WASHER-HARD 7X0590 - Caterpillar

Introduction
This test checks for problems regarding fuel quality. Refer to Diesel Fuels and Your Engine, SEBD0717 for additional details.Use the following procedure to test for problems regarding fuel quality:Test Procedure
Determine if water and/or contaminants are present in the fuel. Check the water separator (if equipped). If a water separator is not present, proceed to Step 2. Drain the water separator, if necessary. A full fuel tank minimizes the potential for overnight condensation. Note: A water separator can appear to be full of fuel when the water separator is in fact full of water.
Determine if contaminants are present in the fuel. Remove a sample of fuel from the bottom of the fuel tank. Visually inspect the fuel sample for contaminants. The color of the fuel is not necessarily an indication of fuel quality. However, fuel that is black, brown, and/or similar to sludge can be an indication of the growth of bacteria or oil contamination. In cold temperatures, cloudy fuel indicates that the fuel may not be suitable for operating conditions. The following methods can be used to prevent wax from clogging the fuel filter:
Fuel heaters
Blending fuel with additives
Utilizing fuel with a low cloud point such as keroseneRefer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel Recommendations" for more information.
If fuel quality is still suspected as a possible cause to problems regarding engine performance, disconnect the fuel inlet line, and temporarily operate the engine from a separate source of fuel that is known to be good. This will determine if the problem is caused by fuel quality. If fuel quality is determined to be the problem, drain the fuel system and replace the fuel filters. Engine performance can be affected by the following characteristics:
Cetane number of the fuel
Air in the fuel
Other fuel characteristicsFor additional assistance regarding fuel quality, obtain a fuel sample and have the sample analyzed.