milky diesel

[RandyT]

Trying to help a guy with a Kubota diesel Z turn that is having power and rpm lose issues. Guy has changed the filters and the pump but has discovered a milky emulsion in the diesel Water mixed with diesel or the start of algae.

 

[rScotty]

I've never seen diesel fuel turn milky with water - although trans/hydraulic fluid commonly turns milky when it gets more water in it than it can handle. Usually from rainwater running down the shift levers and into the trans/hydraulic sump.

Usually what i see in diesel is a separation of the water and fuel. Diesel is kind of a transparent fluid with a faint yellowish cast, and floats on top of the water which is kinda murky sometimes. But I haven't seen them mix.

Whatever it is that he has going on, I'd get rid of it, put in new diesel, and add some diesel biocide. Power Service makes diesel treatment chemicals and sells through Ace, Walmart, & most any auto store.

 

[RandyT]

From doing a little more research it appears it may be emulsified water. Happens when water contaminated diesel fuel is agitated.

 

[5030]

Power Service Bio Kleen it ain't cheap but it works. Only biocide sold that carries the MSDS label. I'd be adding a Racor filter unit and a 2 micron spin on cartridge as well.

 

[RjCorazza]

Water will settle in a matter of minutes after agitation. Microbial contamination may take longer to settle beneath the diesel, but on top of the water.
Whatever the contamination is, the first step is to remove and flush the contaminated fuel from the tank, filter, and lines. Then determine how the fuel was contaminated. Check the fuel source and evaluate how it's stored.

 

[nyone]

Drain and tank and refill. You should also find out where the water is coming in.

 

[RandyT]

Drain and tank and refill. You should also find out where the water is coming in.

Told the guy to drain the tank, rinse, add new fuel along with tank clear and bio-kleen

 

[5030]

Bio Kleen is the ONLY certified EPA biocide on the market today. All the others claim that they have a biocide added (like Howes for instance) but unless there is an MSDS label attached to the bottle (as required by Federal Law), it's BS.