{"id":6674,"date":"2022-06-24T19:15:13","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T19:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toro-advantage.local\/?p=6674"},"modified":"2023-05-08T14:56:39","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:56:39","slug":"5-best-practices-for-tier-4-engine-fuel-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toroadvantage.com\/sv\/how-to-series\/5-best-practices-for-tier-4-engine-fuel-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Practices For Tier 4 Engine Fuel Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today\u2019s Tier 4\/Stage V high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel systems are designed with very high tolerance\/high-precision components to develop very high fuel pressure, maximizing power output while minimizing exhaust gas and particulate emissions. Because of that precision, HPCR fuel systems require a more stringent set of best practices than that of the predecessor, mechanical diesel injection systems. Before we take a look at those best practices, let\u2019s put the difference in an extreme but relative perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mechanical diesel injection systems of the recent past could be compared to the disposal found in your kitchen sink \u2014 not so much in functional design, but more around their tolerance to variables such as fuel, fuel alternatives, and quality, as well as some contamination. Over time, once they were in need of repair, the cost was relatively reasonable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s diesel HPCR systems are more like a Swiss watch. They\u2019re highly refined, proper maintenance is critical, and if they\u2019re neglected, internal degradation is more rapid and can be quite expensive to replace. Not only are the components not serviceable, but a pump failure can disperse debris throughout the entire fuel system, requiring replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In most cases, when fuel and\/or debris contamination occurs, it tends to be less cost prohibitive to replace the entire engine assembly where the majority of these components are located than it would be to replace the components individually. In all instances of fuel system contamination or contamination with the resulting debris, repairs must include the fuel tank and line flushing and\/or replacement, along with new separator\/filtration parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line is that HPCR fuel system performance depends on the right fuel and maintenance practices. To avoid costly replacements and keep your system performing as expected, here are five fuel-related best practices to follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Use clean, ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sulfur content of the fuel must be less than 15 ppm. If you\u2019re using a biodiesel blended fuel, the petroleum diesel portion must be ultra-low-sulfur as well. Diesel fuel with higher rates of sulfur will degrade the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and shorten the service life of engine components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 180 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel must be used within 180 days to ensure fuel freshness, whether it\u2019s in a machine\u2019s fuel tank or in holding\/storage tanks on site. Don\u2019t overlook secondary fuel storage\/delivery systems such as those found in truck beds or fuel \u201cjerry cans.\u201d In addition, regular inspection, maintenance, tank cleaning and water separation\/filtration should be established and performed, either by your team or the fuel delivery provider\/distributor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Perform regular machine fuel tank maintenance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drain and clean the fuel tank after every 1,000 hours of operation and before putting the machine in seasonal storage. If the machine will be in storage for more than 180 days, replace or polish existing fuel to remove contaminants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Maintain the water separator, filtration, and fuel lines.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The machine water separator manages particulates down to 10 microns and \u201cseparates\u201d water from the fuel. The diesel fuel filter aids in removing any additional, smaller particulates down to 5 microns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n