BX fuel filters and bio-cide from STA-BIL

[cerlawson]

Been struggling with plugged fuel filter on my BX which now has only 220 hrs. Managed to get 100 hrs on first filters but only by keeping the tank near full. Since then got 42 hrs on filters, then 28, 15, 15, finally 22 hours.

Before the last 22 hours I removed the tank, and did the best I could to clean it. Got nothing out that appeared a problem. Dealer said I did what they would do.

Of interest is that including the first 15 and later changes of filters I was using treatment of any biologist growth under the STA-BIL name.

Needless to say I am finally biting the bullet and replacing the rear filter with a larger one made for the Grand-L tractor, per the U-tube video demo by Paul short, "WildFire".

This STA-BIL Diesel Biocide at 50 degrees F is a near solid. At 70F it flows easily. I am wondering if the stuff solidifies in the fuel and is the latest.culprit. All fuel fed to the tank since 138 hrs is run through a funnel with a very fine screen that will hold back water.

For your info I have a device where I can evaluate the filtering abilities of these filters. It is a cylinder holding maybe a liter of fuel and I check the time to drain it through the filter. A new one drains at 52 seconds, while the last replaced one takes 80 seconds for the same. Room temp there at 55 F. I have yet to tear it apart to see if any gook there. None of previous removed filters showed visible gunk or dirt.

Comments? All previous larger tractors I have had never required a fuel filter change or cleaning. I am in a different area now and get fuel at a station with heavy turnover.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

I talked about "infected" fuel systems with a diesel mechanic who used to work on Mercedes cars. One lady came in two or three times with clogged tank and lines. They'd flush it and in a couple months, she was back again, especially during the warmer months. They finally solved it with Biocide. You have to fill the tank all they way to near overflow after treatment to kill off all the algae. If any remains, it will blossom in the heat and return. They let the vehicle sit for 24 hours after treatment before starting it up to make sure they killed everything in the tank.

As for which treatment has low temperature flow capabilities, I am not sure which is best. Most of those treatments result from algae blooms during warmer months. I treat my fuel on a full tank once a year just to be safe, usually in late Spring.

You are not seeing material in your inspections. Do your filters appear clogged with any material? The StaBil may be the culprit if you say it hardens up. It may stay just out of solution when cold and then stop when it hits your fuel filter. I swapped out my fuel filter right after I bought my machine and it has been on and clear/clean for over 100 hours. But, I don't see the cold weather you see and I don't use StaBil algaecide.

Good luck,

Ray

 

[rjcorazza]

I haven't had any algae issues with diesel, but believe water in the fuel is necessary for growth to occur. Could be wrong about that though.
I am familiar with the filtering funnels you describe, and I have used them on occasion to pre-filter diesel I knew to be contaminated. Mine filtered out 100u and larger particles, as well as separated water.
My number one priority would be to switch my fuel supply... JMHO.

 

[85Hokie]

I have been using this since I had 10 hours on my BX......

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Funnel-AF1...62150071&sr=8-3&keywords=diesel+filter+funnel

it filters out 100% of water and other crap, I have had ZERO fuel problems! I do add stuff in winter and I do add other fuel lubricators. But I have to say - this filter does it's job well!

 

[cerlawson]

For hose interested in replacing the first BX filter with a larger one, as Paul Short shows on his U-tube video, the one he used has been replaced with 15521-43015. That also apparently replaces several other filter units. The replaceable cartridges are 15521-43160. The cost of the assembly varies from $46 to $80, with best deal at Messics.

With this change I hope the grief of frequent fuel stoppages will be over for me.

 

[Grouse Feathers]

If you have biological growth you will still have to change filters. The slime from the dead bugs plugs filters. The larger filters should at least last longer and be easier to change.

 

[snowblower1]

I would check the fuel sensor. I had to replace mine to clogging of fuel filter. After removing the tank I found that the sensor was rusted and it was clogging the filter. put new sensor in and have not any more issues.

 

[cerlawson]

Mr. Snowblower:

I had heard that these might cause that, so I got to it and found it in perfect shape and no rust, etc. I did the best I could to clean the tank also, but found no crud coming out. Now am pointing to bio problems and the so called treatment might not be so good. The supplier of the fuel says they do not use bio diesel, which also could be a problem.

This sure is a frustrating thing. However, I am getting quite efficient at clearing out the "obstructions"under there to get at the rear filter. It still is taking a matter of some hours. I wonder if there is a way to get to the engineers that designed this and hang them by the gonads.

 

[bxray]

Well engineers do not have to repair things so they have no clue.

It sounds like the sta-bil is a problem, solid at 50?
Try warming up the filters with a hair dryer on low?
Have you cracked open a filter to see what is in there?
After the next clean out try a different additive.
And maybe a different fuel station.

Ray

 

[RCW]

Not that it really has a bearing, but I've used Power Service (white bottle) from day one, year around. No issues, but I don't think that has a biocide component?

I really hope you get it figured out - I know you've had issues with your tractor for a long time.

Best wishes!

 

[bxray]

You may not even need biocide.
What made you use it?
Ray

 

[cerlawson]

BXRay:

The stopping problem started early on in the first 100 hrs. Went through a new pump, (not needed), new tank cap, also probably not needed, so late in the failure stages decided on STA-BIL bio -cide in each 5 gal can bought. It is the only such product at a local farm supply hardware outfit (Tractor Supply).
Next plan is donating all such fuel to step-son for cleaning parts, starting wood fires. etc. Then try to clean all parts, new filters, etc., followed by fresh fuel.

 

[armylifer]

I have almost 400 hours on my tractor and I have never changed a fuel filter. Am I just lucky or what? How often is the normal change interval?

 

[Ike]

I use the power service bio cide year around and have no had a problem in cold weather. I went thru the alage problem on my skid steer and I find it much easier to add i cide than to replace 60.00 fuel filters. I almost bet it is the biocide you are using turning solid in the filter. If it is alage you can look and the filter and see it in the filter. It looks like brown snot. With the power service it eats everything up in the tank so the bugs will be gone for good I hope