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Are you experiencing low power or poor fuel economy? Do you find yourself replacing filters more often, or have you noticed smoke coming from your exhaust stack?
Or, worst of all, has your engine stopped completely and you're not sure why? If so, you might be experiencing issues related to diesel fuel contamination.
Many issues can lead to total engine failure, including fuel contamination. While it might not cause immediate catastrophic problems, ignoring minor symptoms now can lead to major problems later on.
3 Things That Could Be CONTAMINATING Your Diesel FUEL
While a number of things could contaminate your fuel and affect engine performance, three of them are more common: dirt/debris, water, and microorganisms.
1. DIRT/DEBRIS
If your engine isn't kept properly cleaned, dirt and other debris can easily get into your system. Depending on where and how it enters, this debris can collect in the fuel tank, building up into a component clogging sludge, or it can travel through the system as hard particulates.
Particulates can then serve as an abrasive on your components, leading to premature wear on your parts, and eventually engine failure if it's allowed to continue for too long.
2. WATER/CONDENSATION
It's hard to prevent water in your system, but it can be extremely problematic. Water can enter through leaks, or can form as condensation from temperature changes in your engine. The more water that is suspended in the fuel, the less available energy there is.
Water suspended in diesel fuel can cause corrosion, or can cause your fuel to freeze much more quickly. It also might cause components to rust, which leads to inorganic abrasives. Excess water also creates an environment favorable to growing organic contaminants, further worsening the problem.
3. ORGANIC MATTER
The growth of organic matter in your fuel system goes by different names, like "diesel bug" and "diesel algae." Algae isn't really an accurate term for what's happening, though, as the images it brings to mind are of green pond scum that thrives in sunlight.
Inside your engine, though, there is very little light, and the organic growth is usually a combination of bacteria and molds that grow in the excess water. Eventually, it creates a sludge-like buildup that not only blocks the filter, but can travel throughout the fuel system, creating larger clogs and other problems.
Even though the growth of these organisms creates a big problem within your engine, it's directly related to water contamination. Be sure to treat both issues in order to take care of the whole problem.
There are several other things that can contaminate your supply, including oil and air, depending on what other issues your engine has (leaks, too much water suspended in fuel, compression issues, etc.), so try to be thorough as you diagnose your specific problem.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT FUEL CONTAMINATION?
Frequent testing is recommended to help identify fuel contamination early. Testing often also helps to establish a baseline, so that you can better notice changes.
We also recommend regular cleaning and filter changes, to help prevent buildup from entering your fuel supply and causing larger issues throughout the engine.
If you notice an issue that might be caused by contaminated fuel, it would be good to get it looked at before it causes a catastrophic failure. Remember that in a lot of ways the three main contaminants are closely tied.
For example, water provides the necessary environment for organic growth, which can then become an abrasive. Because of this, try to discover the root cause of your particular issue, so you're not just treating the symptoms of what could become a major recurring problem.
Highway & Heavy Parts Can Help With Fuel Contamination Problems
Fuel contamination doesn't necessarily mean that your engine will fail, but the longer the problem is left unattended, the more likely it is to happen. If you're experiencing major engine problems due to fuel contamination, it might be time to consider an engine rebuild.
We carry the highest quality fuel system components with competitive prices, giving you the best value!
We also:
- Have ASE Certified Technicians on staff to help you!
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- Are a one-source shopping experience, with a huge inventory of replacement parts
- Provide fast and easy ordering—call or shop online!
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Fuel Injectors & Fuel Systems Resources
Related Articles:
HIGHWAY & HEAVY PARTS ANSWERS YOUR DIESEL ENGINE QUESTIONS: FUEL SYSTEMS
FUEL CONTAMINATION CAN CAUSE DIESEL FUEL PUMP FAILURE
REMANUFACTURED DIESEL ENGINE FUEL PUMPS FROM HHP
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Originally Posted November 21, 2018; Edited January 28, 2021