Black stuff in fuel filters

Had another FREAKING filter plug up on me today!
While climbing the Fred Hartman in Houston/Pasadena, of all places.


Bobcat 1958;
Thanks for the info, lots of reading there to digest. Can't say that I agree with everything, but then I am certainly no diesel fuel expert.
My "black stuff" suddenly appeared about a month ago. I really felt like I was throwing away good filters prior to that; ABSOLUTELY no problems.

(1) Even though, as you stated, old fuel IS left in the truck tanks, I normally fuel on a daily basis when traveling, and because I have not had this problem before, I don't believe the small amount of old fuel is the cause.

(2) To my knowledge, nothing has changed on my truck that would lead me to suspect biological water entering the fuel system through condensation, or the vents.

(3) I will concur your statement about algae not existing in diesel tanks; I used the term because I did not know the correct name , algae, bacteria, or fungus, and yes, I have heard people use all three, probably incorrectly.
You mentioned that bacteria feeds on sulfur, among other things, while I have read, more than once, that the absence of sulfur is one of the reasons we have this new problem.

(4) While I did not have a "diagnosis of algae", I attempted to contact a friend who runs a family owned bulk plant, and fleet of delivery trucks. His brother had informed me that the "plant trucks" had the same problem some time back. I spoke to his secretary explaining my "black stuff" problem, and asked her to relay the message; two days later, the brother called me from his workplace, (which is near my home) saying he had a jug of treatment for the black stuff. It appeared to have worked....maybe.

You stated, Quote [It is imperative to determine if a fuel problem is biological or chemical based.] End quote.
I ask, other than cost, is there any problem in treating for both conditions?
Replacing the fuel filters has been a costly, and frustrating ordeal, and I'd like to end this aggravation.

Once again, thanks for your input.

 

The fuel/water separator (#175-2949) that is mounted near my battery box, doesn't catch this stuff, it just passes thru, and gets trapped in the 1R-0749 (primary?) that is bolted to the motor. Fuel temp wire plugs to this filter housing.

Those are Cat #s, and the three W900s I have owned all had the filters mounted in the same place.