The goal of every truck driver is to make sure they are being the most efficient in order to maximize profits. That means taking the optimum route, driving the optimum speed, and ensuring that their truck is running in top shape. We know that an underinflated tire can lead to decreased fuel economy, but if your diesel fuel is dirty, your miles per gallon will not only drop, but you risk damaging the engine.
Remove the Water
The biggest cause of dirty fuel is not specifically from outside particulates finding their way into your tank. It is actually because water has built up. While most modern engines have fuel/water separators, the water itself isn’t entirely the issue. While it is true that if water can sneak past the separator, it can badly damage injectors by boiling and expanding much too fast, but it’s really the byproducts of the water in your tank that will end up doing the most damage.
Rust – Diesel fuel will not cause metal to rust. If during your repairs, you are finding rusted parts (such as a transfer pump), it’s because water has found its way into your tank. The chemical reaction of steel and water is to break down into rust. This rust will end up flaking off forming particulates in the fuel itself which ultimately clog your filter and damage your engine.
Bacteria – Pure fuel is an unlivable environment for any organism. However, when water starts to get into the tank it provides a place for bacteria to grow and thrive. As these bacteria multiply, they can begin to damage your engine. Fortunately there are additives that you can put in your fuel to eliminate microorganisms.
Fungus – Similar to bacteria, fungus can also grow in the water in your fuel. Just like bacteria, as they multiply, they cause problems.
Check Your Fuel Filter
Your last line of defense against the water and debris making it into your injectors is the fuel filter. While it is annoying to have a clogged fuel filter, it is better than having a blown engine. A clogged filter is one that did its job.
If your filter is becoming clogged repeatedly, and sooner than it really should, you need to have an analysis done on the filter to determine the cause. In essence, you need to know if the clogging material is organic or inorganic. The quick and easy way to do this is to simply smell it. If it smells like fuel, then it’s inorganic; if it smells like a swamp (that is, horrible), then it’s organic.
After determining the cause, you can take the steps to remedy the problem.
How to Remove Water from your Tank
The biggest issue is how to get rid of the water in your tank. While your fuel/water separator should get rid of the majority, prevention is the key to keeping it out.
Water enters your tank two ways: either through contaminated fuel, or via condensation. To prevent contaminated fuel, you should always fill up where you know the quality of the fuel.
Condensation really cannot put THAT much water into your tank, and shouldn’t cause problems, unless the condensed water is all in one place. As fuel sits, the water will separate out. If a lot of water gets pulled out of the tank at once, big issues arise. The good news is that there are additives that can help keep the water from separating from fuel, so the separator can do its job more efficiently.
Clear the Water, Improve Your Fuel Economy
Water is the enemy of a finely tuned, efficient truck. The water can lead to a whole host of problems, and can drastically cut your fuel economy. By taking the steps to prevent the water from getting into your tank in the first place, you can make sure to be the most efficient driver possible.
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