CE Service Tip: Peak Fuel System Performance

Managing your fuel system and your fuel is an ongoing process. With the introduction of biofuel and ever-changing emission regulations, we have to be one step ahead in order to maintain peak performance.

With Tier II, Tier Ill and now Tier IV, we have also seen changes in the actual fuel systems. Some Tier Ill engines use a common rail fuel system with the injection pump becoming a high pressure pump, requiring a tightening up of injector tolerances. Today, it is no longer the injection pump but the injectors that have become the most expensive part of the injection system. The best way to safeguard against costly repairs to this system is to have a regularly-scheduled maintenance program using proper micron filters. With the higher pressures and tighter tolerances of the new injectors, the filter media has changed, with a reduction in the filter micron gauge. The filter in some applications is 2 microns. A particle of 6 microns can stick and damage a new injector.

To put this into perspective ... a human hair is approximately 70 microns and the minimum visual capability of the human eye is 40 microns. For example, one simple maintenance recommendation for today's fuel systems eliminate the traditional practice of filling the fuel filter prior to installing since it allows unfiltered fuel into the fuel system and to the injectors. 

Birkey's has several maintenance programs to help keep your equipment running at peak performance. Give us a call today to learn more.