FUEL INJECTION SERVICE
      RICHARD’S SERVICE TIPS!

To help prevent fuel injection system problems, here are a few basic tips:

1.  Use STANADYNE Diesel Fuel Conditioner. Choose the correct fuel conditioner for the task your fuel has to do. From bulk storage to over-the-road, marine to construction and agricultural use, STANADYNE has a fuel conditioner that really performs! It is economical and effective in preventing a lot of the problems incurred from bulk storage to every day use of diesel fuel. There are several basic problems which arise:

A. Lack of Lubrication—as fuel manufacturers remove sulfur from fuels in the refining processes, as well as blending with No. 1 diesel and kerosene, the lubrication properties of fuels are reduced. This leads to increased wear in the fuel injection system. STANADYNE’s additives help prevent this wear with extra strength lubricants and do not use Alcohols.

B. Winter Gelling Problems—as temperatures drop, paraffin crystals precipitate from the fuel forming the waxy substance on the filters which blocks fuel flow. This "freeze-up" condition can be avoided by using STANADYNE’s patented Wax Dispersant, which keeps wax crystals evenly distributed throughout the fuel, thus assisting in the prevention of wax clogging the fuel system. The Wax Modifier-Pour Point Depressant they use will lower the temperature at which fuel will continue to pour by up to 40° F. Also, there is a Freeze Depressant, which will lower the freeze-point of water in fuel. This can help to prevent damage from or the clogging of fuel lines with ice.

C. Deposits and Corrosion—residual carbon deposits from combustion can build up in nozzles and around the orifices and can obstruct the atomization of the fuel into the air preventing complete combustion. STANADYNE’s Deposit Modifiers and Detergents soften the hard deposits allowing for their removal. The Detergent will clean the soft deposits and prevent additional deposit build-up. Also, they incorporate an Anti-Oxidant, which helps fuel maintain its potency and a Corrosion Inhibitor to help protect fuel injection parts from rust and corrosion.

D. Lower Cetane in some fuels—as cetane levels drop, so does performance. Power is reduced, the engine does not start as easily, cold engine performance suffers, emissions increase, idling is rougher, and acceleration is slower. The Cetane Booster included in the Performance Plus additive addresses all of these problems and can provide up to a 5 point cetane rating gain, resulting in noticeably better acceleration and fewer downshifts, etc. This also can increase fuel economy because of the increased power and more efficient combustion. This results in up to an 8% improvement in MPG, thus easily paying for the additive.

E. Water—as an operator, do all you possibly can to prevent the addition of water to your fuel system. Proper preventive maintenance techniques and a little "TLC" in fueling practices can sometimes avoid expensive repairs. Head & rotor damage in distributor pumps, plunger & barrel and delivery valve failure in "in-line" pumps and unit injectors, and nozzle failure in injectors can sometimes be prevented by keeping water from entering your fuel system. "Topping off" your tanks daily in equipment after use will go a long way in preventing water condensation in fuel tanks. Buying a quality diesel fuel from reputable dealers also helps prevent problems. Draining your water separator frequently and changing filters often will also aid in the prevention of water ingestion. If you store fuels in bulk tanks, do it properly and safely, and use STANADYNE’s Diesel Fuel Stabilizer in all bulk storage applications.

F. Severe Cold and Frozen Fuel Lines—if temperatures are dropping and there is a potential for your system to freeze, there is an additional product that can help prevent costly tow bills and expensive downtime. Winter 1000 for severe cold weather applications should be used to lower the cold filter plug point by approximately 10-12° F. It also can reduce ice formation and can be combined with the Performance Formula or Lubricity Formula for added benefits.  If the system has gelled, you can remove the filter or the top of the fuel filter, and pour in Performance Formula directly and agitate the fuel so that it will mix so that you can get the engine running again. 

2.  Service Filter Systems Regularly—we see all kinds of failures in fuel systems, but the one that we see most often is neglect. That can occur when someone fails to follow the manufacturers recommended filter change intervals, or is just unaware of what damage can result from not taking proper care of the equipment. Take some time now to familiarize yourself with the service schedule for your engine/fuel system and be aware of the condition of the fuel you use. Preventing dirt and water from entering a precision fuel injection system is very important in obtaining the maximum life and performance of your diesel engine.

3.  Call for assistance—if you are not versed in the proper procedures for removing and installing a component of your fuel injection system, do employ a professional. Major damage has resulted from improper removal practices and incorrect re-assembly techniques. It is bad enough to experience a fuel system component failure, but to cause additional problems because of incorrect service techniques hits the pocketbook twice! We have the tooling, equipment, and training to properly repair your fuel system and return it to its original peak performance. Don’t risk damaging the repaired component and losing peak performance by shortcutting the proper installation onto your engine.

SPRINGTIME INFO:

Springtime can be an especially trying time for equipment operators.  Farmers, construction firms, industrial engine operators, and anyone who uses their engines infrequently all are subject to fuel system failure.  Common problems come from water ingestion and/or varnishing of fuel system components from "old" fuel being used in engines that have been stored improperly, or neglected and not operated on a regular basis since the fall of the previous year.  Condensation, bacteria, or dirt in the fuel tanks can also contaminate fuel filters and end up destroying critical components in the fuel injection system such as head and rotors, plunger and barrels, high pressure injection lines, and injection nozzles.  These repairs can sometimes exceed the resale value of the equipment!  What a shame that valuable equipment gets destroyed in the name of neglect or improper maintenance!

When returning an engine from storage or neglect to operating use, be sure to change the engine oil and filter(s) to remove condensation from the crankcase, and get new oil with additives to reduce the chances of internal engine failure.  Also, check condition of the air cleaner and service if necessary, paying special attention to removing insect nests, and even mice and nests!  The same goes for the muffler and exhaust system, especially if the stack is upright, and even check for bird's nests!  Water finding it's way to the engine through the exhaust system wreaks havoc on exhaust valves, pistons, and piston rings!  If you suspect water is in the cylinders, do not crank the engine until you remove the water.  It will not compress like air, and the failure which will result could be catastrophic.  Follow up with a complete cooling system check, i.e. antifreeze, radiator, belts, and hose conditions; and if it is an air cooled engine, check the fan, belts, and all cooling fins for obstructions.

Once all the basics are checked and meet manufacturer's recommendations, you can proceed to check your complete fuel system.  The fuel system consists of more than just the pump and injectors.  It consists of the entire group of items such as fuel tank(s), lines to move the fuel, filters, supply pump(s), overflow or leak-off lines from the pump and injectors, and the return line(s) which return the unburned fuel back to the tank.  A problem in any one of the components can cause problems or failure in another.

The use of the STANADYNE Performance Formula Additive can help alleviate problems than can result from neglect in fuel and equipment storage and work to keep your fuel system clean.  It cannot cure all the problems you might encounter.  You must follow proper fuel storage,  and transfer procedures to ensure maximum reliability and performance.

NOTE:  This is not a comprehensive list of service procedures, nor is it intended to replace the manufacturer's procedures and recommendations.  It is merely an aid to remind you to keep up with proper maintenance of your equipment, and provide some tips to help you prevent fuel system failures.  Remember, just don't go out and turn the key after your equipment has been idle for an extended period and think, "Let's see if this thing will start...".  That is, unless you feel lucky...

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