Fuel Contamination Breakdown?

If there is water in the fuel system, and the vehicle breaks down, is that a fuel contamination problem? How about particles of dirt in the fuel, or rust in the fuel? In this article, we’ll discuss fuel contamination in general terms. In the next issue, we’ll look at Dodge, Ford, and GM diesel trucks and explain why you have seen more fuel contamination claims in those particular vehicles, and what the manufacturers are doing about it. Water will always be present in fuel. When fuel in the fuel tank is used, air is brought into the fuel tank. If a gallon of fuel leaves, a gallon of air has to replace it, or the fuel tank would collapse. Air contains moisture, or humidity. Just as dew forms on the grass after a cool evening, as the air inside the tank cools, moisture from the air will condense into water droplets that will end up at the bottom of the fuel tank. This can happen in the tanker truck that delivers the fuel, in the underground storage tank from which the fuel is sold, or in the vehicle’s fuel tank. Pilots know all about this. Aircraft are usually filled up with fuel when they land so no air will be left in the tanks to cool overnight. Before each flight, fuel from the bottom of the tanks is drained and inspected so any condensed or contaminating water will be washed out.

For more of the 2 part Article Visit
Sealcorp.com - Newsroom - SEAL Consultant No. 3

Call or email Brian Haygood, P.E. at 1-800-624-0905 for questions and further information.