Having to solve contaminated diesel fuel problems is always hectic, but we have to when the need arises. In this article, we will focus on how to solve contaminated diesel fuel problems as well as precautionary measures that can save us from troubles whenever we fall victim to contaminated diesel fuel.
Diesel engines are expensive to maintain so, don’t allow adulterated diesel to mess up with your diesel engine. Below are a few things you need to know about fuel contaminants.
Three Types of Diesel Fuel Contaminant
Fuel qualities differ from one country to another. However, there are three contaminants in general which are water, in-tank sediments, and fuel microbes (some people call it algae).
Water as a contaminant:
The first contaminant I want to talk about is water. Water in diesel fuel is rooted in certain factors, including condensation, poor handling, and environmental conditions.
Let me break it down in simple terms.
Water can enter fuel systems through an open fill port, thereby contaminating its diesel content. Also, if your storage tank is defective, it will give room for contamination just as an opened drum will during rain.
Furthermore, a water contaminated tank may transfer its contaminants into yours during the discharge process, thereby creating room for more toxic substances to breed in your storage facilities.
Sediments at the bottom of your tank:
Another cause of fuel contamination is sediment at the bottom of your fuel tanks. Note that this type of contaminant builds up over some time and may be transferred to a receiving tank unnoticed.
For instance, a gas station may have been receiving supplies from different tankers over time, thereby accumulating a lot of debris at the bottom of its tank.
Moreover, no amount of routine underground tank cleaning can prevent condensation, groundwater ingress, and flash rust from accumulating.
Fuel Microbes:
Another set of contaminants is fuel microbes such as mold, fungus, and bacteria. Although many refer to them as algae, fuel microbes are contaminants anyone who stores diesel fuel has to deal with at one point or the other.
How can you detect fuel microbes? Fuel microbes may be imminent if you stick the fuel tank and find any significant depth of the water phase. Also, if you go through filters at an abnormal rate, don’t hesitate to run a microbe test on your diesel fuel.
Furthermore, if you run a microbe test and it comes back positive, or your fuel pH is lower than it should be, then it’s time you clear the problems up.
How Do I solve Contaminated Diesel Fuel problems?
What if I take all precautionary measures but still get caught up in the web of a contaminated fuel tank? You need not worry because you can solve the problem and move on.
However, do not wait until too much damage has happened to your engine. Like every other problem, the starting point for solving diesel fuel contamination is to relax, think, proffer a solution, and take action.
Let me now take you through the simple process that will put smiles on your face after successful completion. Although it’s may not be an easy task if you are dealing with an outdoor tank filled with contaminants, the entire process still worth your time. To avoid any form of confusion, I will focus on vehicle tank cleaning.
Empty your tank: The starting point is to drain your fuel tank by removing the drain plug.
However, if the volume of fuel involved is high, the stress rate maybe a little more than you expected. Get a container big enough to contain the leftover fuel in the tank and remove the drain plug to allow draining.
Remove your fuel tank: The next step is to remove the car tank, but this may require little hard work. Get a brush and clean the upper part of the tank to prevent more debris from entering the tank. Furthermore, detach the fuel pump and lose the fuel compartment.
Clean your tank: Now that you have removed the affected tank, the next step is to clean it of debris or sediments. However, you may choose to use any of the two options available for tank cleaning.
The first method is the use of methylated spirit, while the second option involves the use of water and detergents.
To make use of methylated spirit, pour a liter of methylated spirit into your tank and swirl to allow the solvent to go round your fuel tank. Pour the content out to get rid of accumulated sediments.
However, the process is a bit different if you choose to use water and dish soap. Add water and some soap into your fuel tank and use a brush to wash off contaminants. Pour out the water and clean the washed tank with a dry towel, and leave to dry.
Carry out visual check: Now that your tank has dried, the next stage is to carry out a visual inspection on the washed tank to know whether it is rusty or not. If it is, you may need to replace it to avoid future contamination, but if not, fix it back to its position.
Drain the diesel pump: The final stage is to drain the diesel pump via the drain plug and fix it back. However, you will need to make use of the hand pump to prime the system.
For more understanding, read up my article on the effects of bad diesel on your engine. Also, you may want to know some negative effects of diesel oil on the environment.
proactive measures to Prevent Getting Stranded Because of Contaminated Fuel
No one wants to get stranded, especially when it is avoidable. You can prevent breakdown by making a few provisions against it.
The first preventive measure is the use of a secondary filter. The job of the secondary filters is to catch any contaminant that manages to escape the primary filters. However, this isn’t a license to be careless with the quality of diesel you fill into your tank.
Second, it’s a good habit to always have a spare fuel filter in your vehicle to prevent getting stranded. Keeping additional fuel filter in your car trunk is essential if you are a long-distance traveler because you may not have access to spare part dealers at the time of breakdown.
You can always replace your filter without having to call a mechanic who may not be available to help.
Third, don’t ignore fuel treatment because they help in preventing diesel algae or fuel microbes. Also, having an extra bottle in the car boot may be all you need to get going when you top up your fuel while on a long journey. Remember, fuel microbes can thrive in any temperature.
Fourth, always have extra diesel fuel in your long-range tank, but be careful not to fill it with contaminated fuel. Also, periodically replace the extra diesel in the long-range tank with a new one, so it doesn’t breed fuel microbes and becomes a problem to your vehicle.
Fifth, check your diesel pump to know if it contains a few volumes of water that need draining. Your fuel filter may likely have given way to some water, and this will end up hurting the diesel pump.
Sixth, don’t hesitate to call your mechanic when a breakdown occurs because he is in the best position to guide you.