Katerina Swanson
Dirty diesel fuel can cause a range of issues, including reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, and engine misfires. Water contamination, which can occur due to rainwater getting into the diesel tank or condensation, is a common problem that can lead to the growth of bacteria and sludge, causing blockages and damage to the fuel system. Other contaminants include gasoline, which can result in incomplete combustion and excessive smoke from the exhaust, and DEF fluid, which can ruin the entire fuel system. To address these issues, it is recommended to use a diesel additive with detergency and invest in automated fuel tank cleaning systems that can help keep fuel clean and dry.
Characteristics and Values of Bad Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Darkened, gums, sludge, cloudy |
| Symptoms | Lower fuel efficiency, rough idling, reduced fuel mileage, power loss, involuntary speed changes, spluttering, higher emissions |
| Causes | Water, gas, DEF fluid, dirt, bacteria, fungi, rust, condensation |
| Solutions | Use additives, drain the tank, flush the system, clean injectors and lines, automated fuel tank cleaning systems, fuel polishing, water separators |
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What You'll Learn
Check for water contamination
Water contamination in diesel fuel is a common issue that can lead to serious problems, including engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency. Water can enter your diesel tank through leaks, condensation, or rainwater getting in through an open fill point or vent. While small amounts of water in diesel tanks are normal, excessive water can promote the growth of algae and bacteria, corrode the steel tank, and contaminate the fuel, leading to potential engine issues.
Visual Inspection
Diesel fuel is typically clear and bright, but when the water content exceeds what the fuel can handle, its appearance can change. One sign of water contamination is cloudy diesel fuel, known as "suspended water." Another sign is the presence of "free water," where water sinks to the bottom of the tank, creating a visible layer of water under the fuel.
Regular Fuel Testing
Conduct regular fuel testing to monitor water content and detect contamination early. You can use water-finding paste to detect water accumulation at the bottom of your fuel tank.
Water Separators
Install water separators in your fuel system to remove free water and emulsified water from diesel fuel. These devices help to separate and remove water from the fuel before it reaches the engine.
Fuel Additives
Use diesel additives designed to disperse water and prevent microbial growth. These additives can help maintain fuel quality and reduce the risk of water-related issues.
Tank Maintenance
Regularly clean your fuel tanks to remove sludge and water accumulation at the tank bottom. Proper tank maintenance includes periodically draining water from the bottom of the fuel tanks, where water typically accumulates.
It is important to address water contamination in diesel fuel promptly to prevent costly repairs and downtime. By regularly checking for water contamination and taking appropriate action, you can help maintain the performance and longevity of your diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
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Use a diesel additive
If you're dealing with bad diesel fuel, one option is to use a diesel additive. Diesel fuel additives can help resolve drivability issues, but they are typically recommended as a short-term solution. It's important to consult your vehicle's owner's manual before adding any additive, as using a non-approved additive could void the fuel system or engine warranty.
There are various types of diesel additives available, including multifunctional additives and single-function treatments. Multifunctional additives can provide multiple benefits in a single product. For example, a diesel fuel "conditioner" may act as a water absorber, an anti-gel agent, and a fuel stability enhancer all in one. Single-function treatments, on the other hand, are designed for specific purposes, such as improving cold weather performance or lubricity.
When choosing a diesel additive, it's important to select one that is suitable for your specific needs. For instance, if you're experiencing issues with fuel gelling in cold weather, you may benefit from using a cold flow improver additive. If you're dealing with microbial growth in your fuel tank, you may need to use a biocide additive to kill the microbes.
It's worth noting that while diesel additives can be helpful, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution. Proper maintenance of your diesel engine is crucial, including periodically draining the water separator and replacing the fuel filter. Additionally, it's important to use high-quality diesel fuel whenever possible and to store it properly to prevent contamination and stability issues.
Some popular brands of diesel additives include Archoil, Hotshots, Cummins, and Diesel Kleen. However, it's always a good idea to read reviews and consult expert recommendations before selecting an additive to ensure it is safe and effective for your vehicle.
