Okay, I've heard some people I know make comments a few
times saying that they'd never buy a diesel truck or motorhome
because fungus grows in the fuel system and causes major,
read expensive, problems. I've never heard of this from other
sources. Is this a problem, or just "urban legend" ?????

Nope, no urban legend.

It's not fungus, it is algae. Yes, it grows in diesel, but it can be treated/killed with anti-algal products. And, yes it can cause problems. It is pretty easy to detect if you can get to the filter to see if it is green and slimy. If you find a rig infected, it may take several treatments and several filters (as it dies off, it has to be filtered out of the system), but it should be curable.

I treat every 6 months or so with a product called Biocide. You can find it at Diesel Injection Service. (www.thedieselpage.com).

Michael

No urban legend here, it actually does happen if the diesel is not properly conditioned when stored (actually it can happen in conditioned diesel as well). Fungus does grow in diesel and clog up fuel lines and injector pumps resulting in expensive repairs. This problem usually only arises when a diesel vehicle is stored for any length of time (over 6 weeks) where it gives time for the fungus to grow, especially in non treated/non conditioned diesel. Usually this doesn't harm diesels used on a regular basis. But fungus can also grow in gas station storage tanks that aren't properly serviced and where diesel sits for a long time. That is why it is important to find a diesel pump that is frequently used like truck stops.

Okay..................... What does "properly conditioned" mean ?????
Is there some additive I can put in the fuel tank on a periodic
basis or is just driving it, say one day a week enough that I don't
need to worry.

Nice question, I had pretty much forgotten about that. I want to buy dad's CTD someday, and it sits pretty much all the time.

its the water in the fuel that feed the organism

Dont worry about it.

Even heavily used tanks will grow algae......


I used to manage a fleet of trucks and a company fuel lane ... went through about 12000 gallons a week, when I took the operation over the tanks where NASTY.... So high volume isn't enought to guard against algae... We had to heavily treat "shock" the tanks to clean it up.... then suck the sludge/water from the bottom of our underground tanks..... then used a routine fuel additive to prevent the algae from coming back...

Any decent auto parts store will have Diesel fuel treatments which will include a biocide.....

Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ
Okay..................... What does "properly conditioned" mean ?????
Is there some additive I can put in the fuel tank on a periodic
basis or is just driving it, say one day a week enough that I don't
need to worry.

There is a number of diesel fuel biocides on the market. Also make sure to change out your fuel filters on a regular basis. Run a fuel/water seperator and drain the water often. Drain off water in your fuel tank if you are able to.

The algae (not fungus) will grow best in fuel with water in it. Your fuel pump and injectors hate either water or algae, so they are both a no-no.

I wouldn't worry about it in your brand new rig Gary. We had that problem in aircraft fuel systems (the fuel they use is basicaly a type of diesel) But it was rare. Use a fuel conditioner that removes water from your fuel and I'm sure your Dodge has a fuel/water seperator and will give you some kinda warning if it detects water in your fuel. Hell, my 86 has an Idiot light that comes on when the seperator become full, but it has never come on. (maybe it dont work :eek: ) It is an algae and it needs water to grow. I think your environment has alot to do with it. The only time I saw it in an aircraft was when I lived up in WA, I have never seen it down here.

Originally posted by Lemoore-on
I wouldn't worry about it in your brand new rig Gary. We had that problem in aircraft fuel systems (the fuel they use is basicaly a type of diesel) But it was rare. Use a fuel conditioner that removes water from your fuel and I'm sure your Dodge has a fuel/water seperator and will give you some kinda warning if it detects water in your fuel. Hell, my 86 has an Idiot light that comes on when the seperator become full, but it has never come on. (maybe it dont work :eek: ) It is an algae and it needs water to grow. I think your environment has alot to do with it. The only time I saw it in an aircraft was when I lived up in WA, I have never seen it down here.


Kewl. Yes, the truck does have a seperator and an idiot light
to tell you that there's water in it. I'll look into the fuel conditioner.
This is my first diesel and I'm learning as I go. Thanks Mike.