Katerina Swanson
Water in diesel fuel can cause a range of issues, from engine misfires and rough idling to fuel filter clogging and decreased power. If left unaddressed, water contamination can lead to costly repairs and unplanned downtime. While there are several methods to remove water from diesel fuel, the best approach is to prevent water from entering the fuel in the first place. This can be achieved through proper fuel storage, regular inspections, fuel filtration system maintenance, and the use of fuel additives. Additionally, keeping fuel levels high, sealing tanks or containers tightly, and choosing reputable fuel suppliers can also help mitigate the chances of water contamination. For those looking to remove water from diesel fuel, options include sending the water into the engine to be vaporized, using fuel additives, or employing fuel filtration systems with water separators or filter media.
How to remove water from diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of water in diesel fuel | Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased power, hard starting, white smoke, and fuel filter clogging |
| Fuel filtration systems | Water separator, filter media |
| Fuel additives | Demulsifiers, emulsifiers |
| Fuel polishing systems | Fuel polishing systems or services for periodic filtration of contaminated fuel |
| Prevention | Proper fuel storage, regular inspections, fuel filtration system maintenance |
| Water in underground fuel storage | Use water coalescing filters |
| Water in above-ground fuel storage | Drain the water off |
| Water in diesel fuel in cold temperatures | Use additives to prevent moisture/water from freezing and causing injector damage |
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel filtration system
Water contamination in diesel fuel is a critical issue, especially with the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel, which attracts more water and is less resistant to microbial growth. Diesel fuel also has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water.
To address this issue, it is essential to invest in a top-tier fuel filtration system, such as the AirDog® FPII system, which includes a water separator and a particulate filter. The water separator removes water from the fuel before sending it to the particulate filter, which filters out any remaining particulates.
When choosing a fuel filtration system, consider the following:
- Capacity: Select a model with a high removal rate for heavy-duty applications, while a lower removal rate will suffice for light-duty vehicles.
- Maintenance: Determine how often the filters need to be changed and how easy it is to drain the collected water and contaminants. Look for models with simple maintenance procedures.
- Installation: Consider the ease of installation and whether the system can fit into small spaces. Choose a system with various mounting options, such as wall or floor mounting.
Additionally, some water-separator kits offer convenient features such as water sensors, see-through bowls, hand-priming pumps, filter-restriction indicators, heating elements, and self-purging valves. For fleets operating in cold climates, an add-on heater is recommended to prevent water from freezing and diesel fuel from gelling.
By using a high-quality fuel filtration system and considering the specific needs of your vehicle, you can effectively remove water from diesel fuel and protect your engine from damage and performance issues.
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Employ fuel additives
Water in diesel fuel can cause a host of problems, including erratic idling and performance, momentary engine cut-offs, and black or white smoke during engine operation. Water can also cause microbes to grow, which in turn produce acids that corrode tanks, clog filters, and further accelerate corrosion damage.
To combat this, fuel additives can be used. However, it is important to note that there are two types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. A demulsifier will cause the water and fuel to separate, allowing your water separator to catch the water and prevent it from reaching your engine. On the other hand, an emulsifier will cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to issues with your engine. Therefore, it is recommended to use a demulsifier such as Opti-Lube, Power Service Diesel Kleen, Stanadyne, or Diesel 911.
For example, one user reported that they have been using the 911 diesel additive red bottle for over 15 years without any fuel problems or injector issues. Another user recommended Opti-Lube, stating that it meets all of GM's guidance except for the recommended AC Delco additive. Additionally, some users have found success with Power Service Diesel Kleen and Opti-Lube XPD, with the former being readily available in most retail stores.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended additive-to-fuel ratio, as using too much additive can be detrimental. Additionally, while additives can help, proper filtration is crucial to ensuring clean fuel.
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Drain water from above-ground tanks
To drain water from above-ground diesel tanks, you must first determine whether water is present and, if so, in what quantity. To test for water, extract a sample of fuel from the tank and let it sit in a clear container in a dark place for 24 hours. Because water is denser than diesel, it will sink to the bottom of the container. If you find water in the tank, you can take several steps to remove it.
One method for removing water from diesel fuel is to use a fuel filtration system. There are two types of filtration methods. The first method involves a water separator that uses centrifugal force to separate the water from the diesel. The second method involves filter media that captures water as the fuel flows through the system and back into the tank. This second method is more expensive but is the only effective way to address serious water contamination. For non-commercial or small-scale applications, fuel polishing systems can be used to periodically filter contaminated fuel.
