Water is the enemy of diesel fuel. Water mixed with diesel can cause many problems, including corrosion, decreased performance, and even engine failure. This blog post will discuss 14 ways to remove water from diesel fuel. Some are easy and require minimal effort, while others are more involved and time-consuming. But no matter which method you choose, getting the water out of your tank as soon as possible is important to avoid any long-term damage.
Before starting this guide, it is important to remember that water can enter your diesel tank in a few ways. First, it can condense on the tank’s walls, especially if the temperature outside is colder than the fuel. Water can also enter through leaks in the tank or lines, which can be introduced when filling your tank. To prevent water from entering in the first place, it is important to check for leaks regularly and to avoid filling up your tank in the rain.
Diesel engines and water
Diesel engines need special additives in their fuel to protect them from corrosion and wear. In addition, water can cause damage to diesel injectors, so it’s important to remove it from the fuel before adding it to the tank.
There are a few different ways to remove water from diesel fuel. One is to use a water dispersant additive, which will help keep the water in suspension so it can be burned off during combustion. Another option is to use a coalescing filter to physically remove the fuel’s water.
Try them to find the best additive for your car or truck and stick with the one your engine likes the most.
Method 1: Run it through a filter.
You can filter the water from diesel fuel already in a tank like water in a sink. This method is good for removing large chunks of water and sediment but also requires the most legwork and time. You will also have to replace the filter periodically based on usage, which can add costs to the system. Make sure you use a filter designed specifically for diesel fuel, or you risk introducing even more contaminants into your tank.
Method 2: Run it through activated charcoal.
Another filter-like device, activated charcoal, filters out the water through adsorption. Put the fuel through a filter containing activated charcoal, and it will extract the water and leave you with clean diesel.
The benefit of this method is that it’s more efficient and can remove smaller amounts of water than other methods. However, you’ll need to replace the filter periodically and the activated charcoal every few months, which means added cost.
Method 3: Run it through a desiccant dehumidifier.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are used for other applications, like removing moisture from the air in your home. They don’t filter out the contaminants but use adsorption, where they attract moisture from the diesel fuel.
When the filter is full, you’ll have to replace it. This method is better than activated charcoal because it is more efficient and can remove smaller amounts of water. You’ll need to replace the dehumidifier periodically and maintain it to ensure it’s working correctly.
Method 4: Drip dry using an absorbent material
An absorbent material like activated carbon or clay powder can be placed in a container with diesel fuel. The porous material will draw the water out of the fuel and leave it dry. You’ll need to change the filter periodically or risk the diesel fuel becoming too thick.
Method 5: Drip dry using a condensation trap
A condensation trap is a simple container with a filter that catches the water before it drips into the container with diesel fuel. Of course, you’ll need to replace the filter periodically and clean the container, but this is an easy way to prevent the water from getting into the fuel in the first place.
Method 6: Using a rotary vacuum evaporation system
A rotary vacuum evaporator is a complex system that heats diesel fuel and uses a vacuum to draw out the water. This is a great option if you want to remove all the water from the fuel and are OK with the high cost. You can also use this system to remove other contaminants from the fuel, like dirt or debris.
Method 7: Using an ultrasonic drip-dry device
An ultrasonic drip dry device pulses the water out of the diesel fuel. You’ll need to replace the device periodically and clean it to ensure it’s working correctly. However, this is a good option if you have a small amount of water in the fuel.
Method 8: Using Solid Absorbing Materials
Solid, absorbing materials like activated carbon or clay powder can be placed in a container with diesel fuel. The absorbent material will draw the water out of the fuel and leave it dry. You’ll need to change the filter periodically or risk the diesel fuel becoming too thick.
Method 9: Rotational drying using an electric heater and fan
A rotational drying system uses an electric heater and fan to evaporate the water from the diesel fuel while it’s in a rotating container. This is a good option if you have a large amount of water in your fuel and want to remove it as efficiently as possible. You’ll need to clean and maintain the system to ensure it’s running correctly.
