Ameer Randolph
Water contamination is one of the chief enemies of diesel engines. While all diesel fuel contains some water, excessive water in the fuel can cause severe problems, including engine damage and corrosion. Water can enter diesel fuel in various ways, such as condensation in storage tanks, temperature changes, and poor housekeeping practices. If there is too much water in the fuel, it can cause erratic engine performance, sudden engine cooling, and even complete engine failure. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures and invest in proper filtration systems to keep diesel engines running smoothly and protect them from water contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water in diesel fuel | All diesel fuel contains some water, but excessive water can cause damage to the engine. |
| Water contamination | Water contamination is one of the main issues with diesel fuel, as it can cause corrosion and engine wear. |
| Free water | Water that is not dissolved in diesel fuel is called "free water" and can enter the engine, causing significant problems. |
| Water separation | Water separators in diesel equipment can experience severe problems due to water contamination. |
| Injector damage | Water in diesel fuel can cause fuel injectors to malfunction or explode, leading to costly repairs. |
| Engine cooling | Water in the fuel can cause sudden engine cooling, potentially reducing engine lifespan. |
| Rust and corrosion | Water in diesel fuel can lead to rust and corrosion of fuel system components and the fuel tank. |
| Microbial growth | Water provides a favourable environment for bacteria and fungi, which can foul the fuel and corrode the fuel system. |
| Fuel oxidation | Free water accelerates fuel degradation, leading to the formation of acids, gums, and sediments. |
| Fuel performance | Water contamination can result in erratic idling, momentary engine cut-off, and black or white smoke during operation. |
| Water management | Preventive measures, filtration systems, and good housekeeping practices are crucial to managing water levels in diesel fuel. |
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What You'll Learn
- Water in diesel fuel can cause engine wear and corrosion
- Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation
- Water can cause microbial growth, which can damage the fuel tank and system
- Water can cause erratic idling and performance, or the engine may cut out
- Water can be removed from diesel fuel through chemical treatments
Water in diesel fuel can cause engine wear and corrosion
Water is one of the chief enemies of diesel-powered engines. While all diesel fuels contain some water, diesel fuel is less refined than gasoline and will hold a much larger amount of water. This water can cause severe problems with water separators on the equipment. It can also cause the fuel injector tips to explode, resulting in expensive repairs. Slugs of water in the fuel can also cause sudden cooling in the engine and may result in shortened engine life.
Water-induced fuel degradation produces hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid that eat away at metal surfaces. Pitting and cavitation are also caused by water. Pitting is caused by free water flashing on hot metal surfaces. Cavitation is caused by vapour bubbles rapidly contracting when exposed to sudden high pressure, which causes them to condense back into a liquid. These water droplets impact a small area with great force, causing surface fatigue and erosion.
Water in suspension in burning fuel reduces the amount of energy available and will result in lower horsepower output. Water in fuel tanks, lines, injectors, filters, etc., will freeze more readily than the fuel. Most fuels freeze at lower than -20°F, while water freezes at 32°F. This can cause frozen water in the fuel line, filter, and bowl.
To prevent water from entering your tank, it is important to monitor water levels regularly. The simplest way to control water, if it's in an above-ground tank, is to drain the water off. However, many users cannot do that, especially if they use underground fuel storage. They can use water coalescing filters, but those must be changed. There are also chemical control options available, such as emulsifying and demulsifying-type additives.
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Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation
The condensation that forms in the tank is considered 'free water'. This is water that is not dissolved in the diesel fuel but is suspended in it, usually due to agitation or phase separation. Free water can cause significant problems, such as excessive injector wear, filter plugging, power loss, and corrosion of engine fuel system parts.
The presence of water in diesel fuel can also cause microbial growth. Bacteria and fungi can proliferate, creating slimes that foul the fuel and corroding the tank and fuel system. Water accelerates the oxidation process, leading to the formation of acids, gums, and sediments known as fuel degradation products.
To prevent condensation in diesel fuel tanks, it is recommended to keep the tanks topped off to limit humid air accumulation and condensation formation. Removing water content is crucial to ensuring the purity of diesel fuel and preventing free water from infiltrating the engine's injection system. This can be achieved through the use of high-quality filtration systems that separate air and water from the fuel.
Additionally, water absorbers and desiccant breathers can be used to prevent ambient moisture and condensation from entering the diesel fuel. Regular maintenance and proper fueling procedures are critical to minimising the opportunity for water to enter a truck's fuel tank.
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Water can cause microbial growth, which can damage the fuel tank and system
Water contamination is one of the main enemies of diesel-powered equipment. All fuels contain some water, but diesel fuel is less refined and will hold a much larger amount. Water in suspension in burning fuel reduces the amount of energy available and results in lower horsepower output. Water in fuel tanks, lines, injectors, filters, etc., will freeze more readily than the fuel, leading to frozen fuel pumps and frozen fuel lines.
Water can also cause microbial growth, which can damage the fuel tank and system. Like most living organisms, bacteria and fungi (molds) need both food and water to survive. If free water is present, microbial growth can proliferate, creating slimes that foul your fuel and acids that corrode your tank and fuel system. Fuel oxidation is another issue caused by water. Free water accelerates the oxidation process and encourages the formation of acids, gums, and sediments, known as fuel degradation products.
