Fuel Algae
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
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.
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.
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
currently drive the 83 300SD
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
'98 S320 & '12 S350 BlueTec
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.
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
mercedes 300DT 83, 300DT 85, E300D 96
similar problem with '83 300D and '85 300D
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Likes: 4
From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
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.
Last edited by drgeeforce; Feb 24, 2014 at 06:47 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
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MB300D-'85 , E300D-96
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
