Questions and Answers

Diesel Fork Lift Sucks Water Q. Hi, Can water mixture in diesel fuel tank cause engine failure? Currently I'm running fork lift repair workshop in Malaysia and I am facing problem to answer my client for above mentioned. There are about 20 diesel forklifts that need to overhaul the engine due to diesel contaminated with water.

The client agreed the supply of fuel oil contaminated with water due to poor control from main supply.

Please kindly assist me to explain this technically or with any references. I'm fighting against time, PLEASE HELP!!!

Rdgs
Vincent

A. In most diesel fuel filters there is a small compartment the will store a small amount of water separated from the fuel. Not much, maybe a shot glassful depending on the size of the filter. Nearly all the diesel fork lifts I have seen have water separators on them to collect the water for easy removal.

Hydrostatic lock due to water in the fuel becomes more of a problem with a diesel engine because of the higher compression. If enough water were to enter the cylinder, the engine would lock up because water can not be compressed. Damage can range from an inconvenience to bent connecting rods, cracked pistons and broken crankshafts.

If the engines in the fork lifts are still running and running well, then I would say they will be alright without an overhaul. But I would make damn sure I put water separators in the fuel line before doing too much more work with them.

If they are not running, then pulling the injectors out and turning the engine over by hand will reveal if there is water in the cylinders.