@Perkins

Service Bulletin
1100 Series

83 Issue 1

Discolouration of Diesel Fuel

March 2009

This service bulletin applies to 1100 series four and six cylinder engines models NH, NJ, PJ and PK.
There have been isolated reports of discolouration of fuel or fuel that turns black. There have been no
associated reports of any operational problems that would indicate injector performance or other fuel systems
related concerns.
Extensive tests have been conducted on fresh fuel samples as well as discoloured fuel samples obtained from
engines. These tests have included the Accelerated Fuel Oil Stability Test (ASTM D-6468). This test
determines the relative instability of a fuel subjected to a thermal degradation process. This test is significant
since the fuel is exposed to an environment similar to actual operating conditions. The fuel is forced to the
injectors and only a small portion is injected, the balance of which returns to the fuel tank.
The test results indicate that the discoloured fuel samples meet the requirements of the Perkins Specification
for Distillate Diesel Fuel published in the Operation and Maintenance Manual - Fluid Recommendations.
Fuel samples analysed also meet thermal stability requirements indicating that they are suitable for use
despite discolouration.
Analysis indicated that discoloured fuel showed slight presence of engine lubricating oil and additives. A small
degree of leakage of lubricating oil from the oil lubricated high pressure fuel pump on electronically controlled
engines is a known occurrence. This is a normal part of engine operation.
The fuel discolouration has been attributed to an acceptable level of engine lubricating oil as well as high
injection pressures and temperatures associated with this fuel system.
When diesel fuel is thermally stressed or stored over long periods of time, the diesel fuel can degrade.
Complex chemical changes can cause degradation and oxidation of the fuel. The changes can lead to deposits
or sediment from certain hydrocarbons and compounds that contain naturally occurring nitrogen and sulphur.
In addition to fuel composition, environmental factors directly influence the rate at which these processes
occur.
Correct maintenance and service intervals become critical due to the possibility of reactions occurring between
oxygen and trace fuel components. The reactions can generate fuel particles that eventually result in the
formation of gums, resins and sediments which can affect the performance of the fuel pump and the injectors.
Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual - Maintenance Interval Schedule for the correct maintenance
and service intervals.
Based on the test results, it is concluded that the issue of fuel discolouration without significant increase in oil
consumption or other operational problems is considered a common industry occurrence. This does not affect
the engine performance.
End
Perkins Confidential Yellow. Issued by Perkins Engines Company Ltd, Peterborough PE1 5NA, England. Proprietary information of
Perkins Engines Company Ltd 2009, all rights reserved. The information is correct at the time of print. This bulletin is for technical
information only and cannot be used as a basis for any claim including but not limited to warranty.
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