Diesel Fuel System - Comtamination
NO.:83-I-31
DATE: August, 1983
GROUP: 6C
SUBJECT: DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION
5.7L V-8 DIESEL ENGINES
Several forms of fungi and other microorganisms can survive and multiply in diesel fuel. The microscopic growths can occur in all areas of the fuel handling system -- storage tanks, pump trucks, delivery lines, and fuel tanks. These fungi grow into long strings and form large mats of globules. The growth appears slimy and usually is black, green or brown, although it may be any color. It may grow throughout the fuel or at the interface area between the fuel and water bottom layer. As the fuel is agitated, for instance during filling of the retail outlet storage tanks, fungal growth is distributed throughout the fuel system and, if a passenger car is fueled at that time, its fuel tank could receive contaminated fuel.
Fungi need only trace amounts of minerals and water to sustain their growth and use the fuel as their main energy source. As they grow and multiply, they chemically alter the fuel to produce water, sludge, acids, and other products of metabolism. Where they cling, they hold water and waste products against metal and other surfaces, thereby leading to corrosion. The most common condition is fuel filter plugging; however, the various metal components of the fuel system including the fuel tank and the injection pump can corrode.
Several companies market products which are claimed to control microbial growth in diesel fuel. One such product which Oldsmobile has found to be effective is BIOBOR, marketed by U.S. Borax and Chemical Corporation. It is available in a form suitable for use in treating an automotive fuel system under the trade name BIOBOR Diesel Doctor.
In those areas of the country where microbial contamination exists because of careless fuel handling, it is recommended that microbial contamination be controlled by use of the above product or its equivalent. Do not exceed the dosage recommended on the label. The dosage recommended is sufficient. Whenever continuously towing a trailer, discontinue the use of BIOBOR Diesel Doctor. Resume dosage when trailer towing has ended. Cadillac uses BIOBOR in the factory fill so that treatment of that fuel is not necessary.
It is recommended that you take advantage of the introduction of this product to remind your customers of the potential for microbial contamination of diesel fuels. Treatment of diesel fuel to prevent this condition is preferable to correcting the damage once it occurs. If microbial contamination is identified in a fuel system, the fuel tank should be cleaned reasonably well. Steam cleaning may be necessary only if you are unable to remove most of the microbial growth. The previously mentioned product or its equivalent will kill the growth, and in extremely contaminated tanks, the residue could float free and plug the filter if the excess debris is not removed.
Care should be exercised when working with those microorganisms to keep them out of open sores on the skin.
One source for BIOBOR Diesel Doctor is KREX, Inc. For convenience, a copy of their order form is attached.
This information, while obtained from sources believed to be reliable, is being forwarded as a matter of information only. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. Cadillac does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility with respect to the products, equipment, or services mentioned therein or for any other such item which may be available from other sources.
DISTRIBUTOR OF BIOBOR DIESEL DOCTOR
Antimicrobial Diesel Fuel Conditioner KREX Inc. exclusive national distributor to new car and truck dealerships of BIOBOR Diesel Doctor for US. Borax & Chemical Corporation
KREX Inc. Manufacturer of Krex Graphite Super Lubricant 89 Lincolnwood, Highland Park, IL 60035-0836 Tel. (800) 323-9038, in Illinois (312) 433-4450
PRODUCT INFORMATION
BIOBOR Diesel Doctor is available in 4 oz. tubes, packed 12 per case. Case weight approximately 4-1/2 lbs.
KREX Inc. will give technical information and demonstations on the problem of fungi contamination and application of BIOBOR Diesel Doctor.
Contact KREX Inc. for a free sample.
ORDERS
KREX Inc. provides direct delivery in most parts of the country.
Place orders: [ ] through your KREX sales representative [ ] call KREX Inc. toll free at (800) 323-9038; in Illinois call (312) 433-4450 [ ] mail the order form to KREX Inc. P.O. Box 836, Highland Park, IL 60035-0836
PRICE
BIOBOR Diesel Doctor 12 tubes per case at $2.95 per tube. Minimum order 1 case at S35.40 plus freight. Orders over 5 cases freight pre-paid
BIOBOR Diesel Doctor is a registered tradename of the U.S. Borax & Chemical Corporation.
ORDER FORM
Mail to: KREX Inc. or call: (800) 323-9038
PO. Box 836 in Illinois call
Highland Park, IL 60035-0836 (312) 433-4450
P.O. #: Quantity: Please ship/deliver cases at $35.40 ea.
Name:
[ ] Owner [ ] Service Manager [ ] General Manager [ ] Parts Manager
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