What are the hazards of continuing to drive with water in the diesel tank?
2 Answers
Diesel mixed with water cannot be used. Otherwise, it will damage the engine. Here are the related details: 1. Engine: Diesel mixed with water will damage the engine. When the engine draws in air, it carries some water into the intake tract, forming water vapor that mixes with the diesel and burns completely, which has minimal impact on the engine. If a small amount of water enters the engine and mixes with the oil, the oil quality deteriorates. Oil containing water will increase wear on engine components, potentially leading to increased engine noise and vibration during future vehicle operation. 2. Precautions: If the engine makes a sound a few seconds after restarting and then stalls again, and subsequent attempts to start it repeatedly fail, this situation is the most severe. Since water cannot be compressed, when water enters the cylinder while the engine is still operating at high speed, the inability to compress the water during the power stroke can directly cause the valves and connecting rods to bend, the piston to seize, severe wear in the cylinder block, and the crankshaft to bend. It is recommended to replace the diesel as soon as possible.
A few years ago, I encountered water contamination in the fuel tank while driving. At the time, I didn't pay much attention and continued driving, only for the car to suddenly stall midway, nearly causing an accident on the highway. When towed to the repair shop and disassembled, the high-pressure fuel pump was found full of rust, and the fuel injectors were also stuck. Replacing the parts cost over 4,000 yuan. Later, the mechanic explained that water, being heavier than diesel, settles at the bottom of the tank. When the fuel pump draws in the water, it enters the fuel system. Water cannot combust and leads to severe carbon buildup inside the engine, clogging the fuel injectors. The most troublesome part is that water corrodes the high-pressure fuel pump and precision components, which are extremely expensive to repair. In cold weather, water freezing is even more dangerous, as it can block the entire fuel line. Now, at the first sign of any abnormality in the fuel tank, I check it immediately and never take chances by continuing to drive.
