Diesel algae

[shinnery]

What all methods are available to remove algae from a diesel fuel system?
I am looking at buying a pickup (Dodge/24v-Cummins) that is reported to have "a gel like substance in the tank and lines". I assume they got an attack of the bad news algae from a not so clean diesel fuel supplier. I think I wil pull the tank and steam it out and possibly the lines but was wondering about getting the rest out of the lift pump, VP-44 injector pump and injectors. An additive to run thru it? Pull them and take to shop? Haven't won it yet but looking for ideas.
Bryce

[shinnery]

Does not matter , I was outbid by about $1500. And I didn't really need another pickup.
Bryce

[Swawpy]

Just for the record we use something called bio-bore when dealing with algae. Its very concentrate and very toxic so use carefully. Keep lots of fuel filters handy because when it kills the algae growing on the sides of the tank it releases and filters plug fast. We try and treat large tanks (50-150k gal) yearly to keep it in check. This is on tugboats and always fighting saltwater in the tanks. Best thing to do is pull hatch covers and pressure wash the tanks and start fresh with treated fuel...but filters are alot cheaper and maybe can stretch cleaning the tanks until shipyard or slow times.

[pop pop]

this is an interesting subject as i seldom ever hear of this problem yet it does come around.
we use to have tanks of diesel setting around sometimes 2 years,, and now these days with the ULSD and bio-fuels, i am wondering just how it all relates,,,
i suppose the higher sulpher fuel killed algae, , bio probably supports algae,

[Willyr]

The steamers at Los Angeles Live Steam club would grow algae. I believe as they were suck small tanks they just steamed them out throwing away the oil.

For the record. Here is a link to the LALS 50th anniversary of the club in Griffith Park

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCO6RAha5XU

[Swawpy]

I know anything that could grow in diesel fuel must be pretty nasty stuff. On boats/tugs/ships you can actually see it inside and taking hold on racor filters and housings. We always use pressure differential gauges on the bigger filter housings so we can easily determine how plugged the filters are- And this is supposed to be checked hourly by the deckhand or engineer making his engine room rounds. Once they start to go-they really plug fast. We plumb in double or triple sets of four racors to the main engines (each one) so if one filter set needs serviced we have a fresh set we can switch valves to the clean bank of racors and service the dirty/plugged. Algae is a constant problem and are always fighting it. The problem is when everything goes well and you think you got a hold on it...you get a surprise...can range from just losing rpm and not coming up to "turns" to losing one or both main engines.