Since gasoline and diesel fuel have very different properties, each will be discussed individually. To get this balance, two opposing actions must take place at the same time. First, it is important not to pick up excessive amounts of water from the bottom of the tank and suspend it in the fuel. Large amounts of suspended water globules can cause stalling by clogging the fuel filter or if the filter fails can result in blown fuel injectors. Second, it is very important to maintain as much of this water as possible in solution so it can complement the energy production of the gasoline.
Every fuel has an optimum moisture content that can be contained in the fuel solution.
When only one of these properties is present, the potential for water related problems is much greater. This absorption maintains the proper balance of moisture to fuel for optimum performance. The treatment ratio is one ounce to 20 gallons of gasoline. The natural properties of diesel fuel make moisture related problems more critical in diesel equipment. Water condensation in diesel fuel storage tanks is a routine problem that must be solved by all users of diesel fuels.