Fuel Water Seperator...13B-T

[Gun Runner 5]

Here's the deal: I am running limited quantities of high quality bio-diesel
in my BJ71 ( 13B-T ) and am running a constant battle with my fuel /
water seperator. Shortly after adding the bio-diesel the fuel filter light illuminates. My question....is the light activated simply by a significant change in viscosity ( which would be the nature of bio-diesel )? When I drain the seperator all I see is bio-diesel. ( no visible water ).
Thanks......1978HJ45

 

[John Galt]

Here's the deal: I am running limited quantities of high quality bio-diesel
in my BJ71 ( 13B-T ) and am running a constant battle with my fuel /
water seperator. Shortly after adding the bio-diesel the fuel filter light illuminates. My question....is the light activated simply by a significant change in viscosity ( which would be the nature of bio-diesel )? When I drain the seperator all I see is bio-diesel. ( no visible water ).
Thanks......1978HJ45

The biodiesel isn't dry enough, or the biodiesel is picking up water in the tank. Biodiesel can hold a significant amount of water and still appear clear. Drain the tank and flush with diesel. What's in the bottom of the bucket when you drain the tank will answer the question.

Test the biodiesel for moisture.

I run a fuel mix containing dry biodiesel and the filter light doesn't illuminate.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Thanks for the information.......1978HJ45

 

[Radd Cruisers]

The fuel/water separator uses a float - so if you have a less dense layer on top of a more dense layer it will turn the light on. This is seen with water and/pr glycerin in Biodiesel - and you do not want either in your injection system.

Let your fuel settle out MUCH longer or use a centrifuge to do it.

~John

 

[John Galt]

Good point John. Fresh biodiesel usually contains residual methanol which causes glycerol and soaps to stay in solution. When the methanol evaporates from the biodiesel in the vehicle tank the glycerol and soap drop out and get sucked into the sedimenter where they activate the alarm. Biodiesel should always 'age' and settle for at least a week before use, longer is better. A centrifuge won't remove the residual methanol.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Thanks for the information........1978HJ45