Fuel Conditioning

[Bruce Moore]

We just got a letter from Cummins Northwest saying they've introduced fuel cleaning services. It included a pamphlet from Algae-X conditioning systems.

How important is this? Pros and cons? Anyone have experience with Algae-X?

Thanks in advance.

 

[henrym]

In Florida, algae growth in diesel fuel tanks is a big problem. This is especially true with large fuel tanks on seldom used boats. I had a serious algae problem, like the primary filters would totally clog up after an hours run time. I used a fuel polisher (electric pump, filter and a magnetic Algae-X fuel conditioner) in conduction with their AFC-750 Fuel Catalyst to solve the algae problem in my tanks. After running the system at 3 gallons per minute for 12 hours my fuel was clear and free of algae. The unit I used: http://www.algae-x.net/2/1/Fuel%20Filtr ... .html#tab1
If you install an Algae-X in the fuel line on your boat, you will get the same results. However, you have to run the engine a lot to make the system work properly. Using a good fuel conditioner / stabilizer will also help to keep the wolf from the door.
When all is said and done, it sounds crazy to think passing diesel fuel through a magnet will kill and breakup the algae in your tank into such fine particles that they will pass through a 2 micron filter, but it does work!
Henry

 

[Diamond Bear]

I live "Off the Grid" in a remote area of SE Alaska and generate most of my home power with a three cylinder diesel generator. I have an early generation Alge-X installed in line and run the generator minimum of four hours per day, seven days per week for the past 12 years. I change the primary filters twice a year and the secondary less than once a year. I have never had a fuel related problem even though my fuel delivery is by 55 gallon drums pumped from my dock to my storage tanks and this is a very high humidity area. It is not possible to clean/take apart the device, so you cannot prove that it works, however I monitor my return fuel and it is crystal clean coming back from the generator. I think it works! (contrary to many skeptics in my circle) I plan to install one on my R25 this spring before cruising begins. ed

 

[Snug Tug]

For every person that swears by these devices, which are just a magnet mounted near the fuel flow, there are others that remain skeptics, including the Federal Trade Commission and the EPA which have issued cease and desist orders against companies that made outrageous claims of better mileage and cleaner exhaust when using similar magnetic fuel conditioners. The smarter companies (e.g. Algae-x) have toned down their claims a bit and still successfully sell these. The devices are always used in conjunction with the engine manufactuter's recommended filters. I think the filters do the work and the Algae-x magnet takes the credit! (Just my humble opinion.) No one would recommend using the Algae-x magnet without the filters and I don't know of any diesel engine manufacturer that advocates use of this or any other magnetic fuel conditioner. (There are several companies that market similar devices.) If this changes in the future, I'd be happy to reconsider.

I don't want to start an argument here on the site, but just wanted to mention the other side of the controversy. The good news is that these devices also don't hurt anything other than lightening your wallet. They don't need any maintenance since they are just a hollow tube with a magnet next to it. So if you feel better and it gives you peace of mind, by all means install one. The believers will not be swayed and the skeptics will stick to their positions too. Changing either one's mind is about as likely as a priest and a rabbi converting one another.