{"id":8696,"date":"2024-02-26T14:10:20","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T22:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/?p=8696"},"modified":"2024-02-26T14:11:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T22:11:21","slug":"diesel-fuel-contamination-types-impacts-and-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allbaydiesel.com\/diesel-fuel-contamination-types-impacts-and-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Diesel Fuel Contamination: Types, Impacts, And Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"diesel<\/span><\/p>\n

Diesel fuel is essential for optimal performance in your diesel engine machinery, whether you\u2019re driving a ride-on tractor lawnmower or transporting Bay Area residents on public buses. No diesel engine will power on without this crucial ingredient, and many factors affect the fuel\u2019s effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Changes in environmental and emission regulations also require diesel to be cleaner. Diesel fuel contamination is more likely with a higher standard, so concerns arise more frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, the All Bay Diesel experts discuss the issues, including how to tell when your diesel is not up to standard and why. We\u2019ll also relay why these issues make<\/span> mobile diesel repair services<\/span><\/a> urgent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three Types Of Diesel Fuel Contamination<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at three contamination issues that are common to diesel engines: organic, inorganic, and water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inorganic Diesel Fuel Contamination<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Diesel fuel contaminants like inorganic debris find their way into the fuel during the transfer process. For example, it may happen as the clean fuel moves between diesel fuel tanks, trucks, drums, and more before reaching your tank. Plus, if the bottom of the tank harbors sand, dirt, rust, or other imperfections, it mixes into the liquid and may cause damage to the engine\u2019s components.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metals and other particles also mix into the fuel when long, bumpy rides on the road contribute to corrosion, especially in black iron tanks. However, the root cause of the contamination isn\u2019t always forthcoming, and foreign contaminants are not the only problems to look out for.<\/span><\/p>\n

Organic Diesel Fuel Contamination<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Did you know that diesel fuel\u2019s shelf life averages 6 to 12 months? Diesel used to last ten years in a storage tank, but since today\u2019s manufacturers rely upon lower levels of sulfur and crude oil, the result is a shortened shelf life that will meet increased product demand. Unfortunately, it\u2019s a less stable final product that gums and varnishes quicker.<\/span><\/p>\n

After reaching the end of this lifespan, asphaltenes and tar development will give once-clear diesel a murky appearance. Microbial contamination also enters the mix and will damage your engine. So, experts like All Bay Diesel advise people not to store more diesel than they need in this timeframe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Water Diesel Fuel Contamination<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Water diesel fuel contamination is one of the most complicated issues to prevent. The fuel is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from its surrounding atmosphere. It typically happens when a manufacturer or transporter stores diesel fuel at less than full capacity so that there\u2019s more air, and therefore more humidity, in the storage tank for the diesel to absorb.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diesel-engine equipment also allows water into the engine through evaporation and condensation. That\u2019s why long storage periods risk allowing diesel separation and may produce an unseen layer of water below the fuel. And when water mixes with diesel, it dilutes it, lowers its available energy, and reduces the engine efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, this contamination will also lead to the fuel injector tip exploding, the fuel freezing in cold climates, and problematic microbial growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Can You Tell When You Have Contaminated Fuel?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Have you ever noticed your vehicle choke for no apparent reason? That\u2019s just one of the many results of a clogged fuel filter. It\u2019s meant to capture particles within the fuel as it passes through to the engine, whether that\u2019s sludge from degrading material or metal from tanker corrosion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fuel filter keeps these contaminants from causing engine degradation. However, fuel cannot easily pass through it if the filter clogs. You may also notice a power loss when your <\/span>diesel vehicle<\/span><\/a> is under pressure while it\u2019s accelerating, climbing slopes, or towing something.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These issues indicate a failing fuel pump mechanism, usually from clogged fuel filters. These clogs force the pump to work harder when delivering fuel to the engine. When the vehicle tries to maintain strenuous functions, like acceleration, the engine function cannot keep up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, a dirty filter will mean that the pump will fail, the car won\u2019t switch on at all, and you\u2019ll end up forking out thousands in major repairs. Alongside sputtering and jerking at higher speeds, look out for the following signs of diesel fuel contamination:<\/span><\/p>\n