Diesel contamination is a common issue, especially for individuals that store the fuel in large quantities. Contamination can result due to several different factors. However, water, microorganisms and debris are the leading contaminants in stored diesel fuels.

If your diesel fuel is contaminated, you can notice the issues in many ways. Most of these contamination signs go unnoticed or ignored, especially if they are not severe. However, refueling using contaminated diesel can bring catastrophic failures that might be costly to repair.

The easiest way to prevent these damages is to have contaminated fuel testing before refueling your vehicles and machinery. However, that is not always possible for many diesel users. Some people might notice there is an issue with their fuel while operating a machine. Either way, the earlier you notice the symptoms, the easier it is to find a perfect solution.

So, what are the symptoms of contaminated diesel fuel?

Contaminated Diesel Fuel Symptoms

Equipment Failure or Engine Problems

One of the primary symptoms of contaminated diesel fuel is engine problems, or equipment failure in extreme cases. Contaminated diesel fuel can affect engine performance in several different ways. For instance, you can start experiencing power loss while operating your vehicle or machine. A ‘weak’ engine is a common indication of poor quality fuel.

Apart from power loss, the engine might start spluttering or involuntarily changing the vehicle’s speed. These are common signs indicating that the fuel isn’t burning like it is supposed to. That could be due to the presence of water in the fuel or restricted flow into the engine due to sludge buildup.

In most cases, people ignore these signs, hoping to ride through them. That is not always a good idea since it can cause massive damages to the engine, which might result in complete equipment failure. So, if you are experiencing any of these diesel fuel contamination symptoms, ensure you find a solution as soon as you can.

Corrosion of the Diesel Fuel Tanks

Apart from engine issues and equipment failures, contamination in diesel fuel can show through corrosion of storage tanks. These issues may occur if the contamination has got more severe. In most cases, people ignore corrosion of diesel fuel tanks, thinking it is a result of external factors. However, a higher concentration of diesel fuel contaminants can corrode the storage tanks the same way other external elements can.

All diesel contaminants can corrode the storage tanks. However, water and diesel bug contaminations are the greatest threat to these storage vessels. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to notice this symptom, especially in the early stages, because it develops slowly. So, if your tanks are already corroded, you are probably too late.

Presence of Sludge on Oil Filters

Are your fuel filters filling more quickly than normal? If yes, you might have a diesel contamination problem. Fuel filters are designed to screen out and remove impurities from fuel. So, if you are forced to replace your fuel filters more often than normal, it may mean there are many impurities in your diesel fuel.

While replacing your fuel filters, you may notice brown or black sludge filling them. That is a common indication that the contamination, by water, has reached the next level. The presence of water in diesel provides a perfect breeding environment for the diesel bug, a bacteria that grows in fuel.

Once the bacteria establish a colony in your fuel, it can be challenging to destroy them. That is why you might notice sludge while changing your oil filters.

The Appearance of the Diesel Fuel

Although most people do not know it, you can tell if your fuel is contaminated by looking at its appearance. Normally, diesel fuel appears clear and bright. So, if you notice a different colour, such as cloudy shade, it may mean your fuel is contaminated.

Water contamination in diesel can exist in three primary ways;

• Free water – Settles at the bottom of the tank, forming a completely separate layer from fuel.
• Suspended water – Bounds to the fuel molecules making the diesel fuel appear cloudy.
• Emulsified water – Completely mixed and inseparable from fuel molecules due to pressure from filters and pumps.

Contaminated Diesel Fuel Symptoms: Bottom-line

Any form of diesel fuel contamination can be destructive. So, if you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to find a solution as soon as possible.