Methods for preventing or reducing fouling of equipment having a metal surface that contacts a reaction byproduct in a fuel production system are provided. The method may include treating the metal surface in the fuel production system by contacting a fouling inhibitor with the metal surface. The fouling inhibitor includes a bicyclic organic compound with an aromatic ring and a heterocyclic ring, and is delivered to the metal surface of the system in sufficient amount and for sufficient time to reduce a fouling deposit on at least a portion of the metal surface.