diesel .. again

[pvb]

Think you\'re mistaken there...

Soltron is actually an enzyme-based product, which "eats" the bugs and their waste products. The bugs can't develop immunity to this type of action.

The problem with diesel bugs isn't the fact that they're present in the fuel, it's the fact that they generate a lot of waste products and dead bodies, all of which forms a slimy mass at the bottom of the tank. When sea conditions are rough, the slimy deposits get stirred up and can get drawn into the primary fuel filter, where they soon cause a blockage. By literally consuming this slimy stuff, Soltron helps to prevent filter blockage. There will still be deposits entering the filter, but they aren't sticky and create a porous layer which can get quite thick before filter problems become apparent.

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[MartinGPerry]

Suck out the crap

I have got one of those suction device oil changers that use a hand pump to suck oil into a tall cylinder
Its always interesting when the boat has been standing for a bit to poke the tube to the bottom of the fuel tank and suck out half a gallon or so - its amazing to see all the other crap that gets sucked up as well.
Do that once and you will be installing additional primary filters and putting biocides in the tank like we did!
Martin

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[jimi]

Re: Suck out the crap

Think I've learnt my lesson! Interesting point on primary filters, is more than one primary filter better than one or is it merely redundancy? I'm certainly adding biocide from now on. What I did wonder was, I've ran disel cars for about 12 years now and have never had a problem with them. Have I just been lucky or is it the marine environment which creates the problem?

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[BrendanS]

Re: I really don\'t think I am

I've posted on this many times before but here goes again.

Bacteria can develop an immunity to just about anything, including enzymes. There are specific instances in which bacteria will not be able to effectively develop an immunity to an enzyme, for example if the enzyme is targetting specific cell wall components, where any mutation would likely be too radical for the cells to survive. It is highly unlikely that the enzyme or enzymes in Soltron are in this category as evidenced by the relatively low biocidal effect of Soltron.

The bacteria which cause the bug, like many other, replicate in huge numbers and producing a slimy goo which glues the growing cells together. It's this gum that causes the problems, as individual microbe cells are so small that they will easily pass through any fuel filter.



What the enzyme in Soltron appears to be doing is breaking down the slime that glues the individual cells together which allows the cells and small clumps to pass through the filters. It's biocidal effect is relatively poor, but this doesn't matter.



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[vyv_cox]

Re: Suck out the crap

Bacteria don't grow in diesel, they grow at diesel/water interfaces. Fuel from garages has a high turnover rate and is delivered in tankers that are dedicated to this purpose. Fuel in marina bunkers is delivered in all sorts of vessels that may have carried anything previously, including water ballast, washings, etc. Additionally, the slow fuel usage rate of most yachts tends to allow long periods when the tank is half full, encouraging condensation of atmospheric moisture. Draining the tank down periodically, or using a primary filter and checking it, will help to ensure that there is no water present.

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[pvb]

Twin primary filters...

If you're concerned about a blocked primary filter stopping your engine at a crucial moment, you could install a second primary filter. If you plumb them with valves in the inlet and outlet piping, you'll be able to switch from one to the other whilst the engine is running. You'll also be able to replace a blocked filter element whilst the engine is running (although you won't be able to bleed it properly unless the fuel level in your tank is higher than the filter).

If the problem continues, a good way of checking what's happening is to install a vacuum gauge on the fuel line from the primary filter to the engine lift pump. As the filter starts to block, you'll see the vacuum rise and you'll be able to take action before the engine falters. An added benefit is that you don't need to change the primary filter element until you see the vacuum rising - thus extending filter life (once you've solved the bug problem).

If you add biocide, it only kills the bugs - it doesn't break down the sticky sludge they produce, which is what blocks the filter. As far as I'm aware, only Soltron will do this effectively.

I've spent 2 years sorting out bugs in my tank, so I'm writing from experience. PM me if you have specific questions.

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[DepSol]

Re: I really don\'t think I am

hmmm have to disagree with you on the immunity to enzyme as it doesnt work the same as biocide and as I am on a french telephone line and this is expensive as I am dialling in internationally I will argue with you about it another day. Oh I am on holiday also and the wife is frowning so best go.

C ya

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me

 

[BrendanS]

Re: I really don\'t think I am

Dom,

We seem to be running around in circles as ever.

I'm not stating Soltron doesn't work - anecdotal evidence says it does

I've stated in many posts that Soltron does not work as a biocide does - it appears to break down the intercellular slime that these bacteria produce - a bio film if you want to be technical, same as the bacteria that cause plaque on teeth produce to stick to the teeth (this is not a waste product by the way, it is produced for a reason)

However, bacteria are as capable of building resistance to enzymes as they are to antibiotics, biocides or heavy metals, with the specific exceptions of enzymes which target certain bacterial wall components.

We can have a good chat about all these things at the meet.


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[duncan]

Pauline\'s shoes

If you and Dom are going to spend the weekend talking about bugs, biosides and byproducts I propose to spend it talking about shoes with Pauline, if she wouldn't mind, just to maintain a balance in the proceedings.........

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[BrendanS]

Re: Pauline\'s shoes

Well if you stray from shoes onto sexy lingerie such as Agent Provocateur, please yell loudly and I'll be there in an instant!

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[DepSol]

Re: I really don\'t think I am

Ok but only a quick chat as I intent to get slightly intoxicated and have fun.



<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me

 

[andy_wilson]

Marine Environment.

The main issue is usually the proximity of tank and engine.

Boat tanks are often in or around the engine space, warming significantly underway, and sucking in damp cool air on cooling down.

Thats' why condensation is a particular problem.

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[duncan]

Re: Pauline\'s shoes

if anyone gets onto that I will be back on the boat cooling down with rum............/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[BrendanS]

Re: Pauline\'s shoes

If you get onto Agent Provocateur, then mix Rum into the equation, I hope it's low proof stuff, or there will be nasty burns!!! /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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