Houston’s Scorching Summers Are Destroying Your Backup Generator – Beware Contaminated Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel can be stored for up to 6 months at 86°F before it starts to break down.

But 86°F is balmy compared to Houston’s average summer temperature of 91°F. Individual days can reach into the hundreds. And a tank left out in the burning sun will get even hotter than that…

At these temperatures, diesel fuel breaks down FAST.

With this breakdown comes sludge, sediment, and organisms that will clog your fuel system (filters, injectors and fuel lines and fuel pump) therefore not allowing your engine to start or run, thus causing critical downtime and loss of power when it’s needed the most!

 

 

  • 1 Mandatory safety vents let hot, humid air, into your generator fuel tank.
  • 2 Moisture condenses inside the tank, which causes rust.
  • 3 Organisms start growing where condensation meets fuel.
  • 4 Sludge and sediment start to form, which will clog filters.
  • 5 Required exercise events stir up sludge and sediment, and leave more space for air to enter the tank.

 

Signs Your Fuel is  Contaminated…

Rust is most easily seen inside the tank, but if there are rust spots on the outside, your tank is being eaten from the inside out. Your fuel is going to be in very poor condition.

The first place you’ll see evidence of rusting and fuel break down is your filler cap. A rusty filler cap or vent is proof of contamination.

Sludge and sediment clog fuel filters, stopping your generator engine from running as in.

 

Contaminated Fuel Can Put Your Entire Operation at Risk

Houston summers can render your fuel unusable in just a few months. Sediment and sludge damage your generator’s engine and corrode your tank, allowing your generator to fail just when you need it most.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for preserving your fuel:

OPTION 1

Move Your Fuel Tank to a Climate-Controlled Area (less than 86°F)

OPTION 2

Replace Your Fuel After 6 Months

OPTION 3

Clean Your Fuel with WPP’s Diesel Fuel Polishing Service

 

Diesel Fuel Polishing kills the organisms that create sludge and sediment so your generator works as you need it, when you need it.

 

It Isn’t Only the Heat You Need to Worry About

High temperatures are one of many threats to diesel. Learn about other risks to your fuel and how you can schedule a FREE sample to assess the quality of your diesel and work out a plan to keep it clean.