Why Your Diesel Engine Needs a Fuel Water Separator

Truckers need to be able to rely on their rigs and engines. Any kind of breakdown costs time and that will cost money. Water in the fuel of an internal combustion engine can cause all kinds of problems. This is the purpose of a fuel filter. As diesel contains more impurities than gasoline, it needs more than just a standard fuel filter.

The Problem of Water Contamination

When water gets into fuel, it does more than just dilute it. The water becomes emulsified and can cause a number of serious problems. Water can contaminate metallic parts throughout the fuel system and engine, damaging them and shortening their lives. You are now faced with the expense of having them replaced and could end up stranded somewhere if the engine breaks down at an inconvenient time. 

Water in your fuel can also encourage the growth of mold and micro-bacterial organisms. These, too, can damage fuel lines and engine parts, wreaking havoc with your vehicle. This is where a fuel water separator shows its value.

The Way They Work

The fuel water separator is installed so that the diesel coming from your tank must pass through it before reaching any other part of the fuel system. The separator contains a trap. As fuel flows through the center of the separator, the water, which is denser, falls into the lower section of the trap. The fuel is then pushed up to the higher, second stage of the separator. In this stage, there is a treated media surface that repels any water still in the fuel. The remaining water forms large droplets that fall back into the lower stage of the separator. Once the water is removed, the final stage of the separator filters out solid contaminants, and pure, clean diesel exits the separator and continues its journey through the fuel system.

Where to Install a Fuel Water Separator

There are several places along the fuel line where a separator can be installed. It is recommended to put it inside the engine bay. There is plenty of room there and the hood offers protection from the elements. This location is also easily accessible for draining the water from the separator.

A diesel engine is a magnificent piece of machinery. It’s important to protect to keep your rig running. Contaminated fuel is a sure way to damage the engine. Install a fuel water separator to keep the diesel clean and your engine purring mile after mile.