Keep Your Engine Safe From Dirty Diesel

Advancements in technology have led to an increase in diesel-powered cars in the UAE. The diesel engine should be as healthy as possible to embrace the benefits of higher torque, lower maintenance, and a longer lifespan of a quality diesel engine. A widely known issue of diesel engines is the carbon build-up which is made evident by the black smoke emitted when the driver puts their foot down. 

Another issue with diesel engines is the ‘dirty diesel’ called contaminated fuel. Reports suggest that dirty diesel has adverse effects which can damage the injectors or even destroy the engine, which will cost the owner a huge sum. So read along to know how to keep your engine safe from dirty diesel.

What is 'Dirty Diesel'?

Diesel is contaminated after the fuel-production process by owners storing them or carrying the diesel after purchasing them. Fine particles can mix with the diesel causing ‘dirty diesel’. To avoid this, many owners change their filters at a regular time. They switch to a higher quality filter or add extra filters. 

Another viable option is to use a water separator, although most car manufacturers are against the idea. Major diesel trading companies in Dubai insist upon leaving the car engines alone as they work best alone. Modifications can also void the warranty. 

If you want to make sure that your diesel is not contaminated, watch for these signs:

• Loss of power and RPM in the machine.
• Delay in acceleration when stepping on the pedal.
• Abnormal exhaust.

What Causes Diesel Engines Run With Dirty Fuel?

Fuel contamination is increasingly common than we think. Various issues are responsible for fuel contamination. Here are some common causes of ‘dirty diesel’ or fuel contamination:

• Stale fuel: If stored in a non-airtight container, gasoline becomes stale in 30 to 60 days. The oxidization process weakens the fuel and causes gummy deposits in the bank. These deposits clog the injectors and carburetor jets. 
• Dirty Storage Tanks: If the caps of the storage tanks are loose, dirt and water can enter the tank. Sometimes, the storage tank rusts out allowing the water to enter the tank.  Fuel pumps have filters but they do not filter out all the debris and water. 

Dirty diesel creates plenty of problems: it makes the engines clog, blocks the injectors, and leaks appear in the filters. As a result, the vehicle will perform less well than before.

Check For Dirty Fuel

It only takes a few minutes to check if the fuel is stale or if it contains water. Use a swab test to determine the condition of the fuel. The presence of ethanol masks the stale smell of fuel, so smelling is not a reliable option. Examine the fuel filter for any sediment. 

Symptoms of a Dirty Diesel Fuel Filter 

• There are reports of having trouble starting and stopping a vehicle when there is a problem with the fuel filter. 
• The fuel pump also makes a lot of loud noises. 

Contaminated fuel leads to undesired materials and particulates that clog the fuel system resulting in various problems. Your fuel system displays a dark deposit of sludge or varnish to indicate that it is dirty. 

Dealing with Dirty Diesel Fuel

Every hour of downtime in the diesel supply leads to trouble. Each gallon of diesel is full of potential contamination, and the diesel that is not pristinely clean can wreak havoc on expensive HPCR (high-pressure common rail) engines. 

The HPCR engines are more efficient than older model engines, but they are more susceptible to failure. 

Before the launch of HPCR engines, the purity of the diesel was determined by its clear and bright color. A visual inspection was all it took to make sure the diesel was safe for your engine. Today’s systems are more susceptible to damage from impurities that are not visible to the naked eye. 

The particles that damage the HPCR injectors are 2 microns in size, and that is the size of bacteria. The human eye can only see particles that are at least 40 microns in size. 

Fuel quality issues show up as reduced fuel economy, a higher rate of DPF (diesel particulate filter) regeneration, loss of horsepower, DPF failure, and finally fuel system failure. Repairing or replacing an engine costs a huge amount of money. 

The filtration process becomes necessary to keep the diesel clean and safe for the engines.
 

Conclusion

It is always better to ensure the diesel is safe for your engine to prevent any harm ‘dirty diesel’ could cause to your vehicle’s engine. Use quality fuel to prevent the clogging of your fuel injectors and to ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s engine. Make sure to buy quality diesel from trusted diesel exporters in UAE. 

Redlines Diesel Trading, Office Nr. Burguman Metro Station G-4, UBL Bank Building Khalid Bin Waleed St. (Bank Street) P.O. Box 27969 Dubai, United Arab Emirates is one of the best diesel trading companies in Abu Dhabi. Contact Redlines Diesel Trading at +971 4 3558595 or visit our website for the finest quality diesel for the safety of your engines.