Water can enter the fuel system in several ways. Temperature changes can cause suspended water in the fuel to settle out. For example, when warm fuel is placed in a cooler tank, moisture will drop out of the fuel as it cools. Water condensation in diesel fuel storage tanks is a common problem, especially as fuel storage time increases. Rain, pressure washing, or groundwater can all be sources of water getting into a damaged or improperly sealed tank.
To prevent water damage, it is essential to implement good housekeeping practices, including periodically draining water accumulated in fuel tanks, maintaining seal integrity, and allowing settling time for the fuel after delivery into a storage tank. Additionally, a maintenance program should include eliminating or preventing microbial contamination of the tank contents. While it is challenging to remove excessive water from fuel, it is crucial to monitor water levels regularly and take preventive measures to keep water content within acceptable limits.
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Water can cause erratic idling and performance, or the engine may cut out
Water contamination is one of the chief enemies of diesel engines. While all diesel fuels contain some water, diesel is less refined than gasoline and will hold a much larger amount. Water can enter diesel fuel through condensation, temperature changes, and poor housekeeping of storage tanks.
Water in diesel fuel can cause severe problems with water separators and promote the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, leading to slime that clogs filters. Additionally, water can cause premature wear and corrosion in fuel injectors and other engine parts. This corrosion can result in rust particles entering the fuel, damaging both fuel tanks and engine components.
Water can also cause erratic idling and performance or even engine cut-out. When the engine tries to inject water with the fuel, you may experience erratic idling and performance, or the engine may cut out, especially during acceleration. This is due to the fact that water does not compress and burn like fuel, leading to potential issues with connecting rods, valves, and the fuel pump.
To prevent water contamination, it is essential to follow proper fueling procedures and invest in a top-tier filtration system. Regularly monitoring water levels and implementing effective water management strategies are crucial to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of diesel engines.
If water contamination occurs, it can be challenging to remove excessive water from the fuel. The best approach may be to strip the fuel system or manually flush the fuel lines and suck the remaining water from the lines. Preventative measures and proper maintenance are key to minimizing the adverse effects of water-contaminated diesel fuel.
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Water can be removed from diesel fuel through chemical treatments
Water contamination is one of the main issues for diesel-powered equipment. While all fuels contain some water, diesel fuel is less refined and can hold a much larger amount. Water can wreak havoc in diesel engines, causing severe problems with water separators and even making fuel injector tips explode. Slugs of water in the fuel can also cause sudden engine cooling, shortening the engine's life.
Water exists in diesel fuel in two forms: water in solution or free water. Water in solution refers to low levels of water dissolved in the fuel, usually in parts per million (ppm). Free water, on the other hand, is water that is not dissolved in the fuel and can include water suspended in diesel due to agitation or water that has separated from the diesel fuel.
Water can enter diesel fuel through various factors, including climate, storage tank installation, and fuel handling procedures. Temperature changes can cause suspended water in the fuel to settle out, leading to the need for periodic draining of water. Water condensation in diesel fuel storage tanks is a common issue, especially with longer storage durations.
To address water issues in diesel fuel, a combination of mechanical and chemical approaches is often recommended. Bell Performance offers chemical treatments that emulsify water, combining it with diesel fuel in tiny particles (micelles) that are burned in the combustion chamber. They also have technologies that absorb water, seamlessly binding it into the fuel to prevent separation. Additionally, Bell Performance's FTS Program takes a three-pronged approach, considering chemical, mechanical, and testing aspects of diesel fuel care.
Other chemical treatments for removing water from diesel fuel include:
- Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner: This product removes water and slime, disperses contaminants, and stabilizes fuel during long-term storage. It can be used for immediate clean-up of equipment or fuel storage tanks.
- Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide: Used in conjunction with Clear-Diesel Fuel & Tank Cleaner, it helps kill microbes and remove residual water and contaminants.
- Diesel Fuel Supplement: This supplement is recommended to keep water separated and prevent it from reaching the engine.
- Diesel 911 Winter Fuel Treatment: Suggested for use with diesel engines, it can help dry up water left in the fuel tank.
- Lucas Fuel Treatment: A fuel treatment option to address water in the fuel system.
- Power Service Diesel Kleen and Opti Lube XPD: Both products can be used to remove water from fuel, with Diesel Kleen being readily available in retail stores.
While these chemical treatments offer solutions, it is essential to implement preventive measures to minimize water entry into diesel fuel tanks and regularly monitor water levels. This proactive approach can help reduce the need for water removal interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
Water contamination can cause severe problems with water separators on the equipment, and even make fuel injector tips explode. Water in the fuel can also cause erratic idling and performance, or the engine may cut out, especially during acceleration.
Water can enter a diesel engine through condensation, especially in above-ground tanks, and in truck fuel tanks. Water can also enter a diesel engine through everyday temperature fluctuations, or through the use of the truck and drawing down the fuel in the tank.
To prevent water from entering your diesel engine, you should invest in a top-tier filtration system. You should also ensure that you are practising proper fuelling procedures and buying your diesel fuel from reputable sources with well-maintained systems.
If your diesel engine has water in the fuel, you should drain the tank. You can also use water coalescing filters, or chemical control options such as emulsifying and demulsifying-type options.
