Page 1262 - Catalog filters BALDWIN for tractors

Auto Parts / would cause particulates to occur when the fuel used for cooling
precipitate from the other. They the injectors is returned in large
stated that the process can occur quantities to the tank, causing the
even if both fuels are stable prior to oxidation. Asphaltines sometimes
mixing. This mixing may have can be formed as part of the
occurred at any point until the fuel is oxidation process. Some say
used. This includes the refinery, in asphaltines are uncracked or
any storage tanks or your vehicle damaged molecules left over from
tanks. The fact is that most users get the refining process. Asphaltines are
fuel from more than one supplier. found as an oily, black substance on
That supplier may have obtained his the surface of your fuel filter media.
fuel from more than one source of Most of the time, these
stock. Some particulates seem to be contaminants will settle out in low or
unavoidable in the fuel. slow flow areas of the fuel system or
become part of the tank bottom
CONTAMINANTS sludge. Both the precipitates and the
IN YOUR FUEL particulates get stirred into the fuel
system during fuel deliveries and
can plug filtering systems.
Fungus and Bacteria are the most
widespread contaminants in today’s Water in fuel probably causes people
diesel fuels. These fungus and the greatest concern, because it is the
bacteria live in the water and feed on most common form of diesel fuel
the hydrocarbons found in the fuel. contaminant. Water is found in your
These contaminants are called fuel system in two forms, free and
Hydrocarbon Utilizing Micro- emulsified. Water in fuel is, in some
organisms, or Humbugs for short. part, related to your own or your
supplier’s housekeeping practices.
A microbial problem is evident when
the spores become active and Most diesel fuels have some
dissolved moisture. Diesel fuel has a
multiply, forming colonies and mats
of growth. Colonies will spread saturation level of water at any given
temperature. As the temperature
through a fuel system wherever
moisture or trace amounts of water goes down, the fuel will hold less
dissolved moisture. Any moisture
are present. Bacterial problems are
characterized by short filter life. above this saturation level will not
dissolve, but will fall out of the fuel
The fuel filter will have a slime over as free water. Dissolved water
the entire surface of the media. amounts in fuel are increasing, in
Draining the fuel system will reduce part, due to chemical agents used in
microbial activity, but it will not the catalytic refining process which
eliminate it. The only way to allow the fuel to hold more dissolved
eliminate microbial growth, once it water. At this time, there is no
has started in a diesel fuel system, is common method to remove
to treat the system with a biocide. dissolved water from fuel.
Precipitates and Particulates are Free water, or non-dissolved water, in
non-combustible materials formed the fuel tanks usually comes from the
when two incompatible fuels are bulk storage tanks, condensation, or
mixed, or when fuel oxidizes. Tests from dissolved water. Free water gets
suggest that fuel can oxidize when into your fuel as storage tank bottoms
an unstable fuel circulates through become agitated while dispersing or
an engine. Heating and cooling receiving fuel. Water, in the form of

1260 / Auto Parts

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