment, storage tanks, automotive vehicles, and mining equipment.
In addition to using a mobile fuel polishing system, it is important to regularly test and treat diesel fuel to prevent microbial contamination. This can be done through periodic testing and sampling, as well as routine system maintenance to reduce exposure to water. By combining a mobile fuel polishing system with preventative measures, you can effectively manage and reduce the impact of diesel fuel fungus.
It is worth noting that while mobile fuel polishing systems offer a solution to diesel fuel fungus, prevention is always better than cure. Controlling water buildup and regularly testing fuel are crucial steps in preventing microbial contamination. Additionally, the use of biocides should be approached with caution, as they can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes and corrosion of the fuel system over time.
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Use a fuel stabiliser to prevent microbial growth
Diesel fuel contamination by microbes, bacteria, and fungi is a common problem, especially in stored fuels. This contamination can lead to clogged filters, increased fuel consumption, and even engine shutdown. While it is inevitable that stored fuel will eventually develop microbial contamination, there are ways to prevent and treat it. One way to prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel is to use a fuel stabiliser.
A fuel stabiliser is a product that can be added to diesel fuel to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes. It is particularly useful if you know your engine will be sitting for a while. By using a fuel stabiliser, you can maintain the health and cleanliness of your diesel tank and fuel system.
There are several fuel stabiliser products available on the market, such as Biobor and Ameristat. These products work by preventing the growth of bacteria and other microbes in the fuel, which can cause the issues mentioned above. They can also help to improve the performance of your engine by cleaning injectors, boosting power, and lubricating pumps.
In addition to using a fuel stabiliser, there are other measures you can take to prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel. These include routine system maintenance, fuel monitoring through periodic testing and sampling, and restricting the infiltration of water into the fuel system. Proper care and maintenance of your fuel system can help to prevent issues caused by microbial growth.
While fuel stabilisers can help prevent microbial growth, if your fuel is already contaminated, you may need to use a biocide to kill the microbes. Products like Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide can effectively treat microbial contamination in diesel fuel. However, it is important to use biocides with caution as they can be toxic and, if overused, can lead to the development of biocide-resistant microbes.
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Test fuel regularly to detect contamination
Diesel fuel fungus, also known as "diesel bug", is a common issue in diesel engines. It occurs when bacteria and fungi thrive in the fuel, leading to microbial contamination. This contamination can cause various issues, such as clogged filters, increased fuel consumption, fuel discoloration, and even engine shutdown. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly test your fuel to detect and prevent diesel fuel fungus.
Testing your fuel for contamination is an essential step in maintaining the health of your diesel engine. By regularly testing your fuel, you can identify the presence of diesel bug before it becomes a more significant problem. There are several testing kits available, such as the Liqui-Cult Fuel Test Kit, which can help detect microbial growth in your fuel. In-field microbial testing, such as ATP-By-Filtration, can also provide valuable insights into the extent of contamination and the effectiveness of remedial actions.
Testing can help identify the early signs of diesel bug infestation. For example, one of the first indications of microbial contamination is often mucous-like accumulations on fuel filters, along with an increased need to replace these filters. Additionally, you may notice a rotten fuel smell due to the sulfuric acidic byproducts produced by microbes. Testing can help detect these initial signs, allowing you to take proactive measures to address the issue.
Periodic testing and sampling of your fuel can be a crucial part of your maintenance routine. It allows you to monitor the condition of your fuel and identify any deviations from its normal state. By establishing a baseline through regular testing, you will be more likely to notice any unusual changes, such as fuel discoloration or increased fuel consumption, which could indicate the presence of diesel bug.
Furthermore, testing can help you assess the effectiveness of preventative measures. For example, if you've implemented water control strategies or used fuel treatments to disperse contaminants, testing can confirm whether these measures have successfully eliminated microbial growth. It can also guide your decision-making regarding the frequency of maintenance tasks, such as fuel polishing or tank cleaning, by providing data-driven insights into the state of your fuel.
In conclusion, regular fuel testing is a powerful tool in the fight against diesel fuel fungus. It enables early detection, proactive maintenance, and informed decision-making. By incorporating testing into your fuel management strategy, you can minimize the impact of diesel bug and maintain the optimal performance of your diesel engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Some signs of microbial contamination include the need to replace fuel filters more often, frequent cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors, and a rotten fuel smell.
Preventing fungus from growing in your diesel fuel is a matter of housekeeping. Control tank water buildup, use fuel treatments to disperse contaminants, and conduct routine system maintenance.
There are several products available to treat diesel fuel fungus, including Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide, Bell Performance Bellicide, and Biobar.
When left untreated, diesel fuel fungus can cause serious problems for your fuel, equipment, and wallet. The contamination will block filters and clog injectors, leading to problems with fuel gauging systems and potentially causing engine shutdown.
