The diesel engines found in heavy-duty trucks can seem bulletproof. It’s true, they are tough and durable. But they are not invincible. Some things—like air in the fuel system—can cause serious problems that you want to avoid as much as possible. Air in the fuel line symptoms can include difficulty starting, reduced power, and even failing to start at all. And the unfortunate reality is that you can’t completely keep air out of the system. The sloshing diesel in your fuel tank is going to get air bubbles in it. However, you can remove the air before it gets to the engine with AirDog®. Understanding How Air Enters Diesel Fuel Systems It’s important to understand where air in the fuel line of a diesel engine can enter the system. That way, you can do what you can to minimize the risk and address the problem when it does occur. Fuel Sloshing The fuel in the fuel tank of a moving vehicle is always sloshing around. Every bump, corner, stop, and acceleration shifts the fuel around. All that sloshing introduces air into the fuel. Tank slosh stirs up fuel into a bubble-filled froth and that vapor is pulled into the fuel line along with the fuel. There is no economical way to avoid air in the fuel tank. The best option is to have a system for removing that air before it gets to the engine. System Leaks and Broken Fittings The hoses and fittings that make up the fuel system can be the source of air penetration. Hoses degrade and can develop holes. They can be punctured by accident. Fittings break or can be installed incorrectly. Any part of the fuel system that wears out, breaks, or is improperly installed, can be a source of air into the system. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule for your diesel can help prevent this type of issue and identify leaks when they do occur. Cavitation and Vapor Formation With many engines using a gear-driven transfer pump, it’s common to see cavitation which can lead to vapor formation. The system is under a kind of suction from the transfer pump which contributes to vapor development. As you follow your fuel lines, you will notice how often they take sharp turns to make their way through the maze under the hood. Those sharp turns and nooks in the fuel system contribute to vapor formation as well. The Impact of Air on Diesel Fuel Systems Air in a diesel fuel system can lead to frustrating problems. If enough air is present it can lead to airlock, which prevents fuel from reaching the engine. When severe, the engine won’t even start. Even when the engine does start, you can still experience performance issues like unstable idling, black smoke from the exhaust, decreased power, and uneven engine operation when traveling at high speeds. Air can cause excessive wear on parts as well, like the fuel injectors. When the fuel injectors are operating without enough fuel there is not [...]

Diesel engines can run in extreme conditions, but one thing they do not like is air in their fuel systems. Air in the fuel system can delay or prevent the diesel fuel from reaching the injectors, making your engine difficult to start, reducing the engine’s power, or, in severe cases, causing the inability to start the engine. Air can enter your diesel engine’s fuel system in several ways, most commonly by running out of fuel, from leaks in your fuel lines, or following a fuel filter change.  Before attempting to bleed the air from the fuel system, ensure you have determined how air entered the fuel system so air does not reenter the system after completing the bleeding process.  Also, since you already need to work through the bleeding process, consider replacing the fuel filter if it is old or approaching the end of its life. Of course, you should also exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines throughout this process.  Assuming you are satisfied that you do not have an unremedied problem that will continue allowing air into the system, the 7-step process detailed below should resolve your issue. So, let’s get started. Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials The first step is to gather the tools and other materials needed for the job. These include: Wrench or socket set Bleeder screw key or wrench Clean rags or towels Safety goggles Diesel fuel Step 2: Locate the Fuel System Components Step 2 is to familiarize yourself with the engine you are working on and identify the key components of its diesel fuel system, including the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel injectors. Take a moment to review the engine’s fuel system layout and connections. Step 3: Prepare the Fuel System for Bleeding Step 3 involves working with the fuel filter, so confirm that you turned off the engine and removed the ignition key from the cylinder. Next, locate the fuel filter and determine whether it has a built-in bleeder screw. If the fuel filter has a bleeder screw, move to Step 5. If the fuel filter lacks a bleeder screw, then go to Step 5. Step 4: Bleed the Fuel System at the Fuel Filter Assuming your fuel filter has a bleeder screw, follow these steps: Position a clean rag or towel beneath the bleeder screw to catch any fuel spills. Use a wrench or bleeder screw key to loosen the screw in a counterclockwise direction. Loosen the screw slowly. A mixture of air and fuel should bleed from the loose screw. Allow the bleeding to continue until only fuel (without air bubbles) flows from the screw. Tighten the bleeder screw securely. If the fuel filter does not have a bleeder screw, you may need to loosen the filter slightly to allow the air to escape. Step 5: Bleed the Fuel System at the Fuel Injectors If your fuel filter does not have a bleeder screw, or if you think air remains in the system, you [...]

