THE DREADED DIESEL BUG

Fear not! The dreaded diesel bug can be remedied.

ABOUT THE DIESEL BUG 

Usually, fuel can stay in a usable condition under storage for up to a year, after which it may begin to develop sediments.  Vessel in the the tropics are wise check any stored diesel before putting it into action.  Fuel in tanks deteriorates over time as it reacts with the oxygen in the air.  Water in a fuel tank harbors bacteria and fungi that feed on diesel.

Water can form in fuel tanks due to condensation from the tank heating and cooling over a 24 hour period.  This creates the perfect petri dish for bacteria and fungi.  One of the most common microorganisms that can grow under these circumstances is the diesel bug.  The diesel bug deteriorates your fuel and creates a sludge capable of damaging your engine.

Once you get underway the sediments slosh around and the fuel pickup hose quickly gets clogged. The bug clogs the fuel system.
The diesel bug clogs the fuel system

ACTUAL CAUSES

  •     Humidity in the air
  •     Fuel tank condensation
  •     Fuel tank insulation
  •     Air leak on seals on fuel tank filler cap inc damaged o-rings
  •     Poor fuel station storage quality
  •     Low volume of sales at fuel station
Avoid buying fuel that has been stored in tanks for too long.

REMEDIES

Once you have the bug …

1) Separate the water from the diesel

2) Shock and kill the diesel bug with biocides

3) Remove sediments from the bottom of your tank

A biocide will quickly and effectively kill the problem

 
To Prevent the bug

1) Fill the tank

2) Use a fuel filter to take on fuel from the pump

3) Use Enzymes to prevent the bug from forming in the first place

*For ongoing maintenance. Fuel Doctor, Soltron and Star Tron have result oriented enzyme formulations.

A full rundown on tests and solution lives here >>