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Drain the fuel tank
If you suspect that your diesel fuel is contaminated, it is important to act quickly to prevent damage to your engine and fuel system. Dirty diesel fuel can cause issues such as injector deposits and clogged filters, leading to lower fuel efficiency, hesitation upon acceleration, and rough idling. While it may be tempting to ignore the problem, the consequences can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
Before draining your fuel tank, it is important to confirm that the issue is indeed with the fuel and not another component of your vehicle. One way to do this is to obtain a small amount of fresh diesel fuel and connect it directly to the engine, bypassing the fuel tank. If the engine runs smoothly with the fresh fuel, it is likely that your fuel tank or fuel itself is the problem.
When it comes to draining the fuel tank, there are several methods you can use. One common approach is to remove the filler hose at the tank and the scupper drain hose. Insert a length of hose into the tank and run it out through the scupper drain into a suitable container for catching the diesel. Be cautious when starting the siphon to avoid getting diesel in your mouth.
Another method is to pressurize the tank and drain it through the feed line. This can be done by applying a small amount of air pressure to the tank, either through the filler neck or directly into the tank, and then draining the fuel through the supply line or feed line. Be careful not to use too much pressure to avoid damaging the tank.
Once you have drained the fuel tank, it is important to dispose of the old diesel properly and consider cleaning the tank before refilling it with fresh fuel. Additionally, remember to check your filters and lines for any contamination and replace them if necessary.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively drain your diesel fuel tank and help ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle.
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Flush the fuel system
To flush the fuel system, you must first drain the fuel injector pump. It is important to drain the pump, not bleed it, as bleeding will remove air but leave water in the pump. Water can cause significant damage, especially if it is salt water. Next, disconnect all injector pipes, the supply pipe, and open the bleed screw and the excess outlet at the top of the pump. Then, open any plug or remove covers so you can drain the pump from the bottom.
After flushing and replacing the pump, ensure that all filters downstream from the lift pump are clean. Connect a temporary supply container of clean fuel to the lift pump and bleed the system. Before starting the engine, do not forget the excess fuel return pipe. Draining the fuel into a large glass container will allow you to check for any water.
You can also blow out the fuel lines using shop air and a rubber tip blow gun. Keep the pressure low, around 20-30 lbs, and use short bursts until the lines blow clean into a rag.
If you have a fuel polishing system, you can use it to draw the fuel through a filter and back into the tank. Additionally, consider using a multifunction diesel additive with detergency to improve the condition of your fuel.
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Use a fuel polishing system
If you're dealing with bad diesel fuel, one solution is to use a fuel polishing system. Fuel polishing, also called fuel scrubbing, is a process that helps to maintain the quality of stored diesel fuel by filtering out contaminants and separating water from the fuel. This is important because fuel doesn't last forever and, if left unused, it can go bad. This can lead to problems such as engine filter clogging and damage to other components like injectors and fuel pumps.
Fuel polishing systems work by capturing water, microbes, rust, and sludge in their filter systems. Some systems use magnetic fuel conditioners to capture loose metals and break up clusters of fuel before it passes through the primary filter. The primary filter captures particulates, with different micron filtration options available depending on the specific needs of the user. For example, a 50-micron filter will capture particles as small as 50µ, but anything smaller will pass through.
One of the benefits of fuel polishing is that it can help prevent engine failure and unexpected generator stoppages. In some cases, injector repairs and fuel polishing may be enough to clear out issues caused by contaminated fuel. However, if left too late, it may not be sufficient, and emergency repairs and costly hazardous material disposal may be necessary.
Fuel polishing systems can also be equipped with additional features, such as fuel heaters, to address issues caused by cold temperatures that cause the diesel fuel to gel and become too viscous to flow through the system. While biocides are sometimes used to address microbial contamination, it is impossible to perfectly sterilize fuel, and there will always be microbes waiting to repropagate, especially with water still present in the tank.
Portable fuel polishing systems are available from companies like Dieselcraft, offering filter-less purifier technology that removes 99% of water and solid contaminants from fuel before it reaches the filters. This reduces the need for replacement filters and saves time and money.
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Frequently asked questions
Some signs of bad diesel fuel include a rough idling engine, lower fuel efficiency, and reduced power and acceleration.
Diesel usually appears clear and bright, but water contamination can make it look cloudy. Water in fuel can also cause power loss, spluttering, and involuntary speed changes.
You can use an automated fuel tank cleaning system to remove water from your fuel tank. You can also use water-finding paste to detect water in your fuel tank.
Aside from water, diesel fuel can be contaminated by microbes, fungi, and bacteria. This can lead to the formation of sludge, which can clog fuel injectors and damage pumping systems.
