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If you plan to stock up on fuel—particularly diesel fuel—then you may want to rethink doing so. Stored fuel can deteriorate over time and lose its potency due to its reaction with oxygen molecules in the air. Storing a few jerry cans with diesel fuel is doable, but only until about a year or so. By that time, it may start developing sediments and hosting harmful bacteria and fungi. 

When you have a diesel engine in your vehicle, leaving it untouched for long periods of time may cause your fuel tank to develop condensation—which makes it easier for bacteria to develop. One of the most common microorganisms that can develop in your fuel is called the “diesel bug.” This takes form of sludge that can deteriorate your fuel and damage your engine’s internals.

What Is The Diesel Bug?

Since fuel comes from organic materials, this can develop and house many types of bacteria. The diesel bug is a harmful bacteria that grows when diesel remains stagnant for long periods of time—which is why vehicles should be used as often as possible and refueled when needed. 

By scientific terms, this bug is the name given to microbial contamination predominantly found in diesel, mainly because of the existence of biodiesel in its chemical composition. While this is great for the environment, storing fuel is not so good, as the diesel bug can damage stored diesel. 

By composition, biodiesel is hygroscopic, meaning that it retains and attracts water better than other fuel types. Water is the perfect petri dish that encourages the growth of this microbial contaminant. It develops into resin-like gunk that sticks to the sides of a fuel tank, which, in turn, causes further build-ups. 

With that being said, the existence of petrochemical diesel has fewer issues with the diesel bug due to the lack of water retention and attraction present in biodiesel. Be sure to seal all fuel tanks on your diesel engine truck, especially when going off-road because the diesel bug develops through the presence of water. 

A Slimy Presence In Your Fuel Tank

The diesel bug can become a thick concentration, which gives off a slimy appearance with a brown or blackish color. The bug lives between water and fuel and smells like rotting eggs. This sludge is damaging to your engine when it goes into it, so be sure to drain it all out and replace it with newer fuel as soon as it’s discovered.

You can tell if your tank is contaminated if your car’s filters constantly get blocked with the presence of sediments that look like coffee. Other signs you may experience are loss of engine power, putrid black smoke from the exhaust, an increase in fuel consumption, and hard starts.

The Damage The Diesel Bug Can Do

Most diesel engine failures are due to contaminated fuel caused by the diesel bug. This menace can clog filters, corrode fuel tanks, wreck entire engines, and make you lose power while driving. 

Remember that fuel should never be bought with an intention to cheap out on it because your cheap fuel can be an expensive fix. Always fill up with high-quality diesel, run your car often, and ensure that maintenance checkups are done to ensure that gunk build-up doesn’t harm your car.

Conclusion

The diesel bug is a large issue that many diesel engine truck owners don’t even know they are facing. When left unattended or forgotten, the diesel bug can cause thousands of dollars in repairs and even put safety at risk when running at higher speeds. Be sure to fill up with only the highest quality fuel, purchase the best diesel parts for your car, and do routine maintenance work for your diesel engine. 

US Diesel Parts is the premium distributor of top-tier US-spec diesel parts for engines, suspension systems, and other essential parts to get your diesel truck at the top of the line. It doesn’t matter if you own a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy, we have a selection of parts and services that are extremely varied and of high-quality. Connect with us today and get the best and highest-quality parts that your diesel engine deserves!