passcheco

I have a 84 300TD and was told that my Diesel Fuel tank has Algea, anybody knows how to reduce/eleminate? Thanks for the help.

lkchris

Algaecide.

Untertürkheim

There are various biocides meant for that, although you will need to change your fuel filters after using.

passcheco

Thanks, is any one product "better the others" on the web I found something called Algae-X? Has anyone tried? Thanks

TMAllison

A couple of tanks of B99 is also effective. Carry extra of both filters and tools to swap them.

If present, you ought to see black flecks in the inline filter.

Very common prob in boats; check with local marine supply if can't find a biocide elsewhere.

Crazy MB Rob

One main thing you're going to want to do (if you haven't already) is along with the pre filter and main fuel filters... Replace the fuel tank strainer and the rubber hose coming out of the bottom of the fuel tank. It's a screen that makes sure no large particles get into the fuel lines on the way to the engine. But algae can clog up the openings in this screen causing problems.
I also run diesel additive made by Power Service. One you may want to use is Bio Kleen. Check it out on their website: http://www.powerservice.com/bk/
I normally run diesel kleen in my old benz diesels with good results: http://www.powerservice.com/dk/. But I would definitely recommend the strainer and Power Service additives.

S350blue

I had that problem in '84 with my '77 240D when it had 220000 miles on it. I completely removed tank and emptied it before putting a gallon of gasoline in it and sloshing it around for 30 minutes. I did replace the strainer and fuel line coming off the bottom as well like Crazy MB Rob suggested and never had any more issues with algae after that. It would clog prefilters up every 100 miles it was so bad. I'd carry a half dozen with me and would stop &replace whenever the car would start starving for fuel as it slowed down gradually.

torokubota

I had the algae problem w/ 2 cars at the same time! It was a gift from the local bio diesel supplier. The in line pre-filter can be cleaned out w/ shot of simple green and flush w/ warm water. Shake out and air dry a supply of them. I couldn't see buying them by the bushel bag. Sold the '83 at 476,300 miles to my yard man and it still runs great-- never had to change injectors either.

ImInPA

A common after-effect of the algae issues with diesel, is that, depending on how much has built up, it tends to clog fuel filters. Not a big deal, but, you should be aware of it. A gallon B99 will definitely help. The best preventive measure is to keep your tank as full as full as possible. and keep fresh fuel in the tank.

drgeeforce

My apologies for a late bump. I've recently gained lots of experience in diesel engines and water/algae problems. I had water problems in my 2010 GL350 BTC even after buying from branded suppliers. Luckily I learned my lesson the inexpensive way, with 3 filter changes, a tank drain and line flush, from an independent shop. Now,you can buy a Racor water separator or use an inline filter that can swap out cheaply and easily. This is all placed before the fuel reaches the stock filter/heater. In addition, I recommend B20 to keep it clean. Biodiesel has high lubricity in addition to it's water scavenging properties. You can buy B100 and mix with petrol diesel to get B20 then store in 50 gal tank with anhydrous silica beads for a week, will make it bone dry. Algae needs water and without water, algae can't live.

Poipuduck

Use algaecide ( Marine supply stores a good source) . Get a couple extra in line filters. Change when black specs start clogging the mesh screen. They can be cleaned out w/ simple green and warm water/ shake and air dry for re-use later. If not u will need a shoe box full of them. BE PREPAIRED to change tank filter. I got algae in 2 300Ds at the same time. Bad bio from local dealer. Cured problem and only had to change 1 in tank filter. You could also pull line at bottom of tank/ drain / strain fuel and reuse. I sold one of the 300Ds in 2013 w/ 476K miles -- ran great . One before I sold at 468K ( a '78 300D ) present 300D has only 174k -85 Calif. and no more algae. Use an additive I use RED Line 85 every fuel fill and it does work. Aloha PD