What causes water in fuel filter?

What causes water in fuel filter?

Water is a breeding ground for diesel-bug, but why is water in your fuel? Diesel bug is the collective name for the microbial infestation that causes sludge and slime build up in your tanks that blocks your fuel filters. It’s made up of the bacteria, yeasts and molds which the fuel absorbs from the air.

What does water in fuel filter mean?

The Water in Fuel Sensor or WiF sensor indicates the presence of water in the fuel. It is installed in the fuel filter and when the water level in the water separator reaches the warning level, the Wif sends an electrical signal to the ECU or to dashboard (lamp).

Can I drive with water in fuel filter?

Water doesn’t work very well as a lubricant and it could cause excessive wear on the engine if it made its way through the fuel system. A warning indicator on the dash will let you know when too much water has been collected and the fuel filter needs to be emptied.

What happens if you get water in gas?

Water in gasoline doesn’t just cause issues in the cylinder; it can easily damage injectors if it expands rapidly in the injector tip (due to the inherent heat of the injector). And if it sits in the fuel system for a long period of time, it can even cause rust in your fuel system.

How long does a fuel filter last?

The fuel filter keeps debris from making their way to the engine and collects them all in one place. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace your fuel filter every two years or 30,000 miles.

What happens when water mixes with fuel?

The densities of water and gas make mixing difficult. When you add water to a gasoline tank, the water will settle to the bottom of the tank. Lighter gasoline will float. When you mix oil and water, you get the same effect.

What happens if water enters fuel tank?

Water in the fuel tank can be a trigger point for rust to occur on the inside. Water and fuel will not mix. Eventually, water will sink to the tank’s surface. If that water stays at the bottom for a long time, it will lead to rusting.