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The Shop

Updated: July 8th, 2008 05:26 PM GMT-05:00

Diesel Fuel Quality is a Question Not a Guarantee

John T. Nightingale
Dieselcraft Fluid Engineering

Other areas of concern include the producing more exhaust emissions and effecting EPA standards.

Bacteria also present a serious problem. Bacteria feed on nitrogen, sulfur and iron that may be present in the fuel or tank.

Then there are algae. There are absolutely no algae in diesel fuel. You may have fungus and microbial contamination but no algae. This is a misnomer for diesel sludge. So if you have a diagnosis of ALGAE and add a biocide, you have done two things, 1) found a mechanic that is wrong and 2) done nothing to fix the problem.

Why is there so much bad fuel?

The number one reason is due to the increased popularity of diesel power and the accompanying increased demand for more diesel fuel. There was a time when diesel fuel remained in the refinery storage tanks long enough to naturally separate and settle, allowing the clean fuel to be drawn off. Now with increased demand, diesel fuel never remains stationary long enough for settling, and the suspended water and solids are passed on to you, the user.

The change in refinery techniques is another problem. In order to get more products per dollar; diesel fuel is now being refined from more marginal portions of the crude oil barrel. This results in a lower-grade product that is inherently thicker and contains more contamination.

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Reader Comments
Sort By: Date PostedPoster

Bad Fuel Blows Up Engine, What Next?
(11/12/08 - 12:30 PM)

Excellent article, but I missed one critical thing. What recourse do you have when bad fuel blows up an engine?? We (QT Equipment) recently had this problem with a new chassis that was under warranty. The dealer and manufacturer (which will remain nameless for now) laid the blame on us. Without spending big bucks in attorneys fees investigating and going after everyone in the supply chain for diesel, is there anything else that can be done?

Dan Root
Akron, Ohio

fuel
(07/23/07 - 09:06 PM)

what is waight of diesel fuel

stephen nicholson
rosman n.c


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