what is this junk in the fuel cannister?

[hummer70]

took apart my Humvee fuel filter cannister.
noted this rusty? sludge? all over. . .
what is it and where is it coming from?
thanks for your help!

 

[DREDnot]

Yuck. You need to drain the tank and see what comes out

 

[Wire Fox]

Ah, good ol' diesel sludge! It's algae that grows when water accumulates in your fuel system. Clean out the fuel tank and everything from the tank to the filter housing. You probably also need a new tank screen. Good thing you've caught this now before it clogged your injection pump!

Edit: Just wanted to note that the algae is what is the red color. There's not going to be any rust there.

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[hummer70]

Algae?. . Interesting. Thanks.

 

[TOBASH]

took apart my Humvee fuel filter cannister.
noted this rusty? sludge? all over. . .
what is it and where is it coming from?
thanks for your help!

Over time crap gets into fuel cells. This is worsened because there are bacteria that eat Diesel and can clog filters. This takes years.

HMMWV fuel cell intakes are crappy at best and will allow particulate matter into the fuel cell. The caps get old and can fall off when driving, and that will also allow crap in.

I just pulled my tank, and a primordial ooze was growing in there. It was evolving and close to sentience. I scrubbed it clean.

Welcome to the club of guys trying to restore old abused steel soldiers.

Best,

T

 

[cajadao]

Even though on the high end price, tk7

http://www.newsouthdiesel.com/product/tk7-704hs-fuel-additive-diesel-engines/?post_type=product

Helps the cleansing.
Fuel filters will hold that stuff. Is a must replacement.

 

[Retiredwarhorses]

Let me speak from experience...if I find a fuel filter that bad, I replace the fuel tank. Not far behind is the injection pump failing.
these trucks unfortunately sit for up to 10yrs before they come to auction, and the fuel has done some serious irreversible damage.

 

[cucvmule]

On a positive note you didn't find any plastic bags.

Clean everything you can, and again, now if you feel it necessary. I would check each section of the fuel system as you are cleaning to verify that that section or component is clean. I would replace any flexible lines now as age and chemicals will deteriorate the rubber and replace with correct compatible fuel, pressure type hose.

Good Luck hope this helps.

 

[URSATDX]

Looks like the filter itself is disintegrating.
Might add to the reddish color.

 

[NormB]

Cyanobacteria, aka "blue-green algae". Eat diesel, gas.

Stuff's everywhere.

Good article here: http://www.boatcoachbob.com/articles-boat-maintenance/engines-inboard/prevent-remove-diesel-algae/