When it comes to enhancing the performance of your diesel engine, few components offer as many benefits as AirDog® Fuel Systems. Not only do they improve fuel efficiency and acceleration, but they also reduce engine wear and tear and exhaust emissions. Still, the question remains: Can AirDog® Fuel Systems do all that and add horsepower? Thankfully, for heavy-duty truck owners, the answer is an unqualified "Yes." Follow along below, and let us explain how that happens. The Problem with Entrained Air in Diesel Fuel As a truck rolls down the road, hitting bumps and making turns, the diesel fuel in the tank sloshes around, mixing air bubbles into the fuel. Contrary to popular belief, those air bubbles do not float up and out of the fuel quickly enough to prevent them from entering the fuel line and onto the engine. Besides air, moisture also enters the fuel due to improperly sealed storage tanks or through condensation in the fuel tank as the outside air warms and cools. Both situations present problems because diesel engines do not burn fuel with entrained air as efficiently as pure diesel fuel, and the problem becomes worse when the fuel contains moisture. Thinking about how the diesel fuel's air and moisture cause problems, consider how the typical fuel filter functions. By design, most fuel filters perform one job: they trap solid contaminants in the fuel before they enter the engine. While trapping solids is critical, it is insufficient because standard fuel filters do not remove air and moisture, and performing those steps makes AirDog® systems different. How AirDog® Fuel Systems Work The AirDog® Fuel System's first step is to send the fuel through a water separator that eliminates moisture and particulates down to 30 microns. Second, the fuel passes through the AirDog® fuel pump, and onto the fuel filter, which removes particulates down to 6 microns, and air from the fuel, sending the separated air and a small amount of fuel back to the fuel tank. The AirDog® integrated fuel pump sends the pure diesel fuel to the engine at a regulated positive pressure. The integrated pump also reduces the opportunity for air to enter the system by keeping vapors out and reducing vapor-causing cavitation. AirDog® Fuel Systems significantly enhances throttle response and power delivery by supplying the engine with air-free fuel, better and consistent fuel pressure due to the integrated pump, and improved fuel spray patterns due to the lack of air in the fuel. By sending pure fuel at the correct pressure, the fuel gets sprayed properly, and the engine burns the optimal fuel-air mixture for the current engine setup, resulting in increased horsepower. This improvement is particularly noticeable when driving at higher elevations, where traditional fuel systems often struggle. Additional Benefits of AirDog® Fuel Systems Besides boosting engine horsepower, AirDog® Fuel Systems offers many other benefits, so let's focus on five of the most important. Enhanced Fuel Mileage: A notable advantage of AirDog®Fuel Systems is improved fuel efficiency. The system ensures [...]

If you own or operate a heavy truck, you know your engine must run smoothly and efficiently. However, an issue that disrupts the smooth operation of many engines is the presence of air in the fuel line, which causes several problems, including a condition known as an airlock.  To help you avoid this problem, we will review the signs you have air in your diesel fuel lines and the problems caused, including airlock, and suggest several ways to address those issues. Signs of Airlock and Its Causes Airlocks occur when air enters your fuel system and keeps the diesel fuel from reaching the injectors. Unable to pass fuel through the bubble stuck in your system, typical symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, reduced engine power after starting, and, in severe cases, the inability to start the engine. Airlock can occur due to your engine running out of fuel, leaks in your fuel lines, air bubbles in your fuel, or following a fuel filter change when the fuel filter does not get primed correctly. Running out of fuel will almost certainly result in an airlock, but that issue is resolved by not running out of fuel. Leaks in your fuel lines may cause sporadic airlocks and reduced engine power, a problem that requires you to repair the problem parts. Airlocks due to air in the fuel and improper filter-changing procedures can be addressed by bleeding and properly priming the fuel lines, which can be time-consuming. However, as shown below, these airlocks are either prevented or more easily resolved in engines with AirDog® fuel systems.  Understanding Air in Diesel Fuel As your truck runs down the road, the diesel fuel in the tank sloshes around, mixing tiny air bubbles into the fuel. Contrary to popular belief, those air bubbles do not simply float up and out of the fuel. Instead, many air bubbles remain in your fuel and enter the fuel line, eventually reaching the engine.  Besides air in your diesel fuel, moisture also enters your fuel due to improperly sealed storage tanks and condensation in the fuel tank stemming from changes in outside air temperature. Both situations lead to less efficient fuel combustion and potential engine damage. The Problem with Standard Fuel Filters Although standard fuel filters can effectively trap solid contaminants, they do not remove air and moisture from diesel fuel, so they are ineffective at removing the air bubbles that can cause airlock. The standard fuel filter and fuel system are also susceptible to allowing large amounts of air to enter during a fuel filter change. This situation occurs because the fuel filter replacing the old filter needs to be filled with fuel and later topped off to limit the air introduced into the fuel lines.  Following a fuel filter change, those with airlock symptoms must bleed the lines and manually prime the fuel system or use the ignition to prime the fuel system (on some engines). Each process requires time and labor; time, like labor, is money. The [...]

