Algae?

sheepfarmer

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3560, B2650, Gator, Ingersoll mower
Nov 14, 2014
4,444
661
113
MidMichigan
: Algae?

Yes the clumps and colonies of "algae" can collect on the fuel filters. They are variously described as black and slimy, but I don't think the color is fixed. Single cells can pass through a filter. The cells need diesel fuel, air and water to live, so they set up housekeeping where they can find that, places like to fuel tank where water condenses.
 

shooter56

New member

Equipment
kubota L185 w/fel
Sep 25, 2015
150
0
0
CT.
I bought a duramax truck that would not stay running , the tank, filter had a blackish brown Algae growing in it. I had to pull it all apart clean the tank lines filter housing then used a algaecide on the first full tank. Turns out it was heating oil he was running from a outdoor farm tank.
 
Last edited:

mickeyd

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2014 L3200 DT w/LA524 FEL, 2019 Kubota Z121S w/ 48" Pro Dec, TG1860G w/RCK54TG
Mar 21, 2014
1,192
17
38
Guin, AL
When my diesel fuel supplier went to Bio-Diesel I immediately had algae problems clogging up the fuel filter.

After changing the fuel filter and cleaning up the lines, I started adding a little Biocide in each tankful and never had the problem again.
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
548
83
USA
I WILL NOT use bio-diesel in anything. In fact Kubota don't recommend or authorize it for any of their tractors.

I had a thousand dollar experience with BD in my pickup truck. Had to drop the tanks, replace the lift pump, level sending units and injectors. a grand in parts and my labor. if I had it done elsewhere, I figure about 3 grand.

I'm not and don't want to be that 'green'.

BD has a penchant for growing algae. my truck was loaded with the crap.

I use red dyed off road diesel in my tractors and I still add powerservice fuel treatment as well as biocide to my bulk tank. Not taking any chances.

The truck gets normal on road diesel and additives too. Bio Diesel is bad ju-ju far as I'm concerned.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
28,864
5,222
113
Sandpoint, ID
Hi, can a fuel filter stop/collect algae, and what does it look like? I have a GF1800. Thanks, Dan
No a filter can not stop or collect all the algae, you need to treat the fuel and the tank with a biocide.
 

Gene Blister

Member

Equipment
2019 Kubota B2601, FAL LA435, Snow Blower BX2822A, Land Pride rear blade RB1572
Aug 4, 2019
79
20
8
Cocolalla, Idaho
Hey Sidecar. Not to worry. When Alahandrra Orkazzyo-Korrtahz gets the New World Order's Green New Deal passed, we won't be using nasty engines anymore. All the bio-diesel will be fodder for our unicorns, and the marshmallow clouds will fluff pretty in the rainbow-colored skies.
 

bemota

New member

Equipment
L4350,GF1800E
Dec 10, 2012
11
0
1
Bemidji,Mn,USA
Ok, Thanks a lot , I have two in-line filters, the first one is full of black looking gunk, then the little pump, then the second filter, that has what looks like fine dust particles in it. Thanks again for the help, will get filters and some biocide/treatment before I run it again! Dan
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
548
83
USA
Hey Sidecar. Not to worry. When Alahandrra Orkazzyo-Korrtahz gets the New World Order's Green New Deal passed, we won't be using nasty engines anymore. All the bio-diesel will be fodder for our unicorns, and the marshmallow clouds will fluff pretty in the rainbow-colored skies.
I'm really looking forward to that. Thanks...:eek:
 

mickeyd

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2014 L3200 DT w/LA524 FEL, 2019 Kubota Z121S w/ 48" Pro Dec, TG1860G w/RCK54TG
Mar 21, 2014
1,192
17
38
Guin, AL
I WILL NOT use bio-diesel in anything. In fact Kubota don't recommend or authorize it for any of their tractors.
Bio Diesel is bad ju-ju far as I'm concerned.
I completely agree. When they first started selling it, I look at every diesel supplier within 50 miles and that is all any of them was selling so I had no choice.

Like I said, since using a very little Biocide in each tankful, NO more problems.
 

SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
548
83
USA
Only upside that I can see (smell) is the french fry smell of the exhaust.....

When I did use it and walked behind my pickup truck, I got the munchies...:D
 

200mph

Well-known member

Equipment
L4740-3 Cab, FEL, Fnt Snow Blower L2185, LP Finish Mower, LP Rotary Mower
Mar 3, 2017
1,228
60
48
PA
I would drain the contaminated fuel from the tank (dispose of properly), fill with fresh clean fuel and then add biocide of your choice. Also recommend using biocide for at least several tanks afterwards and to even consider using it as preventative measures long term.

Example (there are many out there): https://powerservice.com/psp_product/bio-kleen-diesel-fuel-biocide/