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Biodiesel => Vehicles => Topic started by: Tony on September 16, 2013, 01:55:41 PM

Title: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Tony on September 16, 2013, 01:55:41 PM

Can't be good - since switching to a 10" filter housing all my filter elements are coming out black.

So I think I may be getting engine oil in the fuel (pump shaft seal giving up maybe?).  That or I've got some form of bio-bug in the tank.

Ho hum happy days...

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Rotary-Motion on September 16, 2013, 02:02:48 PM

may just be a dirty fuel tank? these do build up crap

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Tony on September 16, 2013, 02:05:36 PM

Had plenty of bio through it so should be OK.

Who is good for 10" filter cartridges these days?  I need to stock up I think!

Edit: These look quite good

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-10-String-Wound-Filter-Cartridge-5micron-Biodiesel-wvo-or-water-filter-/151116706221

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Rotary-Motion on September 16, 2013, 02:06:42 PM

not sure still getting through the ones i got off K.H

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: whatarascal on September 16, 2013, 04:42:03 PM

pd110961

does em he is on VOD also sells on ebay in that name

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: julianf on September 16, 2013, 06:10:36 PM

Tony,

Youre 100% certain youre looking at black (ie engine oil / carbon) rather than almost black / brown (eg glycerol)?

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: julianf on September 16, 2013, 06:11:09 PM

You didnt use some sort of black rubber hose to plumb them in, did you?

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: greasemonkey on September 16, 2013, 06:43:17 PM

Could you heat one up and see what runs out. If it is oil, then it should run out.
I'd be surprised though, I wouldn't have thought it would take much oil, and she'd be smoking like a steam train.

Would it be worth running a bit of bio through a pure white cotton cloth, just to see in what way it discolours it.

Could maybe take a sample at different points along the fuel system and do the same thing, see where it is coming from.

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Jamesrl on September 16, 2013, 07:13:36 PM

All our fuel filters come out very dark Brown/Black and have done from the beginning of our biodiesel usage.

Don't worry, be happy.

Title: Re: Hmm. Black fuel filters.
Post by: Tony on September 16, 2013, 08:13:11 PM

Most curious Jim. Thanks for the reassurance.

Previously with stock filters I've not been able to see the colour inside, these 10" filters in the engine bay are a novelty to me still!

Yes they are black rather than dark brown. Fuel pipe is all nylon except for a few cm of rubber at the tank end, and between the filter and IP. These were replaced at the point the last filter was changed.  I have used acetone which may also be removing something.

But if Jim has it too I'll relax a bit.