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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #25 – December 07, 2012, 10:10:50 am

Benjie,

We don't use that brand but some friends that we travel with use it. He has had good results and is pleased with it. As bad as your filter looked you definitely need to have several extra sets of fuel filters handy to change out as you will be needing them. If I remember correctly don't you live close to Canyon Lake? If so swing by the Canyon Lake marina and see how much they will charge to polish your fuel. That may save you some big headaches.

Pamela & Mike

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #26 – December 07, 2012, 10:29:20 am

What do folks use for fuel with gel in it?

best, paul

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #27 – December 07, 2012, 10:31:07 am

Curious if those of you more experienced than I have a preference for fuel filters with the plastic bowl on the bottom? I'm wondering if that might be a decent investment so I can see any algae/water that be accumulating?

Best Regards,
Benjie

Benjie Zeller
(512) 587-4628

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #28 – December 07, 2012, 11:47:25 am

Benjie,

Have always used a Racor starting in 1973 when the service stations had no idea what filters were for diesel fuel. We installed them in all MBZ diesels.

Besides an extra filter, I keep an extra plastic bowl with O rings in the filter box also. Comes in a couple of micron sizes so check before you buy. That also depends if you are going to install it as a primary filter (the first filter the fuel sees after leaving the tank) or as the secondary. Detroits use it as a primary but have seen Cummins use it in in the secondary position. Dave M uses a lot of filters in his generator business. Drop him a note for his model recommendation.

Paul,

A lot of the time, I may have summer diesel on-board when we head up to high elevation and/or cold weather. That is one of the reasons I use an additive that works as a fungicide and an anti-waxing/gelling agent also. Without winter additives, diesel may start to gel at minus 9-12C. You can never be sure if your last tank had it or not. Part of the tax and high cost of fuel in Europe covers inspectors who constantly sample service station tanks for contaminants and proper additives. They can close a station on the spot if the fuel is bad. We don't have them here so there is always a little risk.

If you don't have an additive and the weather turns really cold (like in Yellowstone), you can add gasoline to the diesel. Mercedes recommends no more than 30%. Other manufacturers may recommend a different amount. Check before adding. Here is a quote from Daimler Benz:

"Varying with the temperature, add a certain quantity of kerosene if only summer diesel fuels or less cold resistant winter diesel fuels are available or if temperatures drop below -15 C (+5 F)."

"Should standard gasoline have to be used for blending, never exceed a proportion of 30%. Premium fuels must not be used. The lower flash point of the supplementary fuels increases the danger of explosions."

"Engine power may drop according to the proportion of supplementary fuel. For this reason, keep percentage of fuel added to a minimum necessiated by the ambient temperature..." There is an accompanying temperature / other fuels chart.

Hope this helps.

Pierce

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #29 – December 08, 2012, 09:54:28 am

RE: Has anyone used this stuff?

To get around possible fuel problems, we carry several bottles of Power Service 911 and Biocide, but have never had to use them.
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

For the last 12 years, we have been adding Power Service Diesel Kleen in gray bottle, purchased from Walmart to every fuel fill. We don't usually believe in additives, but decided to use it and have no idea if does any good.
DIESEL KLEEN® +Cetane Boost®: Max HP Formula ? use during non-winter months for

We feel that we have been lucky to not have fuel problems and mostly fill at truck stops, usually Flying J / Pilot and try to have an almost full tank when we stop for several weeks or longer to reduce condensation in tank. We will consider it a worthwhile fuel stop if we can take on 35 gallons or more, except when making long runs, where we can wait a day and fill 60 gallons or more. We will pass on any station getting their tanks filled because we think it stirs up junk in the bottom of the underground tanks.

BZ, Why do you think your fuel went bad?

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #30 – December 08, 2012, 09:59:58 am

Benjie, I have the RACOR with a plastic bowl on it.  In 10 years with this coach only once have I found crap in the bowl.  After buying fuel at Eloy, AZ I experienced surging and near shut downs.  I found black crap and milky stuff that I think was water in the bowl.  After three changes of both filters over about two weeks and additional fuel fills I finally got rid of it and coach ran OK then.
Gary B

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #31 – December 08, 2012, 12:02:32 pm

As Gary says, sooner or later you will pick up some water/algae. Doubtful that it grew in your tank but much more likely it was picked up when you fueled up. I avoid all stations with above ground tanks as the temperature change from night to day makes them candidates for condensation. As noted, also best to avoid fueling while the tanker is there.

When flying, I have always taken a fuel sample for water in the fuel right after filling the tanks. Very sobering to find some. Even more sobering if you lose power for even a fraction of a second. With a RV, it also pays to establish a routine while on the road. A quick check of the oil, a glance at the hydraulic belt, and a look through the plastic filter bowl can head off potential problems. They are all located close to each other so it's just a matter of a little discipline, not that it is the easiest thing to learn, especially if ADHD.

Pierce

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Re: Fuel Delivery Issue?

Reply #32 – December 08, 2012, 07:44:27 pm

Barry I too use a Cetane Boost and every 2nd fill a Diesel Lube but the ones I use are made by AMSOIL. Fuel companies say you do not need the lube but I put it in any way. Not had any gelling  but did have a bad fill with water once last year and had to drain tank and throw filter as it had Algea ( but none showed up in fuel after emptying.
I am an AMSOIL person and believe highly in it.
John H

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