Diesel Bug Pump

Diesel Bug Pump

Diesel bug is a microbial growth that breeds and feeds in your diesel tank. Yachts are especially susceptible as the tank contents get used more slowly than say a car or truck. There are actually several bugs. A mould, a bacteria, and yeasts. All of the have the effect of blocking your fuel filter, and eventually degrading the fuel quality. The usual result is engine failure! Prevention is best and a number of products are available to add to fuel to help prevent the growth.

But if you have it, you'll want to get it out. Our simple little pump helps you do this yourself, and at low cost. The squeezy pump allow you to pump as much or as little as necessary, and the clear hose allows you to tell if you're pumping sludge or clean diesel.

The diesel bug lies on the bottom of the tank as it's heavier than clean fuel.

It's simple to operate. Put the long hose (it's about a metre long) down the filler hole, and the short hose into an old plastic bottle of about 1-5 litres capacity. (Old milk bottles ideal). Squeeze the pump to pump small amounts of fuel out of your tank into the bottle. Black sludge is what you're trying to remove, when you see clear diesel (brown or red depending on what you bought) then its time to stop.

Let the bottle of sludge and diesel settle for a few minutes. If there's enough clear diesel at the top to be worth pouring back into the tank, do so carefully. The rest must be disposed of, but please do so responsibly.

If you have trouble getting the hose to the bottom of your tank, you could tie a small rod or stick to it to keep it straight.

If you have no access into your fuel tank through the filler, you could try an inspection hatch (if you have one). If there's no access other than a drain outlet, then this isn't the product for you, and more expensive methods need to be employed. Some contractors offer "Fuel Polishing" systems and will do this job for you.