Every 4X4 is unique in many ways because for so many of us it’s a pet project that’s never quite finished – because saying “enough is enough” is tantamount to admitting defeat, right?
But while there are dozens of accessories and upgrades you can indulge in that will make your vehicle run more economically, improve your suspension, or simply make your baby look like a beast, there are few that will have a significant impact on its durability.
Fitting a diesel water separator filter, however, is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways of ensuring your 4X4 keeps purring and performing for decades to come.
Why might you need a diesel water separator filter?
Condensation is a natural occurrence that can, unfortunately, lead to problems for your diesel engine.
Whereas petrol cars use vapour pressure to displace air in the engine, diesel engines don’t. Indeed, modern diesel engines are designed to recirculate exhaust gas back into the engine, which might mean lower emissions but can also be damaging to your engine.
As the fuel tank heats up, the air expands and is forced out. When it cools down, humid air and oil-mist gets sucked back into the tank and condensation settles on the walls of the cooler tank. If this condensation contaminates your diesel then it can lead to several problems such as:
Starting – If enough water gets into the injection system through condensation, then it could prevent the engine from starting.
Rusting – When water meets iron and steel it often leads to rust and if particles of rust manage to find their way into the fuel it can cause some serious problems.
Corroding – If water or oil mist reacts with the acids in the diesel it can be corrosive on metal and as water is less viscous than diesel, it doesn’t properly lubricate moving parts, which can lead to increased wear.
Pitting – Not only can water on hot metal lead to engine pitting but the presence of water in the tank can also encourage the growth of microbial slime and, as you would expect, slime is not good for your engine.
What does a diesel filter water separator do?
As the name suggests, this is a filtration system that is installed in your fuel tank that stops water from entering it by separating the water and collecting it at the bottom of the filter, which then drains periodically.
Modern systems, such as the Flashlube Catch Can Pro, are designed for specific vehicles and are surprisingly easy to install. This particular model even includes a special filter that cleans the air before recirculating it.
It’s an affordable and reliable way of collecting condensation and oil mist and will always result in cleaner air entering your inlet manifold and intake system.
For a relatively small outlay, you’re guaranteeing a reduced risk of carbon build-up in your intercooler and a supply of fresher cleaner air for your beloved 4X4.
And while occasionally needing to drain the filter might be something of a chore, it’s surely a small price to pay?