It makes sense to optimize the performance of your truck or fleet, and there are many opportunities to do so. However, fuel is responsible for up to 40% of fleet operating costs, while maintenance and repair costs often account for another 10%, resulting in fleets and independent truckers alike looking for ways to contain those costs. One of their often-overlooked opportunities is the truck's fuel filtration system, which is crucial for engine power, efficiency, and longevity.  AirDog® fuel systems stand at the top of the class for their ability to remove water and entrained air from diesel fuel, and along with other systems benefits, they provide cost savings. Of course, an obvious question is whether AirDog® fuel systems are worth the money. Does investing in an AirDog® fuel system make financial sense, and how long does it take to recover my investment? Of course, your payback time will vary by your model, application, and mileage per year. Still, we show below that investing in an AirDog® fuel system for an over-the-road truck can pay for itself in 3 or 4 months based only on fuel savings, and the investment in the AirDog® fuel system continues reaping financial and performance benefits throughout the truck's life. AirDog® Fuel Systems Save Money It isn't often that you find an investment to improve your truck's fuel efficiency and performance that also pays for itself within 3 or 4 months, but that is the case with AirDog® fuel systems. As we will show, it is one of the most intelligent choices for improving your truck's performance while saving money. Consider the numbers for an over-the-road truck without an AirDog® fuel system that travels 120,000 miles yearly and averages 6 miles per gallon. Both the annual mileage and fuel efficiency fall within the normal range. So, what are the economics of a truck when we install an AirDog® fuel system? Our experience shows that trucks with AirDog® fuel systems typically achieve 5 percent better fuel economy than a standard fuel system. In our example, our 6 miles per gallon truck becomes a 6.3 miles per gallon with an AirDog® fuel system, and at 120,000 miles per year, its fuel usage drops by 952 gallons per year, leading to considerable cost savings. How much money savings you receive will depend on fuel prices, but when diesel costs $4.00, $4.25, or $4.50 per gallon, you can count on annual cost savings of $3,808, $4,046, and $4,284, respectively. Now, comparing those cost savings to the price of an AirDog® FPII 4G Fuel Air Separation System shows you break even in only 3 or 4 months. From that point on, every mile driven produces additional savings, allowing you to keep that 5 percent in your pocket rather than increasing your fuel expense. The math is simple. AirDog® fuel systems save enough money at the pump to pay for themselves quickly, but fuel savings are not their only contribution to your bottom line. They also keep your truck out of the [...]

