Drained my fuel filter

[Ava_Banana]

Had the surf since December last year and have used Bio-diesel over the last few tanks.

Had the "water in fuel filter" warning light come on a week or so ago....searched on here and duly drained the fuel filter.

This is what came out:



I was surprised at the dirtiness (although obviously the filter is doing what it should be doing) of the crap that came out.

Is this what I should expect from draining a fuel filter...i.e. is this the residue of a year or so of diesel (and some bio)..........or do you think that this would be from a batch of crappy biodiesel?


Thanks

[Apache]

More than likely the bio. Is that water in there?

If I were you, I'd change that filter too.

[Ava_Banana]

I am unsure what the 2 distinct layers are.....and there is a 3rd layer of crap inbetween the two (but that could just be where they "merge").

The top layer is definately fuel......that was the stuff that came out last when I drained the filter.

The blacker stuff could well be dirty water.....if so it is a worryingly large amount of water.

[Apache]

If your 'bio' was just filtered waste veg, the white layer is probably solid fats. Do change your filter. for £3-£4, its just not worth the risk.

[Ava_Banana]

If your 'bio' was just filtered waste veg, the white layer is probably solid fats. Do change your filter. for £3-£4, its just not worth the risk.

OK.....ordering a set of filters from Roughtrax now - thanks.

Worryingly, this BIO was bought from a reputable Bio-fuel producer/preparer, selling to the public from a proper forecourt (well, a couple of proper pumps).

I do wonder if they have gone through the whole process thoroughly. (Transesterification, drying etc).

[MattF]

Pop some in a container next time you're at their 'station' and drop some in a glass jar when you get home. It should be a nice, almost clear, (and clean), fluid, if it's actually biodiesel. If it's darkish and got crud in it, it's another one of those suppliers who need a thrashing with the clue stick.

[Ava_Banana]

Thanks Matt, I have tossed a couple of 25ltr containers in the back as I was going to get some Bio to put in the wife's Mundaneo.....I'll do a test.

I'll have to search to see if there is a particular standard they have to adhere to.

[MattF]

Go over to this forum:

http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/

They'll be able to give you all of the info you need.

[Ava_Banana]

Thanks for that Matt


....UPDATE.....

I went back and had a 25ltr can filled with bio....then left it for 10 days to see if it settled at all.

All seemed fine, and clear.

What I believe happened was that the fuel filter may have been on the vehicle for a couple of years, so could have been a bit gunky anyway.

I then switch to Bio.....which has loosened all the crap in and around the engine including the Fuel Filter....this has gone to the bottom and set off the "water sensor" in the fuel filter.

...so I am happy now

[MattF]

Glad to hear you've found a good supplier of Biodiesel. By the sounds of it then, that will just be crud it's cleared form the system. Might be worthwhile having a spare filter to hand, as you may find that there's more yet to come. Biodiesel will loosen the crap from the system with a vengeance, apparently.