Fuel Identification Test Equipment

Häufig gestellte Fragen zur Kraftstoff-Identifikation

Testing the fuel type can be an important first diagnostic step in cases of misfueling, unclear fuel mixtures, or damage to the fuel system. Using appropriate testing equipment, repair shops can, for example, detect contamination of diesel fuel with gasoline, evaluate diesel/biodiesel mixtures, or determine the ethanol content of a fuel sample.

• When is it useful to identify the type of fuel?

  A fuel test is particularly useful when it is not clear exactly what type of fuel was used or when problems arise immediately after refueling.

  Typical reasons include, for example:

  • Suspected misfueling
  • Gasoline in diesel fuel
  • Unknown diesel/biodiesel blend ratio
  • Unclear ethanol content in a fuel sample
  • Starting problems after refueling
  • Unusual engine operation
  • Damage to the fuel or injection system with an unclear cause

  Testing the fuel type can help identify a potential fuel-related issue early on, before a more extensive diagnosis of the fuel system is performed.

• How can you tell if gasoline has gotten into diesel fuel?

  The KIK 01_LR Fuel Identification Kit is available for this application.

  The kit enables an initial test to detect contamination of diesel fuel with gasoline. This allows you to determine at the very beginning of the diagnostic process whether misfueling should be considered as a possible cause of the vehicle problem.

  According to the device specifications, contamination with gasoline can be detected at a concentration of 0.2 percent or higher.

  The next steps for the vehicle depend on the test results and the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Why can even a small amount of gasoline in diesel fuel be a problem?

  Diesel and gasoline have different properties. Modern diesel injection systems in particular—with high-pressure pumps and common-rail injectors—place high demands on the fuel used.
  
  Contamination with gasoline can alter the properties of the diesel fuel and thereby contribute to problems or damage in the fuel system.
  
  If you suspect that the wrong fuel has been used, you should therefore determine as soon as possible which fuel—or mixture—is in the vehicle.

• Can the KIK 01_LR also be used to test a diesel/biodiesel blend?

  Yes. The KIK 01_LR Fuel Identification Kit not only allows for testing for the presence of gasoline in diesel but also enables the assessment of the mixing ratio of diesel and biodiesel.

  To this end, the kit includes a measurement system for determining density.

  The KIK 01_LR thus combines two different testing tasks in a single toolbox:

  • Testing for gasoline contamination in diesel
  • Assessing a diesel/biodiesel mixture
• How is the mixing ratio of diesel and biodiesel tested?

  The DMP 01 Diesel Mixture Tester is available for this application.

  The test method is based on the difference in density between diesel and biodiesel fuels. To perform the test, a fuel sample is placed in the designated measuring cylinder and evaluated using the measuring device or hydrometer.

  The result is interpreted using the accompanying color scale.

  Since the density of a liquid can be affected by the measurement conditions, the test must be conducted in accordance with the operating instructions.

• What is the difference between the KIK 01_LR and the DMP 01?

  The KIK 01_LR is a combined fuel identification kit. It allows for both testing for gasoline in diesel fuel and assessing a diesel/biodiesel blend.

  The DMP 01, on the other hand, is specifically designed to test the mixing ratio of diesel and biodiesel.

  Which solution is more appropriate therefore depends on the diagnostic tasks of the repair shop.

  If the sole purpose is to evaluate diesel/biodiesel blends, the DMP 01 may be sufficient. If the goal is also to detect possible gasoline misfueling, the KIK 01_LR offers an expanded scope of testing.

• How can you determine the exact type of fuel?

  The DMP 02 Fuel Identification Device is available for more detailed fuel identification.

  The device allows for the analysis of various fuel types based on a fuel sample.

  For diesel fuels, it can distinguish between diesel and biodiesel.

  For gasoline fuels, it can distinguish between regular gasoline and ethanol-blended fuels such as E85 and E100.

  The result is evaluated using the provided color scale.

• How much fuel is needed for the test with the DMP 02?

  To perform a measurement with the DMP 02 Fuel Identification Device, 500 ml of fuel is drawn from the vehicle’s tank.

  The fuel sample is then tested using the measuring device or hydrometer in the designated measuring cylinder.