The performance of a heavy-duty truck depends on the quality of the diesel fuel delivered to its engine, and a critical component in ensuring fuel quality is the fuel filter. Optimal filtering performance comes from a high-quality fuel filter that matches the engine specifications and gets replaced as needed. Fuel filters have a limited lifespan, so it is essential to know when to replace your diesel fuel filter to obtain optimal performance from your engine and truck. Recent years have brought changes in diesel fuel, diesel engines, and system components like fuel filters, so this blog post provides a guide to regular maintenance and the signs suggesting the need to change your fuel filter. The Importance of a Diesel Fuel Filter The fuel filter plays a crucial role in heavy-duty diesel engine performance by removing contaminants and ensuring high-quality diesel fuel reaches the engine. With today's high-pressure fuel injection, it is more important than ever that the fuel filter minimizes the air, water, and other contaminants. Without effective filtering, these impurities damage the engine over time and degrade performance and efficiency. In addition, since replacing fuel filters is far less expensive than replacing damaged fuel injectors, it is common sense and intelligent business practice to monitor and replace your fuel filters as needed.   Identifying the Need for a Diesel Fuel Filter Replacement There are two primary methods to identify the need to replace your fuel filter. One approach is consistently checking the fuel filter as part of your regular maintenance practices. While consistent checking is necessary, it cannot prevent fuel filter problems resulting from contaminated fuel or other challenges. Since some fuel system challenges are difficult to anticipate, knowing the warning signs that you may need to replace your fuel filter is essential. So, here are a few warning signs of the need to replace your diesel fuel filter and reduce the potential for future engine problems.  Decreased Fuel Efficiency or Performance A drop in fuel efficiency or performance is among the first indicators of a worn-out fuel filter. A clogged filter restricts fuel flow to the engine and affects the fuel system's ability to deliver the proper fuel volume to the engine consistently. Insufficient fuel flow can cause the engine performance to suffer because the engine does not always inject fuel at optimal levels. As the engine strains for fuel, it may also receive more than optimal, reducing fuel efficiency. A drop in performance when accelerating or on a grade and a decrease in fuel efficiency that shows up at the pump suggests the need to check your fuel filter.  Strange Engine Noises The inadequate fuel supply from a clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to sound like it is choking. At the same time, the increased strain on the fuel pump can create a buzzing sound as the pump tries to pull fuel through the obstructed filter. Difficulty Starting the Engine or Rough Idling Diesel engines require the most fuel when starting, and a clogged fuel filter [...]

Diesel fuel is the lifeblood of heavy-duty trucks and critical engine components. Ensuring its purity and efficiency is essential for smooth engine operation and longevity. One often overlooked issue that can compromise diesel fuel quality is water contamination. Water in diesel fuel can result in rust particles entering the fuel, promote the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, and, more directly, cause premature wear and corrosion in fuel injectors and other engine parts.  Water contamination became a critical issue after we began using ultra-low sulfur diesel because it attracts more water and is less resistant to microbial growth than previous diesel fuels. Moreover, modern diesel fuel systems are less forgiving of water in the fuel, so it is more important than ever to minimize the opportunity for water to enter a truck's fuel tank and to keep any water that does enter the tank from reaching the engine. In this blog post, we'll explore common ways water infiltrates diesel fuel and discuss methods for removing it. The Water-Diesel Fuel Connection It may surprise you, but water and diesel fuel are more connected than many realize. Diesel fuel has hygroscopic qualities, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air at the molecular level, so it almost always contains some water. The key is to minimize the water level by managing the more substantial sources of water contamination and filtering out the remaining water to maximize fuel efficiency and protect your engine. Let's dive into how water can infiltrate your diesel fuel and what you can do to prevent it. Water Detection Filters Most fuel retailers and distributors use water-detecting filters in their dispensing equipment to prevent water from entering your fuel system. However, these filters are effective only when adequately maintained. When these filters become saturated, they may allow water to be dispensed with the fuel. To safeguard against this problem, always buy your diesel fuel from reputable sources with well-maintained systems to minimize the risk of water contamination. Leaky Storage Tanks and Human Error Water can find its way into diesel fuel through other means, including leaky storage tanks or human error. Poor or degraded tank seals can allow water into storage tanks, and human errors such as leaving a fuel tank cap off also invite water contamination. Human error plays a significant role in water entering a fuel tank, so emphasizing the importance of proper fueling procedures and maintenance should be a critical issue for fleets and independent truckers alike. Condensation Another often overlooked source of water contamination is condensation. Condensation can occur in storage tanks, especially in above-ground tanks, and in truck fuel tanks. Some condensation results from everyday temperature fluctuations, but the more significant challenge is operating the truck and drawing down the fuel in the tank. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel does not create vapor pressure in the tank to displace air, resulting in air entering the tank as the fuel draws down during operation. Often, the air is drawn into the tank while operating in warmer [...]

