Community Forums

Jeff753 · 07-24-2016, 08:50 PM

I drained some fuel today to check for water and found some black specs. Is this Algae? I should note I started using opti lube fuel additive about 6 tanks ago.
I'm trying to post a picture but it says I've exceeded my quota and I can't figure out how to delete some.

MnTom · 07-25-2016, 07:48 AM

Are the black specs hard or soft? The hard ones are more that likely are chunks of rubber from a failing rubber fuel line and if the specks feel soft and slimy then it is an algae problem.

Jeff753 · 07-25-2016, 03:51 PM

I will check. The rig is 15 years old. I wondered if the new use of opti lube is scouring my fuel lines??
I'm thinking about getting west marines fuel test kit as soon as I find a west marine.

Jeff
2001 Dynasty Regent tag axle
Cummins 350 8.3 ISC
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
FMCA U60 Task Force Chairman

MnTom · 07-25-2016, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

I will check. The rig is 15 years old. I wondered if the new use of opti lube is scouring my fuel lines??

I doubt it. If it is the lines then it would be more of an age thing than any other.

**CountryFit** · 07-26-2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

I drained some fuel today to check for water and found some black specs. Is this Algae? I should note I started using opti lube fuel additive about 6 tanks ago.
I'm trying to post a picture but it says I've exceeded my quota and I can't figure out how to delete some.

a few years ago when i changed the fuel filters myself the first time since i got this coach, i noticed a lot of black flakes in the primary filter. i replaced the filters and started to use the Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment in every winter. it has not caused any issues so far and i didn't bother to do anything about it.

my suggestion to you is, change the filters now and keep an eye on it. as only as the engine runs as suppose to, change the fuel filters along with oil change and go out enjoy your trips.

Coma · 07-27-2016, 06:59 AM

This on your primary filter? Monaco seems to have use good fuel lines as I have not noticed any degradation. I would suspect algae. If you have started an algaecide recently then it is likely algae.

barmcd · 07-27-2016, 07:35 AM

Algae is black, but most people who have actually cut open a fuel filter say its a slimy black mass.

Airstreamer6 · 07-28-2016, 07:00 AM

I think fuels develop something called asphaltenes (sic) which is a natural degraduation process. It is observed as small, black specks or flakes. I can see it in the 5-gallon tanks I store fuel in for my generators. It develops in both diesel and gasoline. It's a natural condition caused by age breaking down the fuel.

Usually, microbe growth due to water in the fuel is blackish or brownish and often in long, stringy form. It will make a real goo mess on fuel filters and can shut down the engine due to clogging up the filters. It can be killed using somethinglike BioBar JF, popular with boaters who often have water problems more than us landlubbers.