Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Moldy fuel filter

[rralph]

Today I had my fuel filter changed at a D/C dealership. I asked the mechanic if I could watch and learn during the process as I

experienced some serious vapor lock last time I changed it myself,

the thought being that I could pick up some helpful hints to avoid

the same situation in the future. He agreed and everything was

cool but when he pulled the filter out of the canister I noticed it

(the filter) had pockets of gray all over it. He took a look at it and said that it was Mold!! He went on to say that he is seeing it more

and more as he does fuel filter changes, and attributed it to water

in the tank of the dealer. He then asked me if I always got my fuel

at the same dealer, and I had to answer "yes" as I always get the best price on fuel there. This is a Shell station!

Has anyone else ever experienced this? Should I run some additive such as Stanadyne to clear out the injectors and tank?\

This guy is a top notch mechanic and I trust his opinion. .



Thanks guys (and/or gals)

 

[MCharlebois]

do a search and you should find alot-it was discussed a while ago

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

In the meantime grab a bottle of Power systems 911 power kleener. Shock the tank much like shocking a pool and that will kickstart the killing process. As the colder months are coming, and condensation will be forming alot easier inside the tank. That will help keep things in good order in your tank.



Better safe than sorry.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

In fact I use theese along with Howe's on a regular basis.



http://www.powerservice.com/diesel_911.asp



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Diesel 9·1·1, as its name implies, is the product diesel-engine operators call on when they have a fuel emergency. In winter, Diesel 9·1·1 is used to disperse water in fuel systems, de-ice frozen fuel-filters, reliquefy gelled diesel fuel and complete microbial clean-ups



http://www.powerservice.com/biokleen_dieselfuel_bioside.asp



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Microbes in the form of bacteria and fungus are present in all diesel fuels. Long periods of fuel storage can create ideal opportunities for microbes to grow in fuel tanks. The first indication of microbial contamination is mucous-like accumulations on fuel-filters and increased requirements for fuel-filter replacement. Microbes can only be removed from the fuel system by use of a diesel fuel biocide.

 

[Mundgyver]

Ditto on ToolManTimTaylor's input. I've used Power Service products since my truck was new. I have 106,000 turns now and have never seen any water or mold in my tank or filters. I use their 32 oz bottle (yes all of it at once) about every other tank and the Bioside every 6 months. The Bioside is used for two complete tanks back to back at 4 oz per dose.



I believe this is why I have never had a lift pump problem or fuel problem, because of the quanity and frequency of use.

 

[illflem]

Your mechanic is wrong

Diesel algae caused by water in the fuel looks more like brown snot than mold.

The black you're seeing is asphaltines, a normal constituent of all diesel fuel caused uncracked or damaged molecules left over from the refining process. It's occurrence is impossible to predict with any different brands or batches of fuel. Any additive that makes asphaltines soluble also is highly corrosive to the metal parts of your fuel system and not recommended.

Best bet is to install a fuel pressure gauge to monitor filter plugging.

More here

http://www.hastingsfilter.com/engineering/tsb_95-1.html

 

[JPLB22]

I realize that you said pockets of gray all over it ( so I assume you mean more than one spot on the filter ). When I get my Fleetguard filters from Cummins there is already a gray spot on them when fresh out of the box and the plastic they're rapped in. I don't have a clue what the this semi-circular spot is, but had I not noticed it when I put my filter in, I would definately be alarmed when I removed it and saw it there.



Jeff