Bad Fuel

[FM]

I got a bad shot of diesel. Went to start the truck and the warning light was on so I didn't. Drained the separator 6 x and got globs of water each time.



Is there anything I should do other than clean out the tank and replace the filter? TIA

 

[jimnance]

A limited amount of automotive fuel drier (alcohol) won't hurt the CTD. Keep sumping the tank until little to no water is coming out, then put in the fuel drier.



It helps to buy fuel from places that obviously sell in volume. Usually, the places where you run into trouble don't sell much.

 

[rbattelle]

You might consider a bottle of biocide. And drain the fuel tank, of course. It may take several fuel filter replacements before you get all the crap out of there. Check out the thread below.



What warning light was on before you started it? Water in fuel? And where did you fill up?



Steve's Bad Fuel Debacle

 

[FM]

The warning light on the instrament pannel was on when I turned the key for the preheat cycle but didn't go off like it normally does so I didn't crank it. The light had not been on when I drove in. I drained the separator, went through the pre ignition sequene again to run the pump and the warning light never went out. Repeated this about 6x with the same results. Right now I'm figuring I'll have to drop the tank and clean it out and replace the filter in the separator. I guess I'll leave the in tank filter alone but was wondering if there are any other items I should check out.



I have around 2700 on the od so this is what, my 5th or 6th tank. The last 2 tanks were at a local high volume station but the one before that was one of those hole in the wall places you sometimes find yourself at when on the road suffering a laps of common sense.



14 yrs I've been driving a diesel and never had this experience. Reckon I just had to save it for my new truck

 

[jimnance]

Dropping the tank is a pain in the arse. If you siphon most of the fuel out, then drop some fuel drier and a few gallons of diesel in, then finish siphoning the tank as best you can you might get by without dropping the tank.



One really dumb day I loaded my '95 with gasoline. I siphoned all I could and reloaded with diesel. Sold the truck with 100K and never had a problem.

 

[FM]

Ok, the deed is done. Ya wanta know the worst part of the job? For me it was disconnecting the the dagone electrical and return line from the tank. The connector was different than the shop manual said. Once you know the tricks of the ele lock plug its easy but that return line gave me a fit. My fingers were just too fat.



I get all kinds of nasty looking ship and water out of the tank, purge the supply/return lines, new filter, reinstall the tank, fill it and away I go. So heres the rub. The console says I'm getting 20. 5mpg. Thats 3mpg better than it ever did. I've been worring that my IP is damaged but now I'm not sure whats going on. I reckon I'll spend the next few days waiting for the other shoe to fall.

 

[GHinton]

FM, do you mind giving locale of station so I can avoid like the plague?

 

[FM]

It was a BP in Dillon, SC at the JNC of I-95 & 39 or 57 (I get confussed) in the south west quad. Granted, I can't say with 100% certainty they're the guilty ones but I'd bet a weeks pay.

 

[GHinton]

FM, noticed you were from Fuquay, and wondered if station was in the Wake/Johnston/Franklin/etc. area. Have to be careful with that Dillon fuel!

 

[FM]

The only other options would be the Tex on 401 in Garner, where Hendrix Dodge filled up in Regency Park, or least likly, one of the truck stops off 85 in Burlington. But like you said, a fellow can get in trouble real fast in Dillon.



I think my IP is ok but if it wern't what would it act like? My mpg seems good. Wouldn't it be way off if the IP were messed up?

 

[Parshal]

Originally posted by FM

I think my IP ...

What the IP?

 

[FM]

IP = Injector Pump



If anyone knows what water does to one and how I know if I'm ok or sunk I'd be appreciative. TIA

 

[rashwor]

I would expect...

that your IP is fine. From what I have seen, most of the time, if they get water it is over quickly. Sounds like yours did not get any water or if it did, it did not get hurt. I would not worry about it and would expect many, many happy miles out if it if it is still running now. Rock on!

 

[FM]

Many thanks. I'll turn a blind eye to my "glass is half empty" nature and run with your "glass is half full" analysis. With the power and mpg I have I think you're right but never had a water problem before and just had to get my shorts in a bunch over it.