Water in fuel causes $10,000 damage to my Kubota Grand L6060

[Bob Rooks]

That's algae...only way to get rid of it is by using "biocide". Never had this crap until they started blending diesel with ag crops.

No, it's not alga, it's bacteria/fungus. A microbial growth that forms in the interface between fuel and water.

noun
plural noun: algae

a simple, nonflowering, and typically aquatic plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. Algae contain chlorophyll but lack true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue.



Algae and fungi are two groups of organisms. Algae belong to the kingdom Protista whereas, fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi. Algae are autotrophs, and Fungi are heterotrophs. Algae contain photosynthetic pigments.

​

 

[Bob Rooks]

Looks like algae carcasses to me. Diesel fuel algae looks like small poppy seeds and those carcasses can destroy a fuel system quick.

A common misconception. Not algae at all. It's a microbial fungus.

 

[sailonner]

Like the title says, water in fuel caused me a $10,000 repair bill to my 2017 Grand L6060 with about 1200 hours on it. The water caused rust in the fuel rail which caused damage to the injectors. I have had fuel problems with this tractor since its new.

I have a 100 gal. nurse tank that I use to fuel my tractors. I assume that condensation is happening in this tank. I do add a fuel 'cleaner' to each 100 gallons I put in the nurse tank. I guess this is mostly my fault, because I don't monitor the water separator on the tractor closely enough. I will check it more often now after this.

 

[sailonner]

One way to rid diesel fuel of water is to add some ethanol alcohol. It absorbs water. I have added it to boat diesel fuel tanks to help rid the tank of water. The motor will run a little hotter. Just don't add too much! 10% by volume if I remember

Ethanol-Diesel Blends

 

[5030]

A common misconception. Not algae at all. It's a microbial fungus.

Whatever it is, it grew in the diesel and a biocide prevents it. All I know is, it destroys a fuel system once it gets inside. Been there and did that and remediation is expensive (not a tractor), my diesel truck.

 

[ruffdog]

One way to rid diesel fuel of water is to add some ethanol alcohol. It absorbs water. I have added it to boat diesel fuel tanks to help rid the tank of water. The motor will run a little hotter. Just don't add too much! 10% by volume if I remember

Ethanol-Diesel Blends

Alcohol does not "rid" the water. Instead, it allows the water and fuel to mix and be burned. That is the issue. I would rather physically remove the water before the injectors and pump get damaged by it.

 

[blee03]

Glad you had KTAC insurance to cover that. We use a big Mr Funnel to strain water out when filling the tractors

Did this tractor have KTAC?
KTAC wouldn't cover this since its a fuel quality issue right?

 

[sailonner]

Alcohol does not "rid" the water. Instead, it allows the water and fuel to mix and be burned. That is the issue. I would rather physically remove the water before the injectors and pump get damaged by it.

 

[sailonner]

On many boats we ran a Racor fuel/water separator/filter. Usually a 10-12 micron filter. That for sure removes most of the water from the fuel. But if the acohol emusifies the water in the fuel, and you burn it running the engine, you actually do get "rid" of the water in the exhaust gas. Boats have way more problems with water in the fuel than tractors. Much more condensation in the tanks.

 

[big bubba]

so now this discussion has me thinking i will switch from Howes to the following PS treatment. never had gelling or algae, don't think this particular PS has algicide. neither does Howes. recommendations? do i need to get another product with?
although my pre Tier 4 injection system is not as vulnerable, no one needs repairs like the OP. best of luck
may have to open link in new tab.

PK-80-OZ-Diesel-Kleen-Cetane-Boost-Diesel-Fuel-Injector-Cleaner-Cetane/1452629783