Density of Water vs Diesel
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 7
From: Anchorage, AK
Density of Water vs Diesel
I might be way behind the crowd on this but I thought I would post this up for others to benefit from.
We have all seen the threads about peoples trucks running rough after some water may have been introduced to the tank or that may have been left over in a aux tank and the rough running conditions that occur.
WikiAnswers - Which is heavier an equal volume of water or gasoline
Assuming the above is correct:
This would mean that if enough water were introduced into the tank it would head towards the bottom and the engine could end up getting a very full gulp of water! I thought the issue of water was somewhat over stressed but it seems to have hit home pretty hard now. People should really be more careful when dealing with the possibility of water in any system.
Anything I missed?
We have all seen the threads about peoples trucks running rough after some water may have been introduced to the tank or that may have been left over in a aux tank and the rough running conditions that occur.
WikiAnswers - Which is heavier an equal volume of water or gasoline
Assuming the above is correct:
This would mean that if enough water were introduced into the tank it would head towards the bottom and the engine could end up getting a very full gulp of water! I thought the issue of water was somewhat over stressed but it seems to have hit home pretty hard now. People should really be more careful when dealing with the possibility of water in any system.
Anything I missed?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Fresh water always has a specific gravity of 1
Diesel Fuel Oil 2D/3D/4D/5D 60*F 0.81 - 0.96 SG
So the oil is lighter than the water (less dense) If there is an oil spill in the water the oil floats on top of the water. Take a pan of water and pour a teaspoon of veggie oil into it. The oil floats to the top. If you stir it it will mix and the eventually float to the top.
Gasoline is lighter than water so it will sink to the bottom.
Diesel Fuel Oil 2D/3D/4D/5D 60*F 0.81 - 0.96 SG
So the oil is lighter than the water (less dense) If there is an oil spill in the water the oil floats on top of the water. Take a pan of water and pour a teaspoon of veggie oil into it. The oil floats to the top. If you stir it it will mix and the eventually float to the top.
Gasoline is lighter than water so it will sink to the bottom.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Yea, thats why water sits in the bottom of 55 gallon drums of used oil, and you have to becarefull someone isnt feeding you alot of water, in with the used oil. We use used oil to heat my gas station.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
Airplanes have valves in the lowest part of each fuel tank that are used to drain out any water that may have accumulated from contamination or condensation. This works if the water has had time to settle out and find the lowest point (sump). This can be duplicated with a custom tank, but the stock fuel tank has no sump area.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 0
From: NW Arkansas
Nice little trick for your guys that have alot of used oil and any oil in 55 gallon drums and anything being drained.
Wait for winter. the water will free in the bottom of the barrel or most times in a big chunk floating around.. Then drain.
Empty the barrel of water and residue mix when it melts.
Also, tilt your fuel barrels towards the valve, then monthly drain off the oz or so collecting. I do this once a month on my 4000, 500 and 550 gallon diesel tanks and am always getting a small amount of water.
now rep me for this sweet trick or contribute some $$$ to the 6637 Ind. testing fund.
Andy out!
Wait for winter. the water will free in the bottom of the barrel or most times in a big chunk floating around.. Then drain.
Empty the barrel of water and residue mix when it melts.
Also, tilt your fuel barrels towards the valve, then monthly drain off the oz or so collecting. I do this once a month on my 4000, 500 and 550 gallon diesel tanks and am always getting a small amount of water.
now rep me for this sweet trick or contribute some $$$ to the 6637 Ind. testing fund.
Andy out!
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