Archived Fuel Contamination??

[Joelbeal]

What luck. My 2006 2500 Cummins (with only 2500 miles) suddenly started running like crap. I am leaving soon for a 4000 mile trip, and the dealer can't get to it. Furthermore, he thinks (and I agree) that I picked up a batch of contaminated fuel (Flying J Truckstop in Dallas). He says he's seen a lot of contaminated fuel problems in the past, just use PowerService 9-11 and work the old fuel out.



Low power, sometimes but not always. Sometimes misses when I first start it at all RPM's, but as I drive it it gets better until it only misses under a load at about 2000 RPM and higher. It started within 20 miles of my last fill-up which was on an empty tank. I've had a Dodge Cummins for 9 years, this is my first serious problem with fuel contamination.



No water is coming out of the fuel filter drain. I am on my second filter in 300 miles. I added enough PowerService for 50 gallons to my 34 gallon tank. Seeminly no changes in the condition. I am down under half a tank now.



Am I going to harm the fuel system? Should I just drive the truck and hope that the fresh fuel will straighten it out? Should I double up on adding PowerService to the tank, and should I dump some in the filter as well? Is there a better/different chemical additive out there?

 

[Buffalo]

Just a thought.

You might check to see if the dealer has a D-C/Cummins "Approved" fuel additive & overdose a bit on that. That way, you will at least be using an approved product, in the event that there is a future warranty problem.



I'm surprised that Flying-J is selling "bad fuel". I've been using their stuff, for years, without any problems, at all. I was under the impression that their stuff was of high quality. Anyone can make a mistake, though.



I wonder if there is a testing lab, in your area. Probably are several. See if they can test a sample of the fuel, quickly.



If you have some empty containers & a piece of cheap hose, you might consider syphoning the rest of the fuel out of the fuel tank & maybe just put a small amount of fresh fuel, from another distributor, in the truck, & see if that makes a difference. At least, you will be eliminating sources of the problem & be in a better position to diagnose the problem.



Best of luck with fixing your troubles.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[B.G. Smith]

There is a post somewhere , I think on the 3rd generation forum about some of the 06 trucks coming with a rollover valve or vent in an indentation on top and toward the front of fuel tank that collects water and is drawn into the fuel tank, also think I saw where there was a TSB on same that involves putting a hose on the vent but I can't find it. bg I have been up close and personal with my truck (2006 3500) today, installing fifth wheel hitch, I checked the fuel tank and there is an indentation on top at both ends and there is some kind of vent on both with a rubber hose attached long enough to reach beyond the top edge of the tank. bg

 

[Joelbeal]

Fixed

It was definately fuel contamination - whether water in the fuel from someplace or bad fuel, I really do not know. I ran the tank down to 1/4, changed out the fuel filter and filled up the filter canister with PowerService 911, then put the rest of the bottle (which equated to 4X normal treatment) in the tank along with a fresh tank of fuel. It is not perfect, it is considerably better and getting better with every mile. I would have thought low power would be normal with bad fuel, but would not have guess that white smoke and rattling were part of it. Now I know.