Hard Time

File: 082696_d50030_059.txt
Page: 059
Total Pages: 101
4.   What procedures should be followed to remove residual fuels from
combat/tactical vehicles recently shipped from CONUS/OCONUS locations to
Saudi Arabia that have been experiencing excessive fuel filter plugging
problems?

     Answer:  The~new fuel (i.e., JP-5, JET A-l, or diesel) provided initia~ly to
              refuel vehicles is serving, in part, to clean out diesel fuel
              residue and bottoms and moving these contaminants into the fuel
              filters.  Some of these residues and bottoms may contain micro-
              biological growth (e.g., bugs, bacteria, fungi, etc.) as the
              presence of water in fuel cells/tanks will promote its proli-
              feration.  Vehicle fuel filters will eventually remove this
              contamination but to do so may require filter changes so often
              that it would cut into the availability of an item that is
              already in short supply.  The best solution is to clean the
              fuel tank by flushing with new (i.e., fresh) fuel.  The proce-
              dure is as follows:

                a.  Pump out and drain all old fuel from each fuel tank.

                b.  Fill with the new fuel and run the vehicle for at least
                    fifteen minutes preferably over rough terrain to provide
                    agitation.

                c.  Defuel or drain out the flush fuel and discard or label
                    for special use (i.e., intended for non fuel-sensitive
                    ground vehicles or equipment).

                d.  New filters should then be installed on the vehicle and
                    new fuel introduced into the vehicle.

                e.  If JET A-i fuel is added as new fuel, it should be treated
                     with the FSII or the diesel fuel stabilizer to provide
                    insurance against further microbiological growth.

                f.  If diesel fuel is to be added as new fuel,  it should
                    also be treated with FSII or the diesel fuel stabilizer
                    to insure against future microbiological growth.

              Flushing may not be practical in many cases, particularly when
              there is no use for the flush fuel or it cannot be discarded
              easily.  In these cases, a refueling vehicle, such as a FEMIT
              tanker, Tank and Pump Unit, etc., may possibly be used.  Such a
              refueler should become non-dedicated; i.e., not designated for
              aircraft refueling.  For these applications, the alternative
              procedure is as follows:

                a.  Fill vehicle with the new fuel.   Run the vehicle for at
                    least fifteen minutes to agitate the fuel.


                                 G-ll