Diesel fuel begins to deteriorate as soon as it is produced. Within 30 days of refining, all diesel fuel regardless of brand, goes through a natural process called re-polymerization and oxidation. This process forms varnishes and insoluble gums in the fuel by causing the molecules of the fuel to lengthen and bond together. These components now drop to the bottom of the fuel tank and form asphaltene also known as diesel sludge.
The fuel begins to turn dark in color, smell bad, and in most
cases causes engines to smoke. The engines smoke because some of these
clusters in the early stages are small enough in size to pass through
the engine filtration and into the combustion chamber. As these clusters
increase in size, only part of the molecule gets burned. The rest goes
out the exhaust as unburned fuel and smoke. With increases in cluster
size they begin to reduce the flow of fuel by clogging filters. The
filters only address the symptom and not the cause.
It is estimated that eight out of every ten diesel engine failures have
been directly related to poor quality and contaminated fuel. The
build-up of contaminates in the fuel systems and storage tanks can
quickly clog filters, thus resulting in engine shut down, fuel pump
wear, and diesel engine damage.
Understand that most fuel has some amount of water in it from either
condensation or vents. This threat requires that we realize the added
burden placed upon diesel fuel as opposed to gasoline. Gasoline acts as
a fuel only. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, also must cool and
lubricate injection system parts. These parts are engineered to very
close tolerances - up to 0.0002 of an inch - and any contamination means
rapid part wear. Water displaces the diesel fuel. When the fuel is
displaced wear occur because lubrication is now absent.
Water that enters the combustion chamber results in even more serious
damage. When it comes in contact with the heat of the combustion chamber
(in excess of 2000 degrees F), it immediately turns to steam and often
explodes the tip of the injector. Water causes corrosion of tanks,
lines, injectors, and greatly reduces combustibility.
Other areas of concern include the producing more exhaust emissions and
affecting EPA standards.
Bacteria also present a serious problem. Bacteria feed on nitrogen,
sulfur, and iron that may be present in the fuel or tank.
Then there are algae.
There are absolutely no algae in diesel fuel. You
may have fungus and microbial contamination but no algae. This is a
misnomer for diesel sludge. So if you have a diagnosis of ALGAE and add
a biocide, you have done two things, 1) found a mechanic that is wrong
and 2) done nothing to fix the problem.
Why is there so much bad fuel?
The number one reason is due to the increased popularity of diesel power
and the accompanying increased demand for more diesel fuel. There was a
time when diesel fuel remained in the refinery storage tanks long enough
to naturally separate and settle, allowing the clean fuel to be drawn
off. Now with increased demand, diesel fuel never remains stationary
long enough for settling, and the suspended water and solids are passed
on to you, the user.
The change in refinery techniques is another problem. In order to get
more products per dollar; diesel fuel is now being refined from more
marginal portions of the crude oil barrel. This results in a lower-grade
product that is inherently thicker and contains more contamination.
Thirdly, current fuel distribution methods also have a negative impact
on the condition of the fuel at the time of delivery. In many cases,
brokers control fuel sales to major distribution terminals and determine
delivery dates. There is no telling how long that fuel has been in the
distribution network and how many times it has been transferred. Seldom
do these distributors filter the fuel as they transfer it.
The solution:
Multifunctional diesel additive packages and hardware.
For your single vehicle or fleet the improvement of fuel quality by the
use of additives and current technology is always a good choice.
Many diesel fuel additive packages address the key issues with respect
to fuel performance; some improve fuel economy, increase lubricity,
improving cold flow, and improve cetane number. And some only address
the issue of rust and corrosion, but all should be considered.
Most diesel fuel additives contain combustion improvers that release
oxygen during the compression stroke. This allows combustion to start
sooner, providing for a more complete fuel burn. A more complete burn
provides all the power your fuel and engine is capable of producing. As
combustion improvers and you get a smoother running engine, an increase
in horsepower that improves fuel economy and the reduction in black
smoke emissions.
Cetane is a performance rating of a diesel fuel, a higher cetane number
or cetane rating indicates greater fuel efficiency. The fuel’s cetane
influences, duration of white smoking after start-up, drivability before
warm-up, and intensity of diesel knock at idle. Increase the cetane
number of a fuel and you have improved performance.
In diesel fuel systems, the fuel provides lubrication for the fuel pump
and injectors. A fuel with poor lubricity can cause excessive wear and
premature failure of these components. Improve lubricity and extend
engine life.
