More reasons we are seeing more filter plugging this year!
Greetings forum members,
Good seasonal topic here. Diesel fuel quality is at an all time low I think we would all agree. I have received calls from several folks regarding filter plugging due to the wax crystals in the fuel. In these cases I recommend changing the fuel filter and adding some of the AMSOIL cold flow improver. I have a school district that had nine buses on the road last winter running the AMSOIL cold flow improver, and never had any problems with the fuel gelling or filters plugging. They had some -35 degree F. days and nights on the road. They buy their fuel from the local CO-OP, so assume it is a blend, but don't know what ratio.
This winter they have had no issues, nor have any of my other customers. The folks that came in with plugged filters are now using the AMSOIL cold flow improver or the new diesel concentrate with cold flow improver. All are satisfied thus far.
I'll attach some literature and educational materials over the weekend here to explain the clouding points of fuels and how the waxing is the cause of most of our problems.
One other thing to keep in mind that has changed in recent years that is causing more filter plugging issue is the fuel filter micron rating itself. Years ago a diesel engine fuel filter would be in the 20 to 30-micron range. As injector technology changed, and higher pressure fuel systems, so did the micron rating of the fuel filters. The new C7 Caterpillar engines in the school buses have a secondary fuel filter rated at 3-microns. The new GM Duramax engines have a 4-micron filter. This is just another reason we are seeing more and more fuel filter plugging (gelling) issues that ever before.
And yes, water in the fuel is an increasing problem. Most of the new diesel have a fuel system design that returns large amounts of warm fuel to the tank when the engine is running. This warm fuel can raise the tank temperatures to temperatures as high as 140 degrees in the summer months if you run your fuel tanks low (below a quarter tank). I've seen this first hand and have had a similar conversation with our Caterpillar dealership. He said this is common on vehicles that he gets in his shop with low fuel tanks. What this warm fuel causes is as the tank and fuel cool down when the engines are off, is they begin to draw moist air from the outside atmosphere into the tank. This moist air cools and condenses inside the tank, and now you have a water problem. This water problem can also lead to biological activity and growth in the tank as well.
AMSOIL uses a jet-fuel de-icer in the cold flow improver to help combat the ice crystals that develop in the fuel. This jet fuel de-icer is alcohol free. Alcohol is not the best thing for a diesel fuel system, as it tends to decrease the lubricity in the fuel and dries out the pump and seals. Over time leading to premature pump and injector failures.
Folks ask me about the products that thaw gelled fuel systems like the Power Service 911. From what I've read on the Power Service web site, their product does contain alcohol. They claim it is a type of alcohol approved by the OEM equipment manufactures and is safe for all diesel equipment. AMSOIL just released a new product this year call Diesel Recovery. Again, AMSOIL has developed a product that is alcohol free. I just received some in for those folks that have a problem, so I haven't used or sold any yet. If it performs as well as all the other AMSOIL products, I'm confident it will be a real hit with the diesel folks out there. I'll attach a copy of the product data sheet on it as well if I can get it uploaded here.
In closing tonight the best advise I can give is to consider changing your fuel filters on the newer engine more often during cold weather due to the lower micron rating. Run a high quality cold flow improver if you are not currently. If you have a drain valve on the bottom of your fuel tanks, check them when the weather is warm for free water in the tanks. It's best to check them after the vehicle has sat overnight to allow for maximum separation. And add your fuel treatment when fueling as the fuel from below ground tanks is typically above the clouding point and will allow for the best performance of your cold flow improver's.
Good luck and stay warm.
