Why is there always water in automotive diesel fuel?
- February 24, 2023
- 0
It is known that during the winter period, diesel engines often have problems with the quality of the heavy fuel used. In addition to paraffins, which cause the
It is known that during the winter period, diesel engines often have problems with the quality of the heavy fuel used. In addition to paraffins, which cause the appearance of a gel in diesel fuel in the cold, water entering the fuel tank is also a major headache for car owners. How to deal with this scourge, understood the portal “AvtoVzglyad”.
According to fuel and lubricant experts, a significant portion of the moisture often ends up in the diesel fuel itself due to the wrong content in storage facilities. After the diesel fuel has been produced at the refinery, it is transported to gas stations, where it is pumped into the tanks of cars. This is where the most important humidification processes take place, for two main reasons.
First is the climate. Constant changes in humidity and temperature fluctuations cause condensation to form under certain circumstances. This is done in empty tankers or half-empty tanks at filling stations. The same happens regularly in the tanks of cars.
The next point is the human factor. According to regulations, all fuel tanks must be regularly cleaned of condensate and dirt. But is it being done, and if it is being done, how well? In general, there are many questions on this topic, to which it is not always possible to get a positive answer.
Regarding the moisture content of diesel fuel, it is important to remember one more nuance. In particular, current fuel and lubricant regulations allow the presence of a certain proportion of water in diesel fuel. True, we are talking about the fractional composition of the fuel, in which moisture is in a bound (at the molecular level) state. Therefore, the “unbound” moisture that poses a danger to a diesel engine is, for example, the above-mentioned water condensate.
Experts note that even the smallest water droplets getting into the injection pump and nozzles can cause a lot of trouble. By combining with sulfur in diesel fuel under high pressure, moisture forms sulfuric acid, which damages the precision channels of the pump’s nozzles and plunger pairs. In addition, water itself has a powerful corrosive effect, causing rust to form in the nodes of diesel equipment. If this happens, most parts will need to be completely changed.
To avoid such situations (especially during winter or off-season thaw), additives that neutralize moisture should be added to the fuel. To do this, today there are universal diuretic preparations on sale, designed for both gasoline and diesel.
However, experienced drivers recommend using special formulations for diesel fuel, for example the new German Fuel Protect Diesel from Liqui Moly. The product is an original combination of ashless additives that prevent the formation of a water-fuel emulsion in the tank.
One of the important features of the novelty is the presence of components of a complex action. Thanks to them, this drug not only effectively neutralizes moisture and protects the fuel system from corrosion, but also significantly improves the lubrication of diesel fuel. The latter is extremely important for preserving the service life of the injection pump and the diesel unit as a whole. Note that Fuel Protect Diesel is packaged in 300ml bottles designed to handle a full tank of fuel from a car or SUV.
The current GOST allows the content of a certain proportion of water in diesel fuel.
Photo portal “AvtoVzglyad”.
Manufacturer’s photo.
According to fuel and lubricant experts, a significant portion of the moisture often ends up in the diesel fuel itself due to the wrong content in storage facilities. After the diesel fuel has been produced at the refinery, it is transported to gas stations, where it is pumped into the tanks of cars. This is where the most important humidification processes take place, for two main reasons.
First is the climate. Constant changes in humidity and temperature fluctuations cause condensation to form under certain circumstances. This is done in empty tankers or half-empty tanks at filling stations. The same happens regularly in the tanks of cars.
The next point is the human factor. According to regulations, all fuel tanks must be regularly cleaned of condensate and dirt. But is it being done, and if it is being done, how well? In general, there are many questions on this topic, to which it is not always possible to get a positive answer.
Regarding the moisture content of diesel fuel, it is important to remember one more nuance. In particular, current fuel and lubricant regulations allow the presence of a certain proportion of water in diesel fuel. True, we are talking about the fractional composition of the fuel, in which moisture is in a bound (at the molecular level) state. Therefore, the “unbound” moisture that poses a danger to a diesel engine is, for example, the above-mentioned water condensate.
Experts note that even the smallest water droplets getting into the injection pump and nozzles can cause a lot of trouble. By combining with sulfur in diesel fuel under high pressure, moisture forms sulfuric acid, which damages the precision channels of the pump’s nozzles and plunger pairs. In addition, water itself has a powerful corrosive effect, causing rust to form in the nodes of diesel equipment. If this happens, most parts will need to be completely changed.
To avoid such situations (especially during winter or off-season thaw), additives that neutralize moisture should be added to the fuel. To do this, today there are universal diuretic preparations on sale, designed for both gasoline and diesel.
However, experienced drivers recommend using special formulations for diesel fuel, for example the new German Fuel Protect Diesel from Liqui Moly. The product is an original combination of ashless additives that prevent the formation of a water-fuel emulsion in the tank.
One of the important features of the novelty is the presence of components of complex action. Thanks to them, this drug not only effectively neutralizes moisture and protects the fuel system from corrosion, but also significantly improves the lubrication of diesel fuel. The latter is extremely important for preserving the service life of the injection pump and the diesel unit as a whole. Note that Fuel Protect Diesel is packaged in 300ml bottles designed to handle a full tank of fuel from a car or SUV.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
