Rotella DFA Causes Hard Starting???

[WileyCoyote]

My 2001 ETH just recently developed a problem hot starts. The truck always has started within a couple of revolutions under all conditions. Just recently however, the truck did not want to start after parked for about 20-60 minutes.



When this happened, the starter would crank for about 5-8 seconds and if it did start, it would start very slowly, then suddently catch and run fine. It was like there was no fuel in the VP44 and it had to somehow prime itself. Almost like when the pump has been replaced.



I replaced lift pump but this did not help the problem.



The hard starting began on my first tankful using the new Shell Rotella Diesel Fuel Additive and continued until I quit using it and had gone thru about three tanks after the last DFA was added. It now has not happened in over a week.



My theory is that the DFA (at least this batch) has some very light component that boils when the engine has been shut off and the VP44 has time to "heat soak. " This creates vapor within the VP44 or its high pressure injector lines that must be purged by cranking. It might be a combined problem with DFA and winter blend fuel.



Anybody else have this problem??



Harry

 

[me4osu]

Rotella DFA

I have not seen any starting problems with six straight tanks of #2 and DFA. We don't get #1, but you might be getting air in the system from another source. You might want to start it up and check the legnth of the supply system for leaks. If your getting air in at shutdown, its probably squirting fuel while running. Also, it would not be a bad idea to check your fuel filter both for particulates and fuel level (after shutdown for an hour).

 

[BGDUMMY]

I've been running the DFA and have had no problems, but it has been in for only one tank now. Of course if what you say is true, then I see another reason to own nothing but a "Undervalved" model. LOL

 

[Pit Bull]

I've used DFA for over 300 gallons of diesel. No problems. I'd look else where for your problem. Hope this helps.

 

[DarrellB]

I've been using Rotella DFA for about 5 tank full and have had no problems, just smokes a little on start up when it's really cold but other than that it's just fine.



Big D

 

[rmknizner]

I've been using DFA for three tanks, more or less. No problems with the truck, but what a terrible smell from the DFA product itself when I got some on my hands, on my knife (opening the bottle) and in my tool box.





Bob