Diesel Fuel Contamination Testing Procedure: Overview
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup and 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
This procedure explains the proper method for extracting a fuel sample and specific methods to inspect for contamination of any kind. The contamination we are looking for on the clean side of the Fuel Filter is very small. We don't say dirt because it may be metal, water, plastic or any other contamination, other than clean diesel fuel. The smallest we can see with naked eye is about 30 Microns. Our Fuel Filters have 5 Micron rating. The only way we can see this size of contamination is to properly collect it and view it. The fuel sample needs to be taken from the clean side of the system. In order to get a good clean side sample to inspect, perform the following procedure exactly.
| Required Equipment |
| ONE LITER GLASS MEASURING CUP |
| FOUR FEET OF CLEAR, FLEXIBLE TUBING, 5/16 ID (available at the local hardware) |
| MULTI-BULB LED FLASHLIGHT |
| HPDP FUEL RETURN HOSE |
| BRAKE CLEANER SPRAY |
| SELF LIGHTING MAGNIFIER (Optional) |
| All items used for collecting fuel MUST be cleaned with clean diesel fuel, brake clean, and air ONLY. Failure to clean these items will contaminate the fuel sample. Do Not use towels to wipe out the measuring cup. |
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
| 1. 5/16 "CLEAR TUBING" (20' Length) |
| 2. MULTI-BULB LED FLASHLIGHT |
| 3. 4 CUP (1 LITER) "PYREX" STYLE MEASURING CUP |
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
| A. HPDP return flow quick disconnect (at front of Fuel Filter mount) |
| B. Engine fuel drain tube connection - All return flow to tank |