What It Is

• A water‑absorbing insert designed for diesel tanks in vehicles, generators, boats, RVs, farm equipment, and storage tanks.
• Typically shaped like a pouch, sock, or small cylinder.
• Made from super‑absorbent polymers that selectively absorb water — not diesel fuel.
• Includes a retrieval cord so it can be easily removed and inspected.
• Must be checked periodically and replaced once saturated.

How It Works
Water naturally accumulates in diesel tanks through:

• Condensation
• Contaminated fuel deliveries
• Long‑term storage
  Once placed in the tank:

1. The absorber sinks to the bottom where water collects.
2. It pulls in and traps free water molecules.
3. When it reaches its rated capacity (e.g., 7.2 oz), it stops absorbing.
4. You remove it, discard it, and replace it with a fresh one.

Why It Matters
Water in diesel can lead to:

• Injector damage
• Microbial growth (“diesel algae”)
• Rust and corrosion inside tanks
• Hard starts, rough running, or power loss
• Fuel filter clogging
  A water absorber helps prevent these issues without adding chemicals to your fuel.

Typical Use Cases

• Long‑term storage tanks
• Backup generators
• Boats and RVs
• Farm equipment
• Diesel trucks that sit unused for extended periods

How to Use It

1. Drop the absorber into the tank through the filler neck.
2. Make sure the retrieval cord stays accessible.
3. Leave it in place during storage or operation.
4. Check periodically and replace when saturated.

More info at

The post Diesel Tank Water Absorbers: Protect Your Fuel and Engine appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Here are the key questions to investigate:

• Is the fuel clear and bright or cloudy?
• Are you using an additive? If so, which one, at what ratio, and how often?
• Is the entire fuel volume cloudy, or only the bottom around the fuel pick-up?

Fuel Sampling Steps

1. Take a sample from the water separator. Is the fuel clear and bright, or cloudy?
2. Take a sample from the top of the fuel tank. Is it clear and bright, or cloudy?
3. Take a sample from the next fuel delivery. Is it clear and bright, or cloudy?

Checking for Overdosing Issues

• Is your supplier providing a winter blend fuel?
• Is the supplier blending the additive? If so, ask for the exact ratio.
• If the fuel supplier overdosed the fuel—or if you added a cold flow improver to an already treated winter blend—you may have caused the issue.
• Water reacts to excessive additives, preventing it from being trapped by a water-blocking filter.

Understanding Additive Ratios

It’s crucial to use the correct amount of additive:

• There are 128 ounces in 1 gallon.
• If an additive treats 1 gallon per 1,000 gallons of fuel, then 1 ounce treats 7.8 gallons.
• Did you add more than the recommended amount? More is not better!

Locating and Removing the Problem Fuel

• Overdosed additives tend to sink to the tank bottom, where the engine’s fuel pick-up is located.
• Take samples from different points in the tank to determine where clear and bright fuel transitions to cloudy.
• Pump off and store the bottom fuel until the water naturally separates over time.

Testing for Contamination

To test fuel clarity, use this method: Diesel Fuel Contamination Test.
If the results are inconclusive, a lab test ($200–$400) may be required—contact us for recommendations.

Conclusion

Diesel fuel additives are a cost-effective way to improve engine performance in cold weather. They enhance cold flow without sacrificing power or performance and don’t reduce lubricity or cetane levels like kerosene.

However, excessive additive use can cause contamination issues. Based on our findings, the fuel was likely delivered with too much winter blend additive or was overdosed during treatment.

The post Troubleshooting Fuel Contamination Issues appeared first on Dieselcraft.

1. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Always adhere to the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual provided by the manufacturer. This includes regular oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine inspections.
2. Oil Changes: Diesel engines operate under high temperatures and pressures, leading to increased stress on engine components. Regular oil changes are essential to lubricate moving parts, remove contaminants, and prevent excessive wear and tear.
3. Fuel Filters: Diesel fuel can contain impurities and water, which can damage fuel injectors and other engine components. Replace fuel filters at recommended intervals to ensure clean fuel reaches the engine.
4. Air Filters: Clean air is vital for combustion in diesel engines. Replace air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent clogging and maintain optimal engine performance.
5. Cooling System Maintenance: Diesel engines generate a significant amount of heat during operation. Maintain the cooling system by checking coolant levels, inspecting hoses and connections for leaks, and flushing the radiator as recommended.
6. Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check belts and hoses regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace any damaged components to prevent unexpected failures that could lead to engine damage.
7. Monitor Fluid Levels: Regularly check fluid levels such as coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to ensure they are at the appropriate levels. Low fluid levels can lead to overheating, poor performance, or even engine failure.
8. Battery Maintenance: Diesel engines require a strong battery to start, especially in colder weather. Check battery terminals for corrosion, ensure proper connections, and replace old batteries as needed.
9. Glow Plug Maintenance: For diesel engines equipped with glow plugs, ensure they are functioning correctly, especially during cold starts. Faulty glow plugs can lead to difficulty starting the engine in cold weather.
10. Inspect Exhaust System: Check the exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, or damage. A properly functioning exhaust system is essential for emissions control and overall engine performance.
11. Keep It Clean: Regularly clean the engine bay and exterior of the engine to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating, which can lead to overheating and corrosion.
12. Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in performance, address them promptly. Ignoring potential problems can lead to more significant issues and costly repairs down the line.

By following these tips and performing regular maintenance, diesel engine owners can ensure their engines operate efficiently, reliably, and last for many years to come.

MORE INFO

Call Dieselcraft for help with extending oil life and any fuel issues you may have. Phone or Text 530 613 2150 email sales@dieselcraft.com

The post The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Diesel Engines: Tips and Tricks appeared first on Dieselcraft.

1. Mechanical Filtration: Most fuel filtration systems employ mechanical filtration, which involves passing the fuel through a filter medium that physically traps particles and contaminants. The filter medium typically consists of a porous material, such as paper, synthetic fibers, or metal mesh, with specific micron ratings to capture particles of various sizes.
2. Micron Ratings: Filters are rated based on their ability to capture particles of a certain size, typically measured in microns. Smaller micron ratings indicate finer filtration, meaning the filter can capture smaller particles. For example, a filter with a 10-micron rating can capture particles as small as 10 microns in size.
3. Contaminant Removal: Fuel filtration systems are designed to remove various types of contaminants, including dirt, debris, rust, water, and microbial growth. Water separation is often a critical function, as water in the fuel can lead to corrosion, microbial growth, and engine damage. Some filters incorporate water-absorbing materials or coalescing elements to separate water from the fuel.
4. Filter Media: The choice of filter media plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the filtration system. Different materials offer varying degrees of filtration efficiency, flow rates, and compatibility with different types of fuels. Synthetic fibers, such as cellulose or glass fibers, are commonly used due to their high filtration efficiency and durability.
5. Filter Design: The design of the filter element and housing also influences filtration performance. Factors such as the size and shape of the filter element, the surface area available for filtration, and the flow path of the fuel through the filter can affect filtration efficiency and pressure drop.
6. Multiple Filtration Stages: In some applications, multiple filtration stages are used to achieve higher levels of contamination removal. For example, a primary filter may remove larger particles, while a secondary filter with a finer micron rating captures smaller contaminants.
7. Monitoring and Maintenance: Proper monitoring and maintenance of fuel filtration systems are essential for ensuring their effectiveness over time. Regular inspection and replacement of filters, along with monitoring of fuel quality and contamination levels, help prevent system failures and engine damage.
   Overall, effective fuel filtration systems rely on a combination of mechanical filtration, micron ratings, filter media selection, design considerations, and maintenance practices to remove contaminants and ensure clean, reliable fuel delivery to engines. MORE INFO

The post The Science Behind Effective Fuel Filtration Systems: How Do They Work? appeared first on Dieselcraft.

The choice of TFP80 from the other manufactures is too small. Based on its size the residence time of the fuel is less than 20 seconds. Our 5×8 because of the design will give 30 seconds of residence time. Meaning the longer the fuel is in the purifier the longer gravity works on the water to drop it out.

Using the largest possible purifier for longer residence time aka cleaning power and the more capacity to hold water before draining is recommended.

Based on 72 GPH the 5×12 has a residence time of 45 seconds where the 5×16 has a full 60 seconds.
The water sensor will trigger when water reaches the probe at approx 0.400 of 1 gallon. The system will continue to work  unit the volume reached .750 of one gallon then you run the risk of passing water on into the engine. Drain it when the alarm sound or within 3 days not 3 months and the problem will no longer exist.

By using the competitions suggestion the customer will not be happy. His knowledge of how the separation works is lacking. MORE INFO

The post Case Study May 2021 appeared first on Dieselcraft.