Bad Diesel Fuel: A Problem That Just Won’t Go Away

Contaminated fuel continues to be a significant problem for diesel fuel filters. Florida-based company Clear-Gauge has developed a unique monitor for diesel boat engines that detects when a fuel filter is contaminated and needs to be replaced.

West Palm Beach, FL (I-Newswire) May 24, 2012 - West Palm Beach, FL - According to the Boat Owners Association of the United States, an estimated 90% of diesel engine problems stem from contaminated fuel. Water, dirt, microbes, and other contaminants not only effect engine performance but can cause serious and costly damage to the engine itself. The statistics alone should put any boat owner on alert and make fuel-system maintenance a top priority.

Diesel fuel filters are the last and most critical line of defense against bad fuel. Knowing that filters are functioning properly is essential to performance and safety.

Clear-Gauge, a Florida-based company, has developed a unique, patent-protected gauge that monitors the condition of diesel fuel filters on some of the most widely-used boat engines. Unlike other fuel filter monitors on the market, Clear-Gauge requires no tools to install – its T-handle shape allows it to be tightened by hand. When changing fuel filters, no tools are required to remove the Clear-Gauge monitor as well.

As an enhanced safety feature, a check valve/backflow preventer allows Clear-Gauge to be used with priming pumps and prevents fuel leaks if the gauge ever becomes damaged.

Inventor and avid boater, Rob Finley came up with the idea for Clear-Gauge after returning from a fishing trip. “As I was navigating through the Saint Lucie Inlet off Stuart, Florida, the engines on my trawler began to lose power. I couldn’t have picked a worse place for this to happen. The Saint Lucie has a reputation for being one of the most treacherous inlets in Florida."

As Finley recounts, “I quickly went down below, started tinkering with the engine and tried to locate the source of the problem. After several frustrating and tense minutes, I suspected the problem might be with the fuel system.”

Fortunately, Finley had a back-up filter which he switched to as fast as he could. That did the trick. His relief, however, soon gave way to a feeling of anger. He was furious that his filter element clogged after only 30 hours of use (some filters can last as long as 800 hours). Finley felt there had to be a way to monitor the condition of his fuel filter and avoid a situation like that in the future.

So... he got to work. Growing up in his dad’s machine shop, he had a passion for all things mechanical. After 3 years of trying, testing and developing 8 prototypes, Clear-Gauge was finally born.

Clear-Gauge recently launched a website (Clear-Gauge.com) where its diesel fuel filter monitor will be available for purchase for $89.95. According to Clear-Gauge, its filter monitor not only provides peace of mind for boaters but also pays for itself after a few filter changes.

Initially targeting the boating industry for its patent-protected product, Clear-Gauge plans on expanding into the motorhome and the diesel generator markets in the near future.

About Clear-Gauge LLC:

Founded in 2011, Florida-based Clear-Gauge, Inc. manufactures and sells diesel fuel filter monitors for the boating industry. Following the company’s uncompromising commitment to quality, precision, and reliability, all Clear-Gauge filter monitors and components are manufactured and assembled in the U.S.A. to the highest standards in the industry.

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If you’d like more information or to schedule an interview with Clear-Gauge Chief Marketing Officer Robert Csetri, please call (561) 899-8210 or email Robert@clear-gauge.com

Clear-Gauge LLC
2342 Holly Ln.
West Palm Beach, FL 33410