Another method for removing water from diesel fuel is to use fuel additives. There are two types of additives: demulsifiers and emulsifiers. Demulsifiers cause water and fuel to separate, allowing the water to be caught by the DFCM and prevented from entering the engine. Emulsifiers, on the other hand, cause the fuel and water to mix, which can lead to issues in the fuel system if the water is not properly separated by the DFCM.
When draining water from above-ground tanks, it is important to prioritise safety. Ensure that you are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator if necessary. The area around the tank should be well-ventilated to prevent the ignition of fuel fumes. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution. Additionally, make sure to handle the drained fuel properly to avoid environmental harm and comply with local regulations for fuel disposal.
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Use a water separator
Water separators are an effective way to remove water from diesel fuel. They are a type of filter that prevents contaminated fuel, debris, and water from reaching the engine. Diesel fuel tanks are particularly prone to water condensation because, unlike petrol engines, they do not have vapour pressure to displace air. As the fuel tank heats up, the air expands and is forced out. When the tank cools, humid air is sucked back in, and water condenses on the cooler tank walls.
Water separators use gravity separation to remove water from diesel fuel. Water and diesel have different densities, so they naturally separate when given time. The denser water falls to the bottom of the separator, where it can be drained away. The water separator will also remove solid particles from the fuel.
To drain water from a diesel filter water separator, first release the vent valve at the top of the filter housing. If there is no valve, loosen the uppermost fuel pipe from the housing. Place a jar under the drain plug or tap, loosen it, and let the water flow out. Keep draining until clean diesel fuel flows out, then close the plug or tap and the vent valve. Some cars have a Fuel in Water (FIW) sensor to indicate when there is a substantial amount of water in the fuel filter.
It is important to maintain and inspect your water separator regularly. Over time, the filter element may become dirty, clogged, or less effective, requiring cleaning or replacement. A well-maintained water separator will help to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. It will also help to prevent corrosion and other damage caused by water and debris.
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Keep fuel tanks tightly sealed
Keeping fuel tanks tightly sealed is a critical step in preventing water contamination in diesel fuel. Water can cause extensive damage to diesel engines, leading to costly repairs and unplanned downtime.
Ensuring that fuel tanks are tightly sealed is a preventive measure that can save you from dealing with the harmful effects of water in your diesel fuel. Water can enter fuel tanks through leaks or condensation, and even small amounts of water can cause significant issues. By keeping the tanks sealed, you prevent moisture from entering and mitigate the risk of water contamination.
To maintain a tight seal, it is essential to regularly inspect your fuel tank for any signs of leaks or damage. Promptly repairing any leaks is crucial to preventing water ingress. Additionally, keeping fuel levels as high as possible helps minimise airspace and reduce condensation, further reducing the chances of water accumulation in your diesel fuel.
In some cases, fuel tanks may require additional sealing measures. For example, if you notice rust or corrosion inside your fuel tank, you may need to clean and treat the tank before sealing it. Several products are available on the market, such as gas tank sealer kits, that can help you tackle rust and create an internal coating to protect your fuel tank.
By prioritising the sealing of your fuel tanks, you can effectively prevent water contamination in your diesel fuel. This proactive approach not only saves you from the hassle of dealing with engine issues but also ensures the optimal performance and longevity of your diesel engine.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of water in diesel fuel include engine misfires, rough idling, decreased power, hard starting, white smoke, and fuel filter clogging.
Water contamination can cause significant damage to fuel quality and engine performance. Water can accumulate in fuel filters, leading to clogging and restricted fuel flow. If left unaddressed, water contamination can cause corrosion, destroy injector tips, and block fuel lines in freezing conditions.
Water can enter your fuel despite following the strictest guidelines. Water and diesel fuel are more connected than many realize. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. Condensation can also occur in storage tanks and truck fuel tanks, especially during temperature fluctuations.
There are a few methods to remove water from diesel fuel. One method is to use a high-quality filtration system that separates air and water from the fuel entering your engine. Fuel additives can also be used to emulsify the water into the fuel body, ensuring it gets sent into the engine and out the exhaust. Alternatively, you can drain the water off if it's in an above-ground tank.
To prevent water contamination, keep fuel levels as high as possible to minimize air space and mitigate condensation. Ensure tanks or containers are tightly sealed, and inspect your fuel tank regularly for leaks or damage. Choose reputable fuel suppliers with a history of quality control, and consider installing a fuel maintenance system for larger tanks.
