SERIES 40 ENGINE OPERATOR'S GUIDE
Fuel Contamination
Generally, fuel contamination
occurs as the result of improper fuel
handling. The most common types
of contamination are water, dirt, and
microbial growth (“black slime”).
The formation of varnishes and
gums resulting from poor stability or
extended storage (“stale fuel”) also
affects fuel quality. The best treatment
for contamination is prevention by
maintaining a clean fuel storage
system and choosing a reputable fuel
supplier.
Supplemental additives are not
recommended due to potential
injector system or engine damage.
Our experience has been that such
additives increase operating costs
without providing bene
fi
t.
The use of supplemental fuel additives
does not necessarily void the engine
warranty.
However, repair expenses
which result from fuel system or
engine component malfunctions
or damage attributed to their
use will not be covered.
These
products should be accompanied by
performance data supporting their
merit. It is not the policy of Detroit
Diesel Corporation to test, evaluate,
approve or endorse such products.
Prohibited Additives
The following fuel additives are not
allowed and MUST NOT be mixed
with diesel fuel:
Used Lubricating Oil —
Detroit
Diesel speci
fi
cally prohibits the
use of used lubricating oil in diesel
fuel. Used lubricating oil contains
combustion acids and particulate
materials which can severely erode
fuel injector components, resulting in
loss of power and increased exhaust
emissions. In addition, the use of
drained lubricating oil will increase
maintenance requirements due to
fi
lter
plugging and combustion deposits.
Gasoline —
To avoid increased risk of a fuel
fi
re, do not mix gasoline and
diesel fuel.
The addition of gasoline to diesel
fuel will create a serious fire hazard.
The presence of gasoline in diesel fuel
will reduce fuel cetane number and
increase combustion temperatures.
Tanks which contain such mixtures
should be drained and cleaned as soon
as possible.
All information subject to change without notice.
(Rev. May 2004)
79
DDC-SVC-MAN-0057 0305
Copyright © 2003 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION