Diesel Algaecide

Dean · Jun 25, 2018

I have a Kubota diesel RTV that is rarely used, and I'm wondering if I need be concerned with algae in the fuel.

The RTV is nearly one year old and I topped off the fuel tank when it arrived but have not added fuel since due to lack of use. I use dyed off road fuel bought from a local Sinclair station.

Today I read the labels on all of the diesel fuel treatment products at both my local CNH/Kubota dealer and my local farm store. None of the product labels say anything about algae so I assume that none are effective algaecides.

Anyone have a product to recommend or need I even be concerned?

Dean

ohiojim · Jun 25, 2018

if it's kept inside I wouldn't worry about it

tim s · Jun 25, 2018

I think the algae has to be introduced to the fuel tank from other fuel sources..

Steve@Advance · Jun 25, 2018

I would not be too concerned as long as it is stored inside and you're sure it doesn't have bio-diesel in it.

Probably the biggest threat will be rodent damage. Keeping it away from the wall, away from other clutter, and uncovered will somewhat discourage rodents.

If mine, I would disconnect the battery, maybe even remove it and store it with a tender on it. Keep an eye on the tires, don't let them sit flat.

Still, it needs to be run at least annually. Not just started, but taken out and operated. Then replace the engine oil, (even if it has very little time on it), before it goes back into storage.

john in la · Jun 25, 2018

First off it is not algae. Algae needs light to grow.
It is a bug or microorganism.
It lives in the interface of water and diesel.
This makes it a big problem for boats.
So if you have clean diesel and no condensation problems you can not get the bug.

If you have condensation problems you may want to use a biocide.
Bio-Kleen is a good one.

Dean · Jun 25, 2018

Thanks, John.

I thought it was algae because that's what everyone calls it but, of course, algae, being a plant does require sunlight. Duh.

I buy my fuel in plastic 5 gallon cans from a service station with an above ground off road tank. It looks like it has been a long time since the filters were changed. I'll take a look for Bio-Kleen.

Dean

Dean · Jun 25, 2018

Thanks, Steve.

It is kept inside but I do not know what the local Sinclair service station is putting in his dyed off road above ground tank.

I do keep De-Con in both of my pole barns and do put a battery maintainer on the battery for a week or so every month or six weeks. It has a computer so there is always a small drain on the battery.

It's not really stored but used rarely, maybe every two or three months.

Dean

john in la · Jun 25, 2018

A quart will do over 800 gallons.
You can get it for about $38 so that equates out to about 0.045 cents per gallon of fuel.
BIO KLEEN DIESEL FUEL BIOCIDE

Russ from MN · Jun 25, 2018

I use a little BIO KLEEN once in awhile, just to be on the safe side, along with a little 2-cycle oil. I only burn 50-60 gallons of diesel a year, and haven't had a problem, but don't want one. Once when I was driving sugar beet truck the fuel filter on the farm pump kept plugging, took 1/2 hour to fill the truck!

c.d.1951 · Jun 25, 2018

my diesel experience was with Mercedes-Benz (diesel cars) during the height of diesel sales for them during the 1970's - 80's, and later ownership of M-B Turbodiesel cars. I always used Red Line diesel additives with a noticeable performance improvement. If your tractor has a vented cap then moisture vapor can enter the system. Always keep the tank full (same for your gas car). Change your filter(s) often - keep the system clean. BIOBOR JF is another product to consider. https://www.redlineoil.com/Content/files/tech/85%20Plus%20Tech%20Info.pdf

Billy Shafer · Jun 25, 2018

I agree with John it is not algae. If you have algae you have problems. A little Bio-Kleen wouldn't hurt. The biggest problem I saw on RV generators. Was lack of use. Never understood why people would pay that much for an RV. Then let it sit and rot. I would go through the complete system. Make sure every thing works. The one thing I hated. Was hearing some owner crying. Because the RV he hasn't used in five years is broken. And he was leaving on vacation in the morning. If he can get his wife to cool down. Not my fault she was ready to kill.

Texasmark1 · Jun 26, 2018

Power Services has an interesting history and gives you some insight into who and what makes it tick....google if curious. I use their products and I (knock on wood) have zero fuel/fuel delivery/fuel related problems. One of their products, grey bottle or white, I forget, is made for storage. Popularly sold around here and price competitive.

Diesel Algaecide

Dean

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ohiojim

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tim s

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Steve@Advance

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john in la

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Dean

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Dean

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john in la

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Russ from MN

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c.d.1951

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Billy Shafer

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Texasmark1

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