Method 10: Rotational drying using heated air
Heated air is used to evaporate the water from the diesel fuel. You’ll need to clean and maintain the system to ensure it’s working correctly. This is a good option if you have a large amount of water in your fuel.
Method 11: Use a vacuum to remove the water
A vacuum can be used to pull out the water from the diesel fuel. You’ll need to clean and maintain the vacuum to ensure it works properly. This is a good option if you have a large amount of water in your fuel.
Method 12: Adding a desiccant to the fuel
Adding a desiccant to the diesel fuel will help draw out the water. You’ll need to clean the desiccant periodically and maintain it to ensure it’s working properly. This is a good option if you have a small amount of water in the fuel.
Method 13: Adding a chemical to the fuel
Adding a chemical to the diesel fuel is a good option if you have a small amount of water in the fuel. Some chemicals break down the water molecules and create a different chemical, while others attract the water molecules and pull them out of the fuel.
Method 14: Changing the storage location
The last method to remove water from diesel fuel is to change the storage location. You can drain your storage tank and transfer the fuel to a different tank if your storage tank has water. This method is good if you have a small amount of water in the fuel.
This won’t be a viable option if you have a large amount of water in your fuel. In addition, if your storage tank is made of a material susceptible to rust, water in the fuel could create rust in the tank and lead to problems with the fuel system.
Is there an additive to remove water from diesel fuel?
K-100 is an additive that can remove water from diesel fuel. It’s a good option if you have a small amount of water in the fuel. The additive breaks down the water molecules and prevents them from binding to the diesel fuel. You can find K-100 at most auto parts stores.
How often should I change my fuel filter?
You should change your fuel filter every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. A clogged fuel filter can cause problems, from poor performance and decreased gas mileage to complete engine failure. So, it’s important to keep your fuel filter in good condition and replace it when necessary.
What are the symptoms of water in diesel fuel?
The symptoms of water in diesel fuel can vary depending on how much water is in the fuel. You might not notice any symptoms if there’s a small amount of water. But if there’s a large amount of water, it can cause engine damage, decreased performance, and increased fuel consumption. So, it’s important to be on the lookout for these symptoms and take action to remove the water from your fuel as soon as possible.
Water in diesel fuel can cause several problems, so it’s important to know how to remove it. With this easy guide, you’ll be up and running. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have dry diesel fuel.
How long does it take Heet to remove water?
Removing water from your fuel tank can be quick and easy with Heet. In as little as 15-20 minutes, Heet can remove water and moisture from your tank, ensuring that your fuel is clean and dry. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove water from your fuel tank, Heet is the perfect solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can water damage a diesel engine?
Water in diesel fuel can damage your engine if it’s not removed. The water can cause corrosion and rust, leading to engine failure. So, removing moisture from your fuel as soon as you notice it is essential.
Is a little bit of water in diesel fuel a problem?
A small amount of water in diesel fuel is usually not a problem. But if the water level gets too high, it can cause problems. So, checking your fuel regularly and removing any water you find is important.
How do I prevent water from getting into my fuel tank?
You can do a few things to prevent water from getting into your fuel tank. First, make sure that your fuel cap is tight and secure. This will help to keep water out of the tank. You should also check your tank regularly for rust or other signs of water damage. Finally, if you notice any water in the tank, take steps to remove it immediately.
Does changing the fuel filter improve performance?
Yes, changing the fuel filter can improve performance. A clogged fuel filter can cause engine problems, so keeping it in good condition is important. Replacing the fuel filter will help ensure your engine is running correctly.
Should I put HEET in my gas tank?
Yes, you can put HEET in your gas tank. Heat is an additive that helps remove water from fuel. It’s a good option if you have a small amount of water in the fuel. The additive breaks down the water molecules and prevents them from binding to the diesel fuel. You can find Heet at most auto parts stores.
Conclusion
Cleaning your diesel fuel tank is a must for any water leakage. The longer the contamination stays, the more damage it can cause to your car engine and other parts. Making sure you have access to all these simple methods when there’s a water leakage isn’t enough either. You must also use an updated filter to clean out debris and trap contaminants before they enter your vehicle’s tank again.
