[b]Water content in diesel oil[/b] 1

[ariky]

Hi,
I have several questions about this issue:
1. In principle, what is the effect of higher than normal water content in diesel oil on vehicle diesel engine.
2. Considering the following values - app. 500 - 800 ppm compared to 200 ppm max. (according a EN-590 European standard)can this values cause any harm to the engine.
3. Is it possible that such contaminated fuel can alter the engine timing system setup and thus change engine timing.
4. Where can I find articles about this issue.
Regards,
Ariky

 

[CESSNA1]

ARIKY:

Excess water in diesel fuel can cause scoring of the injectors and a poor fuel spray pattern into the cylinders. This in trun can cause incomplete combusiton, and black smoke. Water destroys the lubricity of the diesel fuel (which is marginal to start)

The fuel shold be delivered with virtually no water. Diesel engines usually have water filters before the fuel enters the engine fuel system. Excess water will cause these filters to require more frequent cleaning.

Damage caused by excess water will not alter injection timing, but will cause fuel to bypass the plunger and lower the injection pressure which results in a poor spray pattern. You can see this on an injector test bench.

Hope this helps

Regards
Dave

 

[Zapster]

I was told by a diesel mechanic that the water can turn to steam in the injection nozzles resulting in the nozzle tips being blown off. I not sure this is true; I'd need to think on this a while to see if it matches the situation or if it is just an urban legend amongst mechanics. Any way you look at this, having high quantities of water in solution is an invitation for the water to drop out at the right/wrong temp and pressure. The problem is the temp and pressure may be wrong combination for your application and end up creating significant problems in your fuel system.

 

[GregLocock]

...and is 0.08% (or less) water excessive, in practice ?

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.