Diesel fuels have pour points (the lowest temperature at which an oil or
other liquid will pour under given conditions) within the range of
normal winter temperatures. As a fuel approaches its pour point,
paraffin in the fuel form wax crystals that prevent it from flowing.
Flow-improver additives modify the wax crystals, lowering the pour point
of the fuel and give better cold weather performance.
For on-sight storage tanks other issues must be looked at. On-sight
storage tanks always have a small amount of the first gallon of fuel
ever put in them, unless it is drained 100% and cleaned. So adding new,
fresh fuel always has a bit of the bad added to it every time fuel is
purchased. Diluting the bad with good over time is a losing battle. The
fuel will always be bad fuel until the core problem is addressed
The order of treatment for fuel related problems should always begin
with a determination of whether there is water in the fuel and if the
fuel has microbes (fuel bugs) in it. Water Paste and Fuel Test Kits can
be used for this stage of maintenance. If microbes are detected, then
the use of biocides is needed. Biocides have no effect on and will not
eliminate the sludge problem. Biocides kill bacteria, that’s all!
The water issue should always be remedied first by the use of fuel water separators on the tank or on the equipment. Next a multifunctional chemical additive should be added to improve fuel performance and then if needed a problem specific additive to dissolve diesel sludge and or a rust inhibitor to protect steel tanks. For long-term prevention, the use of magnet fuel conditioners is recommended. These devices continually reverse the re-polymerization of the fuel during circulation and reduce the need for ongoing additive use. All the needed cures are available from Dieselcraft Fluid Engineering at www.dieselcraft.com
Conclusion
There is no good time to find out that your engine won't operate or that
half its life span is gone prematurely because of contaminated or poor
quality diesel fuel. Since no one can predict a breakdown, the only safe
method is prevention.
Realize now that you do have a problem, and manage it now, or deal with
the unexpected catastrophe and reduced equipment life that comes at the
absolutely wrong time and is not in the budget!
****
***
**
*
With the price of gas zooming it makes more sense than ever to buy your business cards from us. You can design your own right online and we deliver right to your door. You could save a fortune on all your printing needs.
You can be a hero; Save that little smile you love so
much. Our low cost dental plans can make it happen for your whole family.
Tell your friends they can reduce their insurance premiums at the company's own web
site.
David Crockett, David Copperfield, hundreds of books yours for
free.
The
Adventure
Medical Kit
is ideal for campers, even Guides and other Outdoor professionals. Designed for trips with 1-12 people for up to 14 days. Large easy access zippered compartment, color coded for easy access to the supplies you need fast. reflective piping for high visibility. Click HERE to review our best models.
Sit Back and SMILE! Hitting the High Road to adventure is easier these days. Just get on the web and type in your destination, and all the information you need is rolled out for you. Well, that's the way it works at the Your Vacation World Travel Shop anyway.
Photography as an art has never been more exciting or enjoyable. You have many more styles, topics, and tools open to you than ever. Plus, the blending of digital with print makes taking photos very versatile. While it is true that taking photos is as simple as running out and grabbing a cheap five dollar camera, taking GOOD photos has never been easy.
Free Adventure Vacation Kits, one from each state, and ALL FOR FREE!
Wildlife scientists have documented daily activity patterns for deer, elk, fish, bear, etc.. Get the latest news from the most accurate weather news on the internet. The Weather, and all the Facts -- just one click away!
Your luggage could be lost or stolen. You may need emergency evacuation. You could lose some of your travel documents. Where would you be without travel insurance? I have made it easy for you to Compare over 60 low cost travel insurance plans from one page.
Romance and Adventure are coming your way -- Stroll through 7,000 famous cities. Pictures, facts, and even the best times of the year to visit. Click HERE to revel in the luxury.
Get Your Own Survival Tools and Equipment. Thousands of items to choose from. Just for example, you will find 23 different tools to start a fire with. There is one method that will easily and surely light a fire in a fierce rainstorm any time you need it. Yet the fire will extinguish instantly to avoid detection, leaving no residue, no odor, and no smoke.
Protect yourself, your car and your family with the very best insurance you can afford: Click on Health * Life * Auto * Long Term Care * Home * Dental * or Other -- and See if insurance roundup can't save you $100 or more this year on every kind of insurance protection you need. Are you Self-Employed, or maybe you want to be? Click HERE for a complete article on how, and where you might get the health insurance coverage you need. Now, if you really CAN'T AFFORD insurance, then Click and Find the very best protection value available.
