Biocide additive in diesel - yes or no?

[RV'nOldTimer]

What say you? Many times our unit sits unused for weeks or months or is only used for short runs so the big tank of diesel doesn't get replaced.

That isn't all bad. Yesterday I filled that tank for only three hundred bucks! Now, That's bad.

I've recently read that the new ultra low sulphur diesel has a short tank life - as little as six weeks before it begins to "repolymerize" and form sludge and that this is what is often identified as algae or bacteria. But I saw something about magnets, so . . . .

What is the forum wisdom?

JT

[Jack R]

can't hurt.

jack

[bbeane]

JT, a biocide in the fuel now days is a must with low sulfur fuel. The problem is not the "tank life of the fuel" rather the in ability of the fuel because of the lack of sulfur to stop the growth of bacteria (thats the black slime that clogs filters). We store fuel for stationary power units for long periods with no problems as long as you keep biociede in it. The boat guys have been dealing with this issue for years.

[Route 66]

I don't know if ULSD has a shorter storage life than LSD but I do believe in biocides.

Cheap insurance.

[Vegasdan]

Just keep the tank as full as possible, forget about magnets.

[Ray,IN]

Algae only grows where water and diesel fuel meet. Keep your filters changed per schedule, only buy fuel at high-volume stations, when not driven for weeks- keep tank full, and you should never have an algae growth issue.

[RV'nOldTimer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegasdan Just keep the tank as full as possible, forget about magnets.

Yeah. The magnets comment in the article raised my eyebrows. Had to do with "polishing" fuel but if one item is questionable it raises doubts on the other points in the article.

Like others here, T'm inclined to use a biocide. On the tank fill, I used up my supply and was looking for more on line and bumped into the article on "polishing" which questioned biocide use.

Any preferred brands?

JT

[Pairajays]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV'nOldTimer Yeah. The magnets comment in the article raised my eyebrows. Had to do with "polishing" fuel but if one item is questionable it raises doubts on the other points in the article. Like others here, T'm inclined to use a biocide. On the tank fill, I used up my supply and was looking for more on line and bumped into the article on "polishing" which questioned biocide use. Any preferred brands? JT

In my opinion, biocides are the same as snake oil. In my 20+ years of RVn, I have never used biocides and have never had a problem with algae. However, I have never had my MH parked for several months in a cold or wet climate such as you would encounter in the North East during the winter. That may account for my good fortune.

I don't know what the cost to treat 100 gals of diesel with a biocide is but I would question the statement that the cost is insignificant. If i bought everything available on the market that protects me from something, I wouldn't have enough money to go anywhere.

Jim E

[WOODYDEL]

If you use Star Tron you won't have to worry. Plus it will fix other problems. It's cheap to use. Tiny bottle does a whole bunch of fuel.
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - HOME

[RJay]

As an advocate of biocides I was shocked to read the following article. Here is another point of view although somewhat biases one.

[RV'nOldTimer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay As an advocate of biocides I was shocked to read the following article. Here is another point of view although somewhat biases one.

The first article cited was the one I saw. Notice the reference to the use of magnets in one device for fuel polishing.

A year or so ago I thought I was having fuel problems but it turned out to be a bad fuel (lift) pump. That can mimic clogged filters. I still carry spare fuel filters though.

JT

[RJay]

I was a little concerned that the use of biocides could make the problem worst by turning the slime into solids. It doesn't say that they would sink or float.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I fill the tank and add a dose of algaecide when I know thew coach is going to be unused for a few months, i.e.w ehn we are at our winter home base in FLorida. Mositure is a problem here, so a full tank + the algaecide is a wise precaution. It only takes a few ounces to treat my 150 gallon tank, so a pint bottle lasts quite a while. I use Biobar Jf (from West Marine, $24). Pri-Ocide is another well known brand.