Diesel problems

[Brit24]

I have a BX24 which started loosing power under load. A guy who helps me out checked filters and tank and found the tank outlet was almost completely blocked with gunk (technical word...).

The diesel was very cloudy and seemed to have congealed into a kind of goopy custard. We cleared everything out, removed and cleaned the tank, replaced both filters, and tractor has been running fine for a few hours even under heavy load.

However when I opened the tank filler cap to top up, I notice the fuel is looking cloudy again, so I'm worried the problem will come back again.

What could be making the diesel do this? I live in the south of England, so the climate is not extreme, just a bit damp! Since we cleaned tank and put clean fuel in, the temperature hasn't been below about 40 or above 75.

I'm scratching my head. My helper even suggested sabotage, but the tractor is locked in a garage when not being used, so seems unlikely.

Any ideas?

 

[familyman]

I would suggest that you run a diesel conditioner, like Diesel Kleen, from here on. I would also look into another source for fuel, as what you're getting seems questionable.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

As you mentioned you have dirty diesel. Was contaminated and probably contaminated again.
- Maybe water (from supplier or condensation and if biodiesel makes it worse)
o Test incoming diesel for contamination maybe getting distillation residues
o Stop all sources of condensation (keep tank full, etc..)


- Maybe Inorganic Matter
o rust and paint flakes, sand, dust or ethanol but doubt it from what you are saying..


- Organic Matter
o Microbes that live and feed in diesel / water. They will multiply and form colonies and produce corrosive organic acids, slime and sludge. Clean and use anti microbial additives until clean and then keep using for some time till you are sure it will not re-occur.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, it might be algae growing in your fuel. They make a treatment you can add to the fuel for algae.

 

[jonyyuma]

Be sure to use fresh fuel, not out of some 55 gallon drum??? follow thru if it is Biofuel..

 

[PoorMansCat]

Sounds like either algae or moisture... MY first thought would be algae. If its algae, a standard fuel conditioner isn't the best treatment for it. There are specific treatments for algae... Algae loves mild to warm climates and moisture in the air...
Someone stated to keep the fuel tank as full as possible, this is also a great idea... it helps displace available oxygen in the tank, which keeps moisture down.
Also, drain the fuel bowl regularly....