MFA OIL
By Don North

Humidity affects fuel and lubrication systems

Humidity is a fact of life here in the Midwest. On a muggy summer day, how often do we hear someone say, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." I heard a baseball announcer describe it perfectly earlier this summer: "If it were any more humid, we'd need gills to breathe!"

Humidity definitely affects our comfort level-especially during times of extreme temperatures. But did you know it also affects the performance of our automobiles and equipment?

Various engine components, such as transmissions, differentials, hydraulic systems and fuel tanks, heat up during operation and cool when the engine is shut down. During this heat up/cool down cycle, the components breathe enough outside air to replace each gallon of fuel with one gallon of air. And in the Midwest, that outside air contains moisture-good ol' humidity.

Up to a gallon of water flows through an internal combustion engine for every gallon of diesel fuel. Although amounts vary by engine type, a half to 1 full gallon of this water will be discharged from the exhaust. However, some of it may make it past the piston rings and settle in the crankcase. This moisture from the air can have harmful effects on equipment, such as sulfuric acid damage, rust, oxidation and corrosion that can shorten engine life.

Most moisture-related equipment difficulties occur in cold weather. More than 90 percent of winter fuel-related problems, such as icing, that are encountered by the MFA Oil Laboratory, are caused by moisture. So humidity not only makes us warm and uncomfortable in the summer, it can leave you standing by a truck or tractor that won't start on a cold January morning.

Are you ready for winter? Are you familiar with products and procedures that will combat our Midwest humidity and result in improved performance during winter months and trouble-free start-up when spring finally arrives? Let's take a look at some good options for gasoline, diesel fuel and lubricants.

Ethanol-blended gasoline is an excellent year-round fuel that is clean, safe and renewable. It is covered under all automakers' warranties, and its use will prevent gas line freeze-up and promote easy start-up in cold weather. In contrast, most over-the-counter gas line anti-freeze is made with methanol, and automakers have concerns about the harmful effects of methanol on fuel systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends use of ethanol blends as reformulated gasoline to reduce tailpipe emissions.

Premium diesel fuels cost more than regular diesel, but they justify the extra cost by providing improved year-round performance. The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) sets standards for products considered to be premium diesel fuels, but not many over-the-counter diesel fuel additives meet NCWM requirements.

A NCWM premium diesel fuel has excellent cold weather benefits. Its anti-gel wax modifiers and de-icers improve cold weather operation by lowering the cold filter plug point (CFPP) by 25 to 30¡ F. Use of #1 fuel or kerosene will lower the CFPP, but will not prevent icing. Furthermore, the use of #1 fuel or kerosene can reduce performance, increase wear and shorten the life of an engine.

All fuel tanks should be checked for water, and fuel filters should be changed whenever possible.

It is important to drain all reservoirs and refill them with new lubricants before storing equipment for the winter. Acid, water, rust, oxidation and corrosion are caused by contaminants found in lubricants. They're present as a result of common, day-to-day use, and they can lead to mechanical failure. Draining at the end of the season will flush out these contaminants.

After draining, refill reservoirs with new lubricants and run for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows for good protection for storage and future use. An oil analysis program should be utilized for larger reservoirs when you are uncertain whether draining is necessary. Most lubricant suppliers have access to an adequate oil analysis program that will determine this for you, often at no cost.

Although this may sound like a lot of work, remember that a little preventive maintenance in the fall could save a lot of time and money come spring. As your car, truck or tractor becomes more sophisticated, so should your fuels and lubricants.

Don North is director of product development and lubricant sales at MFA Oil.