Well ---

Any diesel-heads here have experience with fuel system fungus/algae/bacteria (not certain which one it really is)?

I was running the engine a bit tonight (to bleed air from the power steering lines, test the alternator, etc. -- alternator didn't start any fires the first time it was connected, but I have no charging... wiring or relay problem, hopefully) and it died after a couple of minutes. I checked my clear fuel pre-filter (just before the main filter unit) and there was a chunk of greenish algae-looking crap in it. Could this be the dreaded fuel system growth I've heard of?

I didn't check the filter prior to running the engine, so I don't know if it came up from the tank or was there to begin with. I also don't know for sure whether fuel starvation caused the engine to die, but it seemed that way. If there is fungus, it could be clogging my fuel lines and sock filter in the tank.

Any thoughts on how to deal with this? I think I will first remove and fill the main filter, run the engine and try to use my vacuum canister to draw fuel into the filter. If it is clogged, I'll know right off. After that, if it is clogged, what to do? Do I need to remove the tank? I think if I did, I'd replace it as it's rusty and full of sand and garbage from farm use. I also may run new fuel lines away from the exhaust on the driver's side of the truck, making it easier for the pump to draw fuel.

As always, any insight appreciated.