Contaminated or poor quality fuel causes numerous adverse effects on engine performance, parts, components and supporting systems such as pumps and injection systems. The first and most obvious adverse effect of water on metal is corrosion, water being the ideal growth environment for bacteria, a prominent cause of filter plugging and poor engine performance.

In the September 2013 issue of this newsletter, we have seen that water, bacteria, sediment including other solids are the most frequent fuel contaminants. They seep into tanks when carried, transferred or mixed leaving left overs at the bottom of storage tanks.

Water in gasoline or diesel can choke your engine by slowing it down.Water does not burn, is not flammable nor combustible. Yet a non combustible liquid in a combustion engine is a ticket for engine failure., due to the fact that water is a source of corrosion which can damage pumps, injectors and hoses.

The quality of your oil analysis program is related to many factors. In the first place, the reliability of the quality control system of the laboratory must be evaluated as well as the competence and qualifications of the laboratory personnel, the calibration of the lab instruments, the use of an expert system, etc. These conditions, you do not control.

In the previous issue of this Newsletter, we have explained how easy it was to consult and retrieve your oil analysis reports on the Tribologik® web site. We have also seen how easy it was to trace the oil analysis history of your equipment using the search functions of our interface and thus follow the evolution of a wear particle or a specific contaminant throughout each and every oil test performed on this equipment.