Diesel fuel noob . . .

[Stu Cozza]

I wonder if the Archoil line of additives would help for their respective tasks as designed. The offer an anti-gel (AR6300) additive that also contains a cleaner and cetane booster; they also offer a stronger cleaner (AR6400) and a general use additive (AR6500). One bottle of any of them, except when used in Diesel trucks, would seems to last a long time.

I use the Amsoil Cold Flow in my truck; it has worked well over the past many years, but my next additive(s) will be from Archoil. I use no additives outside of the coldest months of the year, although their 6400 is claimed to have the ability to clear out an almost plugged DPF.

 

[bgr]

From personal experience, if your tractor fuel tank is not completely full in fall and winter, you will get moisture in the tank, and algae will grow in the moisture. Fuel cans are even worse for moisture. You can also have snow sucked into the tank air vent if you are plowing in a heavy snow. Algae looks like black scum on the tank bottom. It grows on the surface interface between the moisture and the diesel fuel. It is hard to get rid of once it starts and plugs the fuel system. A good fuel station will have enough volume to keep their tanks clean, always use biocide, and put in anti gel, too, in the right proportion for the weather.

I have had both problems and they were not something I want to repeat. I always add biocide and anti gel at moderate levels in every tank in the winter, and biocide every 4 or 5 tanks in the summer.

Biocide goes in at very moderate levels unless you are fighting a problem, so a bottle will last you a long time. I add it to my fuel cans, so it keeps them clean. If I had a fuel storage tank on the place, it would get biocide every fill if my supplier didn't use it. With diesel fuel, you always want to know your supplier and what they put in their fuel, and with a tractor, not driving all over the country, you can do that.

Marine supply stores sell biocide at good prices if you can't find it locally. One brand is Biobor, I believe. Try West Marine. They sell on line and should also have stores by the Finger Lakes. Note that general "diesel fuel conditioners" don't have either of these unless they specifically say so on the label. Something that "cleans" the tank is not biocide. Biocide is usually sold by itself.

Hope you don't have to find out about these problems.

 

[MongoCT]

I saw someone mention online that you need to add an anti-algae substance to the fuel. What say you?

I'd give your fuel filter a good lookover and why not change it now. Probably $7-$8.

I've had my diesel tractor for about 5 years. Stored outside through New England winters. Gets used year-round from mowing and FEL/BH, moving stuff with pallet forks, and snow blowing in winter.

I have three 5-Gallon diesel cans. Forget the brand, but pricey at the time. Well sealed so they don't suck and blow atmospheric air in and out as the weather changes. That can help minimize potential moisture accumulation in the fuel.

I've not ever had the need to add an algaecide. I have a jug on hand. But I've never seen any discoloration or contamination or any sign of organics in the tractor's fuel system or in my storage cans.

Not asked, but I do use anti-gel during the winter. It gets added to my 5-gallon tanks when I bring the fuel home. Can't say if it helps, but I can say I've never had fuel issues in the winter. I have a small jug of 9-11 but obviously haven't had to use that. It's insurance I guess. Also not asked, but I add Lucas diesel additive year round. Can't say if it helps either, but those additives are each used at about 2 fluid ounces adder per 5-gallion tank, so I'm not crying over those pennies. I'm not crying even if they're dimes or quarters.

I would cry, or at least cuss and moan, if I had negative engine or fuel issues.