survivor66

When I opened the 5 gal gas container to fill up with non-ethanol fuel, there were flakes of a light green powder in the bottom, which came out with little coaxing. Unfortunately this was at the filling station and I did not collect it for analysis.

This plastic container has only been used for 100LL and non-ethanol pump fuel, and I never noticed it before. No other product has ever been put into this container and it is sealed tight when empty, usually for several months. I'm concerned this mystery substance could cause problems with jets in the carb and/or clog the fuel filter.

Does anyone know what this gunk could be? I assume it precipitated out from remnants of old fuel, but never saw this much (or any) residue from evaporated gas. I generally keep 1/4 - 1/2 tank of non-ethanol fuel in the car and there is no residue in the bottom of the tank.

Kerrmudgeon

Leprechaun fairy dust.

SDVette

Is it the same color as 100LL ?? Maybe it was the dye used in the avgas?

survivor66

Interesting thought but given the small amount of fuel left in the container after emptying into the tank, it is inconceivable there would be so much undissolved dye remaining.

BTW, I had the container leprechaun proofed...

wmf62

if it isn't dye, then it must be green algae...
Bill

GUSTO14

I have a few gallon jugs that my neighbor collects his fuel samples (100 LL) in for me. He was just discarding it across the Tarmac!

When the jugs sit empty for a week or more, there is what you described in the bottom of the jug. Since I mix a gallon or two with a tank of gas and haven't experienced any adverse effects, I haven't been concerned.

Good luck... GUSTO

64luke

That's interesting, done plenty of fuel samples from tanks that have been sitting for more than a week, but never seen precipitation.

I have one of the separator fuel sample cups, just pour the sample back in the bladder.

survivor66

The residue I found was a dry powder or flakes when the container was bone dry. It was a pale green, and since I dumped it out at the pump, there was no chance to see if it would dissolve in gasoline. Based on one other posted similar experience with 100LL, I guess it's the dye. Can algae possibly survive in that toxic environment? It is certainly warm and humid in FL but my garage is conditioned.

wmf62

not really sure about survivability in gasoline, but algae loves diesel....
Bill

MelWff

I buy either 100 LL or 110 leaded from 55 gallon drums into my 5 gallon plastic containers. I purchased the funnel and filter below to make sure nothing but gasoline gets into the tank.

Funnel http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g8009
Filter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g8008/overview/

GUSTO14

We never had issues with algae in AV gas (115-145 or 100LL) but it is an issue in jet fuel and can cause issues blocking fuel filters in jet/turbo jet aircraft. An additive (Prist) is sold commercially by Fixed Based Operators to counter it. Military jet fuel (JP-4, JP-5) contains an additive to counter algae so you don't need to add it.

Jet fuel is closer to kerosine than it is to diesel. We would often trade "contaminated" JP fuel to the SeeBee's to use in their diesel powered equipment for construction projects on deployments.

Good luck... GUSTO