What happens if water gets in diesel fuel?
Just like oil and water, diesel and water don’t mix – they separate. So, if there’s water in your tank, it settles to the bottom. That water will cause your tank to rust and algae to grow. The rust floats around, clogging and damaging your fuel filters.
Can water damage a diesel engine?
Water causes damage to both fuel tanks and engine parts. Rust and corrosion in the tank create hard particulate that is passed along in the fuel, causing engine wear. Abrasion: Water has lower viscosity than diesel, therefore providing less of a lubricating “cushion” between the opposing surfaces of moving parts.
Why does diesel get water in it?
Diesel engines produce water when hot fuel from the injectors is returned to the fuel tank; this produces water from condensation, which settles under the fuel. Water is also produced from diesel fuel storage due to vented storage tanks and humid air.
How do you keep water out of diesel fuel?
The simplest way to control water, if it’s in an above ground tank, is to drain the water off. But many users can’t do that, especially if they use underground fuel storage (like gas stations). They can use water coalescing filters, but those have to be changed. There are fuel additization options available.
How do I keep water out of my diesel tank?
Why does diesel fuel tend to have water in it?
Water is commonly found in diesel fuel due to condensation, handling and environmental conditions. Diesel fuel tanks are always subject to water condensation because diesel fuel, unlike gasoline, has no vapor pressure to displace air. When a fuel tank is warm, the air expands and is forced out.
What happens if there is water in the diesel fuel?
Water in diesel fuel is a serious problem that should be addressed immediately. The fuel pump in a diesel engine operates at a very high pressure and with very precise tolerances. Any contaminant, including water, can cause costly damage. Water in the fuel can also promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.
What are the symptoms of water in diesel fuel?
Diesel fuel water contamination is something you want to avoid at all costs. But how do you know if your diesel fuel is contaminated with water? The initial symptoms of fouled diesel fuel include: • Slimy, clogged filters. • Hazy, cloudy fuel. • A build up of sludge in the fuel tank.
What are the effects of water in diesel?
The more water your diesel contains, the more likely you are to suffer from diesel bug contamination. Water has a detrimental effect on your engine. It can corrode components, encourage acid build-up, reduce lubrication and cause explosive damage to injectors if it becomes super-heated during combustion.