Diesel gel?

[JD755]

For many years I only used an additive (major brand) over the winter months. Last summer I changed to a new design additive specifically for diesel fuel (same major brand), and added it to every five gallon can when I bought fuel. That change may have nothing to do with this question but I list it for reference. I have never had any problems with fuel and the tractor fuel filter seems to stay clean. Recently I noticed some crud on the filter that is in the nozzle for my cans. I looked in the cans and saw more crud on the bottom. I cleaned the first can and this is what came out. Is this diesel gel?

 

[Marveltone]

Too warm for gel. Looks kind of like sludge to me. If you look closely, you'll likely notice most bulk diesel tanks are pitched slightly to the rear... away from the hose. This is to let the sludge slide to the back of the tank and not into the hose and into your tractor. The sludge can then be drained out a separate port out the back side. This is normal.

Diesel fuel begins to deteriorate as soon as it is produced. Within 30 days of refining, diesel fuel goes through a natural process called re-polymerization and oxidation. This process forms varnishes and insoluble gums in the fuel and drop to the bottom of the fuel tank and form what we know as diesel sludge.

This is why we use and change filters. The sludge will happen over time and the filters will also need to be changed over time. Just part of the operations.

That's my take on it. Anyone else?

Joe

 

[rswyan]

That's my take on it. Anyone else?

I would assume that whatever fuel treatment the OP is using has a biocide in it .... otherwise I might say algae ......

 

[JD755]

Too warm for gel. Looks kind of like sludge to me.

I also don't think it is gel, but I don't know when it appeared since I probably don't look at the filter every time. It could have occurred in cold weather. Does seem to be a varnish type sludge. Possible it came from the supplier's tank that way?

 

[RalphVa]

Diesel gel is solidified wax. It'll look like a mushy, more yellow form of the wax you'd buy off the shelf for canning your jam or jelly. It won't be black like this stuff.

Ralph

 

[JD755]

Thanks. I'm now thinking it is probably algae. Reading the wording on my additive it says it prevents water buildup which is needed for algae growth. Doesn't actually say it includes anything to kill algae. I need to look into that more and maybe change additive.

 

[MarkF48]

Diesel gel is solidified wax. It'll look like a mushy, more yellow form of the wax you'd buy off the shelf for canning your jam or jelly. It won't be black like this stuff.

Ralph

Your post made me think of my high cholesterol. I'm taking an "additive" for it.