How to Determine if Diesel Fuel is Adulterated with Water?
2 Answers
Take a transparent cup and fill it with a small amount of diesel fuel. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes and observe. Qualified diesel fuel will not show impurities or sediment. Qualified diesel fuel should be clear and transparent, typically light yellow or yellow with a greenish tint. If it appears cloudy, dark, or blackish, it is likely substandard.
When driving long distances, I often worry about water contamination in diesel damaging the engine. Inspection methods: First, use visual inspection. After filling a container with fuel and letting it sit for a few hours, since water is heavier than diesel, it will settle at the bottom forming a layer. If there's a watery liquid or discoloration at the bottom, it indicates water contamination. Second, the touch test. Take a bit of diesel in your hand and apply it to a hot metal surface; water will cause it to sizzle. Third, a simple test: buy a water separator and install it on the fuel tank. If bubbles of water appear during filtration, it means there's contamination. Fourth, to prevent engine damage, regularly clean the fuel tank and replace filters to avoid issues. Water in diesel can corrode parts, accelerate aging, and cause hard starts, especially in winter when it can freeze and block fuel lines. With over twenty years of truck driving experience, I've developed the habit of checking new fuel barrels before each refill, saving me a lot of trouble.
