It is common for vehicles and heavy-duty machinery to fail to start up properly after being stored for a long time. These are symptoms of engine contamination caused by contaminated fuel. If you fail to notice these symptoms, later repairs could become too costly. Below, let's look at engine fuel contamination and maintenance tips.
The fuel quality can diminish if left in the tank when the vehicle is stored. There are many possible reasons for this, such as the deterioration of ethanol in the fuel and different contaminants. When this happens, the engine performance is affected, which shows up through these signs:- Engine starts poorly
- Higher fuel consumption
- Loss of power when accelerating
- Loss of power going up a slope
- Loss of power while towing
- Sudden acceleration/deceleration while driving
- Engine stops abruptly
What are the signs of fuel contamination?
Gas contamination occurs due to dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants present in the fuel. Chemical changes that occur in the fuel over time can cause its quality to degrade. For this, effective fuel quality management is crucial.
Although the contamination effects are apparent in your engine performance, some signs can be observed in other parts of your vehicle, which include-- Blinking Check Engine Light
A blinking "Check Engine" light indicates issues under the hood caused by contaminants. Yet, many ignore the light if "there's no difference in the engine's performance." Under the hood, engine damage increases due to continuous operation under not-so-ideal conditions. This is detrimental to the machine and can lead to costly breakdowns when left to operate the same way. - Clogged Fuel Filters
Fuel filters capture particulate matter in the fuel before it passes into the engine. When these are frequently clogged, it's usually a primary sign of diesel contamination. As contaminated fuel passes through these filters, contaminants like clumps of sludge and metal particles can form and block the passage of fuel into the engine.
Possible sources of the issue are corrosion in the gas tank or the fuel itself. It is when you need an engine fuel filtration service from reliable providers. - Failing Fuel Pump
When fuel filters are clogged more often, fuel pump failure is common, as restrictions in the flow of fuel cause the pump to work harder than usual. When this happens, the continuous fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, which then affects the engine's different functions. This interruption can be felt during acceleration when there is high demand for fuel delivery. - Partial and Total Injector Failure
Even minor failure in the fuel injection system can cause many inefficiencies in the engine. This is caused by prolonged exposure to contaminated fuel that builds up within the injector, causing wear on the valve surface.Eventually, the needle component of the fuel injector will fail partially and turn into total failure if left unchecked. However, this is difficult to diagnose and requires proper fuel injector maintenance tools and expertise.
When you notice any of the above signs, ask an expert for fuel contamination prevention.
What are the common causes of fuel contamination?
- Water Contamination caused by condensation or leaks, leading to corrosion and engine issues.
- Microbial Contamination , due to bacteria growth in water-contaminated fuel, causes corrosion and clogging.
- Particulate Contamination , caused by grit or sand clogs in filters, damages engine parts.
- Chemical Contamination due to improperly stored chemicals impacts fuel and engine performance.
How to prevent diesel fuel contamination?
Proper fuel system maintenance and regular professional checks are key to reducing the risk of fuel contamination. At Njord Filtration, we conduct fuel testing following necessary fuel cleanliness standards. We also specialize in industrial tank cleaning, allowing us to provide an all-in-one solution to protect your engine system.
Call us today at +31-13-7640706 to speak to our fuel experts and learn about our range of fuel system maintenance services.
FAQs
- What is fuel contamination?
Fuel contamination is the presence of water and bacteria in fuel, which can cause fuel system damage in vehicles and machinery, including engine failure. - How can I avoid fuel contamination?
- Fill up at a reliable service station
- Avoid filling up while the station is being refueled
- Try to change your fuel filter regularly
- Use a fuel stabilizer
- Use a dedicated fuel storage container
- Drain the tanks when not in use
- How can I clean contaminated fuel?
To clean contaminated fuel, you can:
- Drain the tank into a suitable container
- Clean the tank inside out
- Inspect the tank for damage and replace if necessary
- Pour fresh fuel into the tank
- What is fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing is a technical cleaning process used to remove the impact of water in fuel and other microbial particles. It also removes harmful sediment like rust and soot. For expert service, hire professionals from Njord Filtration.