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Avoiding Bad Fuel

I seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a predicament.  I am sitting right on the CA/NV state line.  Here is a Chevron with a single diesel pump @ $3.87/gallon.  I can go north 100 miles total round trip out of my way to Sparks to the TA.  Given that that will cost more than it would save me filling up in CA that would be foolish.  In Big Pine and Bishop, CA to the south there are a couple of shell stations with diesel pumps, but really still only one or two pumps.  Priced at $4.05 or more a gallon.  So it would save me $20+ to fill up now.

So what would you do?  Is small station diesel to be avoided at all costs or is the algae thing pretty rare?  Anyone ever fill up at the small stations along 395?  I wonder if I could even possibly have a problem given how dry it is out here.

I know I'm splitting hairs with regards to the pricing but that's just how I am ;)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #1 –
I fuel up at small stations on 395 all the time. Never any problem so far. Most pilots take a gas sample during pre-flight and after fueling. Checking your see-through bottom of your primary filter each morning does about the same thing. Any doubts, open the drain and see if any water comes out. Cuts down the chances of water/algae. You never know when the bad fuel monster will get you but checking frequently puts the odds in your favor.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #2 –
Buy enough to get you to a good price (gas buddy ap), and check in AM per pierce suggestion for next few days
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #3 –
ALL diesel pumps are filtered prior to entering your tank. Their filters would clog first. In my opinion, getting contaminated fuel is extremely rare. THINKING you got bad gas is rampant.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #4 –
Piku, That is why our coaches have fuel filters and why I always carried at least one extra set.  Coasting onto the Lake Powell bridge with engine shut down due to fuel starvation will get your attention, and DW got good at cranking while I primed.
Gary B

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #5 –
I don't worry nearly as much fuel full of crud as I do fuel full of water. Took on water at a low volume BP, parked for 3 weeks in summer w/o algicide and got a ton of algae, had to replace all filters. 2x

Water in large amounts can overwhelm any separator at station or in vehicle.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #6 –
How about bio diesel?  On our last Pilot fill-ups we saw a B20 sticker on the pump and at another a B15 sticker.

What problems can be expected?

I heard that California is pumping B20 diesel.

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #7 –
I use a diesel additive every time I add fuel.  It may increase the over all cost of fuel, but eliminates a bunch of other costly problems.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #8 –
It appears the big truck stops in California's central valley are pumping B20. Elsewhere in the state I find mostly ULSD.

Here's a fun fact. Much of the biodiesel in California is made from algae harvested from the south end so San Francisco Bay.

Algae!
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
How about bio diesel?  On our last Pilot fill-ups we saw a B20 sticker on the pump and at another a B15 sticker.
What problems can be expected?
I heard that California is pumping B20 diesel.

Our diesels run fine on B20 but biodiesel does absorb more moisture than 100% petro diesel. Algae and corrosion are going to be more prevalent unless care is taken during transportation and storage. See PDF: http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~bhe/pdfs/MC.pdf

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #10 –
I have seen more B20 in states like Ohio, Ill, Texas, etc.  If we travel enough, we will have to pump it in- kinda like using unleaded gasoline instead of leaded ( yes we went through that too).

I am taking an approach of KISS.  If I start feeling loss of power on hills or hesitation, I change the fuel water separator.
I am now using Baldwin BF1329 from filter barn.com at a very good price.  It is one piece and much easier and faster to change than the Fleetguard with the bowl.  True, I cannot see if there is any water in it, but if I see water what do I do?
Yep- change the filter.

A $13 filter is much cheaper and easier than being stranded on the side of the road.  I carry 3 of them and will reorder if I get down to 2.  Just changed it recently and I notice the difference on the hills and even level ground.

While we can't do anything about the fuel or B20, we can be ready with clean filters and change them before we get stranded. 

Cya down the road.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #11 –
Our B20 was at Pilot in Amarillo TX & B15 was east of Amarillo.

With BioDiesel absorbing more water, it is now even more important than ever to have fuel tank full if stopping for weeks or months.

Being full helps prevent condensation accumulation from tank breathing in on cool nights and venting out during warm days, leaving humidity that was in the air behind in tank.

We do carry several containers of Power Service 911 & Biocide for many years, but have never used it. We also carry 3 changes of fuel filters for our three fuel filters.

We have added Diesel Kleen to every fill-up for the last 14 years, but really don't know how it has helped to keep us running.

DIESEL 9?1?1® For Winter Emergencies: Winter Rescue Formula ? use to reliquefy
BIO KLEEN® DIESEL FUEL BIOCIDE: A dual-phase biocide to kill microbes, bacteria
DIESEL KLEEN® +Cetane Boost®: Max HP Formula ? use during non-winter months for

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #12 –
Piku,

395 is our back yard so let us know if you need any tips. Just about the best highway in the U.S....

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #13 –
Just about home from our trip to Alaska this summer.  Needed new filters the second day of the trip.  They had about 1600 miles since the last change.  Then had a LOF service in Anchorage and needed new fuel filters (got a eng maint light and the annoying dingier) after only one fillup and 700 miles. 

You just can't tell when or where you'll get bad fuel.  I've started adding Power Service with every fillip.  Cheaper in time and $$$$ than having problems.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #14 –
It's (very) rare to have fuel contamination issues. 

Do regular service and carry a spare fuel filter.. (don't worry, be happy;)  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #15 –
I'm not picky on where I fill up and as others have said, no problems yet. Now if the posted price is $2.60 per gallon, I'd say they haven't filled their storage tank in a while and even as stingy as I am I would be very cautious about filling up there. Peggy, who is also Scottish, might well make me fill up however.

I hope she doesn't read this.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #16 –
For what it's worth I put $100 in from the small station and filled the rest of the way at Inyo Shell in Bishop, CA.  The Inyo was quite busy for a 3 pump station.
 

Re: Avoiding Bad Fuel

Reply #17 –
piku,

I use Howes Diesel treatment to help with fuel contamination and for removing water, etc.  Howes Lubricator

I don't have to worry about gelling where I live but I believe this additive has helped with keeping the injectors clean and reducing smoking at startup.  I started with a full 64 oz. bottle for the first three tankfuls as recommended and with improved performance now only use 1/2 bottle.  2cycle Detroits are famous for their smoking when starting cold and this stuff seems to help with that.  Mpg has improved from 7.2 to 8.5 (18%) and getting better.  I believe using this product and also reconnecting the hi-speed hydraulic fan switch to lower fan speed and save hp at idle have both helped mpg. 

Howes Diesel Treatment has been around since the 1920's and sold almost everywhere in the U.S. and Canada and a lot of truckers use it.  I get mine at Auto Zone.  Since I don't run my engine daily I want to make sure the fuel is clean and lessen the chance for algae and other problems.  The biggest difference I've noticed is in how smooth the generator starts and runs.
 
Carrying an extra set of fuel filters like Gary B recommends is good insurance.

Never wait for trouble! 

One of my heroes General Chuck Yeager said it best back in the eighties.  Love that guy!  Chuck Yeager AC Delco 1980's commercial #1

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"