Diesel Biocide seems to be good, but what about this...

LostInTheWoods · Apr 14, 2020

So, I own a Kubota BX series and have had frequent issues with what appears to be build up in the fuel tank (algae or bacteria - depends on who you ask) and subsequent fuel-starving behavior. Changing fuel filters and blowing compressed air back through the fuel line will provide temporary relief...maybe 10 minutes, maybe an hour...then symptoms return.

My suspicion is that it needs treatment with a biocide like Bio Kleen. This seems to be several favorable reviews here on TBN.

After that, has anyone had experience with Clear Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, or anything similar? The claim is that, after treating with Bio Kleen, the 'Fuel & Tank Cleaner' which "removes water and slime, disperses fuel contaminants and stabilizes fuel... or for immediate clean-up of equipment or fuel storage tanks".

As it stands, I am definitely going to treat with biocide. Then I was planning to take apart tractor to remove and clean the fuel tank:thumbdown:

Does the Clear Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner work well enough to actually provide 'immediate clean-up' of fuel tanks? Or is removing and cleaning the fuel tank unavoidable?

Slowpoke Slim · Apr 14, 2020

I would just drop and clean the tank. I know it's easy for me to say, but if you just put that cleaner in, well it all has to come out somewhere, and I wouldn't want to run all that crapola through my pump and injectors.

I'd probably take it to a radiator shop or similar, that is set up to flush and clean tanks.

Toss your current fuel filters when the tank is clean. That way you start off with a clean slate (tank + filter) again.

Then properly treat your new fresh fuel as a regular additive each time you get fuel.

TractorGuy · Apr 14, 2020

You're going to need to clean the tank. My little tractor had some in it from the previous owner. I didn't pull the tank but I rigged up a vacuum reservoir to suck as much crud out as I could.

I treat my fuel with Killem biocide and haven't had any problems with my other equipment or the JD since I cleaned it.

I also added a small engine filter on the hose coming out of the tank to provide early warning.

johncanfield · Apr 14, 2020

I use Biobor JF in all of my diesel equipment and Stabil for the gas engines.

xring100 · Apr 14, 2020

I run biobor JF also for biocide

LostInTheWoods · Apr 14, 2020

OK, thanks for the replies!

This was one of the questions I already knew the answer to, but was hoping for a 'miracle'. Time to biocide and get the fuel tank out, then keep up with treatments.

hiddentacocatneddih · Apr 14, 2020

How long or where are you storing your tractor that its growing stuff that bad in the fuel tank ? Curious if there is anything simple I can do to prevent this other than treatment

LouNY · Apr 14, 2020

I don't know what's involved with pulling your fuel tank, if it is very difficult I would be tempted to add the biocide then run a line to a temporary electric pump with a temporary inline filter and just circulate that fuel back into the tank. You can get a handfull of cheaper inline filters at your favorite discount auto for less then a tractor filter. Once the filters stop getting plugged up reconnect your stock system and use the tractor and fuel.
Also no matter how you clean your system continue to run the biocide for at least a few tanks of fuel.

Ortimber · Apr 14, 2020

shredxcam said:
How long or where are you storing your tractor that its growing stuff that bad in the fuel tank ? Curious if there is anything simple I can do to prevent this other than treatment

If you keep the water out of your fuel system, you won't have algae problems.

ruffdog · Apr 14, 2020

If you can get a tube to the low spot of the tank, a oil sucker like one of these works good. Get that tank clean!

WEST MARINE Manual Oil Changer, 6.9 Quart | West Marine

Tx Jim · Apr 15, 2020

shredxcam said:
How long or where are you storing your tractor that its growing stuff that bad in the fuel tank ? Curious if there is anything simple I can do to prevent this other than treatment

My understanding is algae,fungus,ETC in diesel fuel needs water to survive. Getting rid of water plus bio-cide application goes a long way to get rid of the problem

Texasmark · Apr 15, 2020

I run Power Services products with my diesels. I use the grey bottle in my 3 ea. 55 gallon drums in the designated "fuel trailer" when I go to town to fill up. Before filling a drum, I look down at the remaining fluid in the tank (sitting below the pump pickup tube) and it's red and crystal clear, no algae, no water, nothing but off road diesel. Also use a filter after the pump (12v TSC cheapest). Zero problems.

Peter 315 · Apr 15, 2020

You can get this and test your storage tank..........Gasoila All Purpose Water Finding Paste, 2 oz. Tube at Tractor Supply Co.

dodge man · Apr 15, 2020

Part of the problem with BX tractors is the small filters that plug up easy. There are several threads on how to add a larger, better filter.

fried1765 · Apr 15, 2020

LostInTheWoods said:
OK, thanks for the replies!

This was one of the questions I already knew the answer to, but was hoping for a 'miracle'. Time to biocide and get the fuel tank out, then keep up with treatments.

Forget about removing the tank!
It is not necessary, unless you know that you have something that is physically plugging the tank outlet, like rust or other debris.
I had a boat (was 19 years old when I sold it) with 900 gallons of diesel storage.
As I am sure you can understand, I would never have considered removing the 3 boat tanks (would have needed to cut the boat apart).
I had a fuel polishing system, and occasionally cycled the fuel through a separate set of filters.

Drain your tank, and replace with fresh fuel, adding Biobor JF to the fresh fuel.
Biobor JF will kill whatever might be growing in your tractor tank.

shooterdon · Apr 15, 2020

I had to have the tank on the 30 YO JD855 flushed and cleaned. It worked fine after that.

I use the Power Service Biocide and Clear Diesel additives. I do not listen to the "experts" as some of them are heavy users and go through a lot of fuel. I might put on 100 hours a year, and fuel can sit for a long time both in my 50 gal storage tank or the tractor fuel tank. I see it as cheap insurance. In the winter, I add the anti-gel as well. BTW, I have my storage tank in the garage on HF dollies. Keeping it in the garage reduces the temperature swings that produce condensation.

ruffdog · Apr 15, 2020

Here are some great tips:

Microbial contamination of diesel fuel - Wikipedia

TractorGuy · Apr 15, 2020

I didn't know any product would kill or dilute the algae after it was present in the system. Pretty sure you will have to suck it out as best you can. A small hose shop vac could be used to get it out. If the opening is large enough to get your hand and arm in you can mop the empty tank out after vacuuming. Alternately you can attach a rag to a stick and mop it.

I still think adding a filter inline on the hose coming out of the tank is the best early warning system. I have done it to both of my tractors and my diesel generator. When I cleaned the rust out of my backhoe fuel system the add on filter clogged a couple of times shortly after but hasn't clogged again in a couple of years.

Lots of chemical solutions to prevent it from forming.

Reb954 · Apr 15, 2020

TractorGuy said:
I didn't know any product would kill or dilute the algae after it was present in the system. Pretty sure you will have to suck it out as best you can. A small hose shop vac could be used to get it out. If the opening is large enough to get your hand and arm in you can mop the empty tank out after vacuuming. Alternately you can attach a rag to a stick and mop it.

Unless you have a spark and static proof shop vac you should never vacuum highly flammable materials with one. The motor produces sparks which can ignite the fumes and/or dust or you can get static electricity which will ignite the fumes and/or dust.