  The device’s reference values are based on an ambient temperature of 20 °C. Therefore, the test conditions specified in the operating instructions should be followed.

• Can the DMP 02 distinguish between gasoline, E85, and E100?

  Yes. The DMP 02 Fuel Identification Device is designed to distinguish between gasoline, E85, and E100.

  This makes the device suitable not only for diesel applications but also for analyzing fuel samples from gasoline or corresponding flex-fuel systems.

  If the goal is to determine not only the fuel type but also the specific ethanol content of a sample, the EMK 01 Ethanol Measurement Kit is also available for this purpose.

• How can the ethanol content of a fuel sample be determined?

  The EMK 01 Ethanol Test Kit can be used to determine the ethanol content in fuel samples.

  The kit is designed for gasoline and diesel fuel samples and includes the measuring vessels, pipettes, and test solution required for the testing procedure.

  For transparent samples, the included coloring solution can be used to improve readability.

  The EMK 01 is therefore particularly suitable for applications in which not only the basic fuel type but also the specific ethanol content needs to be assessed.

• What is the difference between the DMP 02 and the EMK 01?

  The two testing devices answer different questions.

  The DMP 02 is used to identify the fuel type or fuel group. For example, it can distinguish between diesel and biodiesel, as well as between gasoline, E85, and E100.

  The EMK 01, on the other hand, is used specifically to determine the ethanol content of a fuel sample.

  Simply put:

  DMP 02: What type of fuel is in the sample?

  EMK 01: What is the ethanol content of the fuel sample?

• Is fuel identification the same thing as a laboratory fuel analysis?

  No. Leitenberger testing devices are designed for rapid technical testing and diagnostics in workshops, service centers, or testing environments.
  
  For example, they enable the identification of a fuel type, the evaluation of a diesel/biodiesel blend, or the determination of the ethanol content.
  
  A comprehensive laboratory analysis, on the other hand, can determine numerous other chemical and physical properties of a fuel.
  
  Therefore, if a detailed scientific, legal, or expert evaluation is required, a laboratory analysis may be necessary.

• Is the measurement result from the DMP 02 admissible in court?

  No. The DMP 02 Fuel Identification Device is intended as a technical diagnostic tool for determining the type of fuel.

  The manufacturer expressly states that the measurement results from the DMP 02 are not intended to serve as evidence admissible in court.

  If, for example, legally valid proof of fuel composition is required in a legal dispute, insurance claim, or damage assessment, an appropriate laboratory analysis should be conducted.

• Can fuel identification replace the diagnosis of the high-pressure pump and injectors?

  No. Fuel identification involves examining the fuel itself. It does not assess the technical condition of the fuel system components.

  If the fuel appears normal but starting, pressure, or running problems persist, further diagnostic procedures may be necessary.

  These include, for example:

  • Checking the fuel pre-feed pressure
  • Checking the common-rail high-pressure system
  • Comparing the injector return flow
  • Checking the return pressure
  • Further testing the injectors

  Fuel identification can therefore be a useful initial step in a systematic fuel diagnosis.

• What should be done if a fuel mix-up is detected?

  The necessary measures depend on what type of fuel was added, the percentage of foreign fuel present, and whether the engine has already been started or run.

  Depending on the vehicle and the specific situation, the following steps may be necessary, for example:

  • Stop pumping fuel or stop running the engine
  • Drain the fuel from the tank
  • Clean the fuel system according to the manufacturer’s specifications
  • Replace the filter
  • Inspect fuel lines and components
  • Further inspect the high-pressure system or injectors as needed

  The specific procedure must comply with the guidelines of the respective vehicle manufacturer.

• What safety rules apply to fuel identification?

  Fuels are flammable and can release vapors that are harmful to health.

  When collecting, testing, and disposing of fuel samples, the following points—among others—must therefore be observed:

  • Avoid ignition sources
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Use only suitable sample and collection containers
  • Do not accidentally mix fuels
  • Clean up spilled fuel immediately
  • Store or dispose of fuel samples properly

  In addition, the fuel’s safety data and the operating instructions for the respective testing device must be followed.