Electra Estate Wagon V8-350 5.7L DSL (1983)
Fuel: Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel System, Diesel - Contamination
Model Year
1983
Bulletin No. 83-170
File In Group 60
Number
41
Date
Aug. '83
SUBJECT:
DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION
MODELS AFFECTED:
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L V6 AND 5.7L V8 DIESEL ENGINES
Several forms of fungi and other micro-organisms 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 was 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. BIOBOR is used
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 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 biocide 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 these micro-organisms to keep them out of open sores on the skin.
One source for BIOBOR Diesel Doctor, which is new enough that its availability at present seems to be limited, is KREX, Inc. A copy of their order
form was previously mailed.
