* Corrosion: Water corrodes fuel system components, including the fuel tank, fuel lines, injectors, and the fuel pump. This leads to premature wear and costly repairs.
* Bacterial Growth: Water provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that thrive in diesel fuel. These microorganisms can clog fuel filters, injectors, and other parts of the fuel system.
* Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Water reduces the energy content of diesel fuel, leading to decreased fuel economy.
* Engine Damage: Water can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in poor engine performance, reduced power, and potentially catastrophic engine failure (hydrolock, in severe cases). Hydrolock happens when water enters the cylinders and prevents the piston from compressing.
* Gelling (in cold weather): Water in diesel fuel can exacerbate the problems of fuel gelling in cold temperatures, making it even harder to start the engine.
In short, water in your diesel fuel is a significant threat to the health and longevity of your engine and fuel system. Regular fuel filter changes and using fuel additives designed to absorb water can help mitigate this risk.