AirDog® has introduced an innovative water separator and filtration system for heavy-duty diesel fuel systems. Like all filtration systems, it’s necessary to change filters periodically. Knowing how to change your AirDog® fuel filters correctly is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient fuel system in your diesel engine. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of changing your filters – making filter replacement a breeze. Soon, your AirDog® filtration system will be running perfectly and ensuring you get the most from your heavy-duty diesel engine. [videopress gw7Y8f0W] How to Change Your AirDog® Fuel Filters When it comes to heavy-duty diesel engines, some maintenance jobs are a lot easier than others. Changing AirDog® fuel filters definitely falls under the category of “easy.” As long as you are prepared with the proper supplies and follow the steps below, you can change your filters easily – even when you are out on the road. In fact, we recommend all AirDog® users keep a spare set of filters in their trucks at all times. The need for a filter change can come at any time. If you want to ensure the optimal performance of your engine, keeping your AirDog® filtration system running right should be a top priority. Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies Before you dive in and start changing your filters, make sure you have the necessary tools and supplies ready. To change your AirDog® filters, you will need the following: A replacement AirDog® water separator and fuel filter set A clean container for used filters Nitrile gloves to protect your hands A rag or paper towels for cleaning A socket or wrench set (if required) A way to wash your hands (even with gloves, you may get diesel on you when changing your filters) Step 2: Safety First As you know, when performing maintenance on a heavy-duty vehicle, safety should always be your top priority. Basic safety protocols when changing fuel filters include: Park in a well-ventilated area. Engage the parking brake. Turn off the engine. Keep rags ready to clean up any fuel spills. Be prepared for proper disposal of the used filters before you remove them (have a container to put them in, know local regulations for disposal, etc.) We especially want to emphasize the importance of changing your filters in a well-ventilated area. Our new water separator is an impressive improvement to our filtration system – but it does require you to fill it with diesel before installation. It’s a necessary step that should only be done in a well-ventilated area for safety reasons. Step 3: Identify Your AirDog® Filters AirDog® provides high-quality water separators and fuel filters specifically designed for heavy-duty diesel systems. There are multiple different filter types designed for different systems, which means they are not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you have the correct replacement filters for your specific system before you take off your old filters. For the water separator, AirDog® now offers a new model that includes a Hydrosorb media, [...]

Power, efficiency, longevity – we expect a lot out of our heavy-duty diesel engines. Unfortunately, even the best engines struggle to deliver top performance without clean fuel. That’s why the choice of a fuel filtration system is so important. Conventional fuel filtration can keep a truck on the road and ultimately get the job done – but it’s never going to deliver exceptional performance. There are simply too many limitations with such a basic technology. In contrast, AirDog® takes every aspect of fuel filtration to the next level. AirDog®Heavy Duty Diesel Fuel Systems optimize diesel fuel delivery to achieve ideal fuel conditions for heavy-duty engines. Far more than just a fuel filter, AirDog® uses state-of-the-art technology to remove virtually all contaminants, including particulates, moisture, and even entrained air and vapor. That means pure, consistent fuel and all the benefits that come with it. Conventional Fuel Filtration is Designed to Be “Good Enough” Conventional fuel filtration for heavy-duty diesel engines has kept your rig on the road this long. So what’s the problem? 99% of the fuel filters on the market are simply a spin on the filter canister that’s been in use for decades. They remove most contaminants and deliver fuel that is clean enough to keep the engine running and in decent shape. But the fuel system is far from optimized. Standard fuel filters can leave behind contaminants. Entrained air and vapor can come along with the fuel, as well as water from condensation rainwater in fueling stations and other routes. Heavy-duty diesel engines are tough, and they can handle it. But they won’t run at their best ability if the fuel supply is less than optimal. “Good enough” might be alright when there isn’t money on the line. But if you are using heavy-duty diesel engines, chances are you are trying to get a job done. Time is money, fuel efficiency is of paramount importance, and the less downtime your engine spends in the shop, the better. AirDog® Solves All the Problems Conventional Fuel Filtration Doesn’t The manufacturers of the AirDog® understand the limitations of standard fuel filtration. AirDog® has an integrated fuel pump to address suction issues common with engine fuel pumps. The AirDog® runs fuel through a water separator first to address moisture problems. The integrated pump ensures the fuel is pressurized when going through the advanced filter and keeps it pressurized till it reaches the fuel injectors. The positive pressure feed from the AirDog® prevents entrained air and vapor from redeveloping. The end result is pure, clean fuel arriving at the fuel injectors consistently, which delivers numerous benefits. Fuel efficiency is measurably improved. Engine performance is smoothed out and enhanced. And hard-working components, like fuel injectors, are saved from unnecessary strain and premature failures. Fuel Efficiency Redefined Experience a revolution in fuel efficiency with AirDog® systems. Clean, air-free fuel ensures optimal combustion, which is why trucks equipped with AirDog® consistently outperform counterparts with standard filters. Commercial trucks using AirDog® consistently see fuel efficiency gains of [...]