All,
A couple of disclaimers: I'm new to this forum and to the tractor world. On top of that, I'm certainly no expert on anything. Just had to get that out of the way right up front. However, I've been reading this thread and thought I might throw out a potentially useful (and hopefully readily available) option that might help everyone contend with the algae issue. Let me also insert here that I do not work for the manufacturer or supplier of the product I'm about to mention. I just thought the information I read about it, even if only partially true, would make it a very good option. Look to your local marina or boat retailer. There are plenty of diesels in the marine sector and they have to deal with these same issues, not to mention the extra EPA scrutiny. I've seen plenty of products marketed for this purpose (I've been been a boat owner and/or around boats my entire life), but came across one the other day that the manufacturer's claims caught my attention. It's called "Startron Diesel Fuel Additive" marketed by / available from Star Brite, 4041 SW 47 Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314 (800-327-8583 FAX: (954) 587-2813
www.starbrite.com). Star Brite is a fairly big name in the marine industry for cleaners, waxes and many other boat-related items, and their products are carried by just about all marine retailers. I've even seen their products in Wal-Mart. What caught my attention about this product (reiterating the manf claims): (1) It is/uses a naturally occuring enzyme (that alone must thrill the EPA). It supposedly also (2) modifies how the deisel fuel burns (provides for more complete and uniform combustion); (3) prevents new and disperses existing harmful microbial growth; (4) cleans the fuel delivery system and combustion chambers; (5) stabilizes fuel chemistry; and (6) reduces engine emissions. Wow, if it does all of that for marine diesels, it surely must be good for a tractor. What also caught my attention was the following manf claim, which directly relates to this thread: QUOTE: "Known as "diesel algae," these are primarily fungi, yeast and mold contaminates. If left untreated, diesel algae will ruin the fuel causing clogs in filters, fuel lines and injectors. Common treatment for this problem up until now has been the use of a biocide to kill existing growth and prevent future infestation. The use of a biocide can however cause other problems. Once the growth is killed, it settles to the tank bottom where it decays forming organic acids. The acids then deteriorate the fuel and cause corrosion of the tank walls, injectors and fuel delivery system. Additionally, biocides can be harmful to all those who handle them or come in contact with treated fuel plus, they can cause environmental damage if spilled. Startron uses its nontoxic enzyme technology to breakdown microbial growth into sub-micron size particles. These microscopic particles are then either safely burned away or filtered out." END QUOTE. Starbrite also makes the claim that STARTRON is the only treatment that prevents biological growth and eliminates existing growth without the use of toxic chemicals.
Okay, I know I sound like the head Starbite marketing person, but I swear I'm not! Like I said, reading this thread caused me to immediately think about this product that I read about only a few days ago in one of the boating magazines I receive. It is apparently available in 8, 16, and 32 fluid oz bottles and gallon jugs. I don't have a clue how much it costs, but Star Brite says that a single ounce treats 32 gallons of diesel, so a small bottle should last a long while, considering that most of these tractors hold less than 10 gallons.
Just another option I thought I should share.
Jim
