How to Protect & Improve the Performance of Your Diesel Vehicle
Diesel engines tend to be more efficient than their petrol counterparts, often using up to 30% less fuel. Diesel fuel is one of the most efficient and energy dense fuels available today. It delivers better fuel economy than standard petrol as it contains more usable energy. However, like petrol - it has a short shelf life.
In this article we’ll look at the lifespan of diesel fuel, how to keep it fresh and how to improve the performance of diesel engines.
How Long Does Diesel Fuel Last?
Exxon states that “diesel fuel can be stored 6 months to 1 year without significant fuel degradation if you keep it clean, cool and dry.” There are a lot of ifs and buts in that statement. The truth is that diesel fuel is a carbon-based petrochemical. This means that it starts the process of oxidization as soon as it leaves the refinery. If left untreated and without the use of a diesel fuel additive, diesel can start go bad in as little as 30 days.
How Does Diesel Fuel Go Bad?
As more time goes by – the more diesel oxidizes. In the oxidation process hydrocarbons react with oxygen in the tank and this leads to sediments and gum forming in the fuel. This can clog up and damage fuel injectors, fuel lines, and other system components. This hinders fuel economy and performance.
Diesel fuel can also attract moisture during storage. This moisture promotes the growth of algae, fungus, and bacteria.
How Does Water Affect Diesel Fuel?
Water can be a major problem for diesel engines. Some new blends of diesel contain amounts of biodiesel which has more water in it. If this water is not separated from the fuel it can travel through the fuel system and into the fuel injectors. When water enters the fuel injectors it instantly vaporizes and turns into steam. This can damage the injector tips
Water attraction within the fuel tank can occur at any time, but when diesel fuel is stored for long periods it is more likely to draw in moisture from the air. Moisture creates a breeding ground for algae, fungus, and bacteria. This can clog the entire system and cause your diesel engine to run poorly or not at all.
How Do I Protect My Diesel Engine & Improve its Performance?
Using a fuel stabilizer that is specifically formulated for diesel fuel will prevent the fuel from degrading, and enhance performance. It is imperative that the stabilizer is specifically for diesel fuel, as standard fuel stabilizers will not be effective. STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is effective in diesel engines that are used all year round, as well as in diesel engines that are stored for long periods.
How Does STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer Work?
This additive helps remove water that microbes and algae require for growth. STA-BIL Diesel demulsifies the water (breaks the water into small droplets) dropping it to the bottom of the fuel tank. This is where the fuel/water separators remove the water from the fuel, allowing the fuel to move safely through the fuel system. Removing the water before the fuel flows through the system also helps protect against corrosion.
Oxidation naturally occurs over time with diesel fuel. As the fuel continually recirculates throughout the system and heats up - thermal oxidation can occur. This can cause the fuel to become thermally stressed. The heat and pressure can lead to sludge and sediment forming. STA-BIL Diesel is specially formulated to prevent sludge and sediment formation. It contains high levels of detergents and lubricity agents to help prevent these sediments forming, and remove any engine deposits that may have already formed. In addition, STA-BIL Diesel lubricates critical fuel system components, such as fuel injectors, to keep your diesel engine running like new.
When Should I Use STA-BIL Diesel?
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is recommended for use at every fill up, as well as for periods of storage.
How Long Does STA-BIL Diesel Keep Diesel Fuel Fresh?
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer will keep stored fuel fresh for up to 12 months.
What Types of Diesel Fuel Can STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer Be Used With?
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer can be used with ALL types of diesel fuel. This includes Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuels (ULSD) which now contain reduced sulphur. It can also be used with Bio-Diesel and other Low Sulphur Diesel blends.
How Much STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer Should I Use?
If using at every fill up use 30ml (1oz) of STA-BIL Diesel to 38 Litres (10 gallons) of fuel.
For storage use 30ml (1oz) to 19 Litres (5 gallons) of fuel.
What Can STA-BIL Diesel Be Used In?
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is effective in all diesel engines such as diesel cars, trucks, tractors, construction vehicles and marine engines.
To read more about STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer please click here.