For dieselheads - The truth about Soltron

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:38

I've been going to do this test for ages and finally got around to it. You can draw your own conclusions. The jar was shaken each day.

Diesel at the top, diesel bug in the middle and water at the bottom.

First mixing.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:39

Day 2.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:40

Day 3.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:40

Day 4.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:41

Day 5.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:41

Day 6.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 10:43

Day 7.

Nos4r2 · 22 February 2007, 11:26

Is there Soltron in the jar or is this a preliminary?

Isn't Soltron supposed to be a preventative too? (I've never used it)

Pete7 · 22 February 2007, 12:19

This is worrying as I normally use Soltron, I have never had the bug problem, but then the tanks are only 4 years old, normally kept full and fueled from south coast marinas so fairly high turnover of there stock. Perhaps Depsol would like to comment on the results I'll see if I can find him on YBW.com.

A couple of there mail order suppliers have disappeared of late and my last order was refunded, but no reason given.

Pete

codprawn · 22 February 2007, 12:21

You need to explain the stages. Why is pic6 better but then pic 7 seems worse again?

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

You need to explain the stages. Why is pic6 better but then pic 7 seems worse again?

I dunno! ...but there is more sediment in the bottom of the jar on day 6.

I added Soltron at the recommended dose, shook the jar and let it go to work....or not. I shook it each day to ensure even distribution of the Soltron and to simulate a sloshing fuel tank.

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

A couple of there mail order suppliers have disappeared of late and my last order was refunded, but no reason given.
Pete

That's interesting Pete because my local, or not so local in my case, supplier said he is stopping stocking it cos he's selling very little.

Andy Gee · 22 February 2007, 17:21

I have used Soltron in a boat in the past and noticed a difference in the amount of "bug" caught in the filters, but then again I did remove as much of the water as possible from the tank prior to treatment.
We have a couple of excavators that suffer from the bug really badly, despite them having tanks drained and cleaned on a regular basis it seems that if they are off hire for more than a couple of week the bug takes hold

.

I have adapted a oil extractor to suck out any water found in the tanks, usually from condensation due to location, and this seems to help keep the bug under control.

Is Soltron not an emzyne (sp) based product that makes the bug grow large until it bursts? or am I thinking about something totally different.

Andy

Pete7 · 22 February 2007, 17:59

I asked for Soltron to comment on this thread and this is there reply:

Dear Pete

Soltron's enzymes first of all work in the dark and are de-activated by ultra violet light - thus the warning on the label "keep out of sunlight"!

With regards Cladisporium Resigne - the diesel bug that is not uncommon in the marine environment, Soltron works differently to the normal biocide. It does not kill the microbes, it simply breaks them down sufficiently to pass through the fuel filters and be burnt off in the combustion process. This will eliminate the diesel bug after a number of treatments (a couple of tanks of fuel through the engine). Soltron will not only clean the tank, it will clean the injectors, the fuel line, the whole system without the need of taking the tanks out. Lubricity is increased as well as the cetane value of the fuel giving better ignition/combustion characteristics as well as reducing smoke particulates.

Depsol is no longer distributing for us. Please look at our web page www.soltron.co.uk for further details.

Safe "environmental" sailing with Soltron.

Best regards
Malcolm Crawford
Chief Executive
For Soltron Limited

jwalker · 22 February 2007, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Soltron's enzymes first of all work in the dark and are de-activated by ultra violet light - thus the warning on the label "keep out of sunlight"!

It just happens that I have the rest of the contaminated fuel sample in a large coffee tin with a lid and yesterday I put some Soltron into it....I'll keep the thread posted.
However, it's interesting that Soltron is supplied in a clear plastic container. It wouldn't be difficult to supply it in a dark one if it matters.

Quote:

Soltron works differently to the normal biocide. It does not kill the microbes, it simply breaks them down sufficiently to pass through the fuel filters and be burnt off in the combustion process.

After a week or so I'll attempt to pour it through my water separating filter and I'll post the result.

Leroy · 22 February 2007, 23:35

I tried Soltron and didnt have much success, my filters still clogged up.
The solution was to empty the tank with a vacuum oil changer to get all the gunge out, which I do not think was excessive, I have seen much worse.
I have been adding a biocide to prevent the bug ever since and not had a problem in over a year.
Soltron may well work up to a point but I dont think it will cure a bad dose!
Soltron and the Biocide are both available from ASAP supplies.

Poly · 23 February 2007, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

However, it's interesting that Soltron is supplied in a clear plastic container. It wouldn't be difficult to supply it in a dark one if it matters.

Most transparent plastics will absorb (filter out) UV light - so cause less of an issue.

JW are your tanks 50% water - if not its not really a fair "simulation" is it?

Matt · 23 February 2007, 09:24

I think his JCB is more than 50% water - he had to re-mount the fuel line to avoid it.

bedajim · 23 February 2007, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

It just happens that I have the rest of the contaminated fuel sample in a large coffee tin with a lid and yesterday I put some Soltron into it....I'll keep the thread posted.
However, it's interesting that Soltron is supplied in a clear plastic container. It wouldn't be difficult to supply it in a dark one if it matters.

After a week or so I'll attempt to pour it through my water separating filter and I'll post the result.

Pm me your address I'll send you some different filter papers to test the samples

James

jwalker · 26 February 2007, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Pm me your address I'll send you some different filter papers to test the samples

James

Ok James. Will do. The diesel filters I use have a hole size of 2microns so if there is a match for that it would be good.