Frequent filter changes and cleaning fuel tanks have become acceptable periodic maintenance instead of a warning signal for engine failure. Filter elements should last a thousand hours or more, and injectors some 15,000 hours. However, since fuel is inherently unstable, solids begin to form and the accumulating tank sludge will eventually clog your filters, ruin your injectors and cause engines to smoke.

Fuels and oils are susceptible to natural deterioration, like any other organic fluid. Oxidation, chemical incompatibility, water and microbes all contribute to the process of polymerization and stratification. This results in poor fuel quality, tank sludge, bio film and acids. These by-products of the process of fuel breakdown cause clogged filters, corroded injectors, incomplete combustion, carbon build-up, smoke and loss of power, which ultimately leads to complete engine failure.