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Fuel legislation designed to reduce harmful emissions and increasing global demand for diesel has resulted in more and more bio-diesel finding its way into the fuel supply chain. The increased use of bio-diesel will increase the incidence of water contamination problems in diesel.
Why? Bio-diesel contains more water than petro-diesel (it is introduced in the production process), it is also hygroscopic – it absorbs water from the atmosphere. Petro-diesel can absorb around 50 parts per million (ppm) of water whilst bio-diesel can absorb as much as 1500ppm – most global fuel standards recommend a maximum water content of 200ppm.
As ambient temperatures rise water is absorbed into the fuel, as they fall the water condenses out of the fuel and forms free water at the bottom of fuel tanks. Free water can wreak havoc in your fuel system.
Water in your fuel can cause: Potential damage to your engine
- Engine misfiring and lower power input Fuel injectors can get clogged and fuel delivery and injector spray patterns are affected
- Wear to fuel injector and pumps Water is a very poor lubricant and metal on metal contact occurs resulting in scuffing and wear
- Corrosion of fuel system and engine parts Steel components will rust in the presence of water
- Explosive damage to fuel injectors The combustion process will superheat any water present which can cause injector tips to be 'blown off'
- Acceleration of fuel oxidisation. The oxygen in water acts to speed up the process of fuel deterioration.
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