Removal contaminants from the fuel system of a diesel engine (Opel Astra G)

The cause of the fuel filter obstruction, the reduction of the engine power, the appearance of black sediment or mucus on the internal surfaces of the fuel system components, etc. may be the development of corrosion or the formation of a colony of microorganisms in the system. Microorganisms usually originate in the moisture contained in the fuel, if the latter is not removed from the tank in time. The products of their vital activity can cause the development of corrosion of the metal surfaces of the tract.

In such a situation, a complete cleaning of the system is required. If the cleaning is carried out thoroughly, the likelihood of the microorganisms reappearing will be minimized.

1. Completely empty and remove the fuel tank.

The drained fuel should not be reused. Wash it thoroughly, rinse the tank from the inside with clean diesel fuel. Using a flashlight, make sure that the inside walls of the tank are absolutely clean. If you cannot completely remove all deposits by washing, use steam cleaning - having achieved a satisfactory result, rinse the tank again with clean diesel fuel.

2. Disconnect the fuel supply and return lines from the high-pressure fuel pump, remove the fuel filter and flush the fuel lines with clean fuel.

3. Replace the fuel filter, reinstall the tank, reconnect the fuel lines to their original connections, and fill the tank with clean diesel fuel. Bleed the system (see Removal air from the fuel system of a diesel engine). At the first stage of vehicle operation, make sure that the power supply system is fully restored to working order.



Corrosion products, as a rule, do not get into the high-pressure fuel pump, but are retained inside the fuel filter. If, however, there is a suspicion that the pump is dirty, it must also be thoroughly cleaned. Do not attempt to carry out this procedure yourself - entrust its implementation to car service specialists.

Moisture present in the atmospheric air can condense on the walls of the fuel tank, from where it penetrates into the fuel system tract. Diesel fuel storage tanks (including both large tanks and vehicle fuel tanks) are more susceptible to moisture formation than gasoline storage tanks, since the vapor pressure of the latter is significantly higher. In order to minimize the ingress of condensate into the fuel, keep the tank full at all times and try to avoid long periods of vehicle downtime.

In car accessory stores you can always buy special additives that serve to prevent the appearance of microorganisms. Manufacturers of high-quality fuel themselves add such additives to diesel fuel.

If you detect signs of microorganism development in the fuel, notify the owner of the gas station where you are a regular customer and, at least for some time, use the services of another station.

Source is on this resource opelbook