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10,000 km ago I removed my OEM split-system filter & sediment trap assemblies from my Rodeo and replaced them with a single CAV unit because biodiesel had perished the rubber primer diaphragm.
Previously, I was concerned about a build-up of sticky, tar-like substance in the bottom of the sediment trap. I don't think we ever got to the bottom of exactly what it was, but the only thing I've found that dissolves it well is methanol. I get a little bit in the bottom of my cubies too and a splash of methanol clears it up with a few shakes. Some theories include glycerol that hadn't previously dropped out, bacteria (aka diesel algae or 'bug') or may favourite, oxidised biodiesel.
I make my bio with KOH and bubble wash 4 times at 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours before bubble drying.
Anyway, I thought I would cut open the 10,000 km filter and inspect.
As you can see it has done a pretty good job of catching the tarry substance and I suppose other contaminants from the tank (my 4-year-old thought it would be fun to put sticks and leaves in the filler port while I was re-fuelling over Xmas) and those not caught by my 10-micron gravity filter on my wash tank.
You can also see a bit of the tarry stuff in the bottom of the glass bowl, which easily wiped away with a rag. The beauty of glass vs plastic I suppose - no methanol required.
(I still seem unable to upload new photos - the ones above were added a long time ago and are still available - but here is a link you can access the new ones from)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qp1yix9qj...Hu7zVLDEa?dl=0
Others have also had concerns about this type of filter as the bottom of the painted metal filter housing comes in contact with bio and on some brands, the paint peels off prematurely blocking the filter (best case) or ending up in the IP (worst). Among other reasons, I chose this particular brand as it has a label on the box saying 'biofuel compatible' so I figured that has to better than nothing and it looks like it is as the paint is completely intact, apart from where it got scratched in the vice while I was cutting it open.
Anyway, I thought this might be of interest.
Previously, I was concerned about a build-up of sticky, tar-like substance in the bottom of the sediment trap. I don't think we ever got to the bottom of exactly what it was, but the only thing I've found that dissolves it well is methanol. I get a little bit in the bottom of my cubies too and a splash of methanol clears it up with a few shakes. Some theories include glycerol that hadn't previously dropped out, bacteria (aka diesel algae or 'bug') or may favourite, oxidised biodiesel.
I make my bio with KOH and bubble wash 4 times at 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours before bubble drying.
Anyway, I thought I would cut open the 10,000 km filter and inspect.
As you can see it has done a pretty good job of catching the tarry substance and I suppose other contaminants from the tank (my 4-year-old thought it would be fun to put sticks and leaves in the filler port while I was re-fuelling over Xmas) and those not caught by my 10-micron gravity filter on my wash tank.
You can also see a bit of the tarry stuff in the bottom of the glass bowl, which easily wiped away with a rag. The beauty of glass vs plastic I suppose - no methanol required.
(I still seem unable to upload new photos - the ones above were added a long time ago and are still available - but here is a link you can access the new ones from)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qp1yix9qj...Hu7zVLDEa?dl=0
Others have also had concerns about this type of filter as the bottom of the painted metal filter housing comes in contact with bio and on some brands, the paint peels off prematurely blocking the filter (best case) or ending up in the IP (worst). Among other reasons, I chose this particular brand as it has a label on the box saying 'biofuel compatible' so I figured that has to better than nothing and it looks like it is as the paint is completely intact, apart from where it got scratched in the vice while I was cutting it open.
Anyway, I thought this might be of interest.
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