Servicing all of the Florida Keys
The only fuel cleaner in the Keys certified by
the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
What is Fuel Contamination?
The main problem encountered with diesel fuel is contamination from algae,
microorganisms of bacteria, fungus and yeast. Individually extremely small
(100x smaller in diameter than a human hair), they form colonies that grow
into long strings and clumps which can clog fuel lines and filters. Algae
survive on the carbon and hydrogen in the fuel and the oxygen in suspended
& bottom water. If your tank has significant bottom water, the algae
problem will be more severe. The by-products of algae are acid and sludge
which contribute to contamination and corrosion in the tank and engine. Biocides
can be very effective in killing off algae, however, the dead organisms
accumulate in the bottom of the tank. After time or in rough water, the
contamination in the bottom can become suspended in the fuel causing plugged
filters and motor operation problems.
Where does Contamination Come From?
When diesel leaves the refinery, it is clean, with an acceptable water content.
Every stop the fuel makes on its way from the refinery to your boat is an
opportunity to pick up algae and water. By the time it reaches your tank,
the fuel has become contaminated to some degree. The problem can become worse
in your tank if water is present or condensation is allowed to accumulate.
The darkness of a fuel tank, especially in warm climates, is the ideal
environment for algae growth. Most boaters who are aware of the problem algae
can cause, use a biocide which will effectively kill the organisms but will
not eliminate the contamination problem. The algae skeletons, along with
dirt and rust that may have been trapped in the algae mat, fall to the tank
bottom as sludge.
What Problems can Contamination Cause?
Operational problems can occur with only trace amounts of contamination.
The most common problem is prematurely plugged fuel filters and plugged water
separators. In severe cases, the fuel line can become partially or totally
blocked. The microorganisms form deposits on injectors that can lead to
inefficient fuel injection and reduced operation economy. These conditions
can lead to unanticipated engine stoppage which can be a serious problem
especially if your are navigating in tight areas or in bad weather. Corrosion
of metal parts is a potentially costly problem that is caused by the acid
by-product of algae, hydrogen sulfide. This acid can corrode fuel tanks,
injector pumps, injectors and fuel lines and can also attack hoses and tank
linings. The problem is particularly severe in fuel tanks where the algae
mat traps both moisture and acid against the tank surface. If undetected
serious tank damage can result.
How do you Detect the Problem?
A first sign is dark, smoky exhaust that persist even after the engine has
warmed up. The accumulation of algae on filters and in fuel lines will eventually
cause your engine to starve for fuel. Loss of power at higher RPM is a sign
of this. Motor stoppage, especially if it is first encountered in rough seas
is a sign of significant bottom sludge which becomes suspended in the fuel
in rolling seas and is sucked into the fuel pick up tube. A dark brown or
black slime on fuel filters is another sign of severe algae. Any discovery
of corrosion in the fuel tank, or other metal parts that contact the fuel
should be investigated. A more subtle indicator, one your diesel mechanic
may detect, is hard deposits on engine injectors. Normal deposits should
wipe clean with a cloth.
Indicators of contamination are:
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