Clean Diesel: Why It's a Big Deal Now – What Every Operator Must Know

CLEAN DIESEL – WHY IT’S NOW A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE
Protecting Your Equipment Starts with Better Fuel

Why Clean Diesel Matters More Than Ever

Modern diesel engines demand precision. While today’s diesel fuel leaves the refinery clean and compliant, the reality is this: most fuel contamination happens after it leaves the refinery. Storage, transportation, and on-site handling are now the frontline in fuel quality management.

Fuel Starts Degrading in Just 28 Days

According to Chevron and ExxonMobil, diesel fuel can begin to degrade within one month in storage. Heat, air exposure, condensation, and poor tank maintenance allow oxidation, particulate formation, and microbial growth to begin—long before you pour it into a machine.

What’s in Your Fuel? The 4 Big Contaminants:

1. IDID – Internal Diesel Injector Deposits
   • Forms inside injectors due to heat and unstable fuel molecules
   • Causes rough idling, reduced power, and injector failure
   • Documented by the Coordinating Research Council and Worldwide Fuel Charter

2. Water Contamination
   • From condensation, tank leaks, or poor handling
   • Leads to rust, microbial growth, and corrosion

3. Bacteria and Fungi
   • Feed on hydrocarbons in fuel
   • Create acids, sludge, and tank corrosion
   • Recognized as a leading cause of fuel failure by the Energy Institute (UK)

4. Particulate Debris
   • Dirt, rust, and oxidized fuel solids clog filters and damage fuel pumps

ISO Fuel Standards: How Clean is Clean Enough?

Modern engines often require fuel to meet ISO 4406 cleanliness levels as fine as 12/9/6. This level of purity is necessary for high-pressure common rail injection systems, where even tiny contaminants can cause injector failure.

Your Defense: SEPAR Filters and Fuel Polishing

• SEPAR Fuel Filters separate water and trap particulates with multiple stages
• Designed for marine, industrial, and on-road applications
• When paired with fuel polishing systems and proactive treatment, stored diesel can be cleaned to OEM standards
• Ensures your equipment starts clean, runs smooth, and lasts longer

Conclusion: Your Engine Runs on the Fuel You Maintain

Your fuel might start clean, but time and neglect make it dirty. Don’t let contaminated diesel bring your equipment down. With proper filtration, storage practices, and regular conditioning, you can safeguard performance—and your bottom line.

📞 Call 1-800-667-6879 | 🌐 www.dieselservices.com