Help! Stop engine light and power loss, stuck on the road!

[iluvuk]

I am reading this thread and other similar threads with interest because I feel bad for the OP and I certainly want to learn so I can avoid such problems in my DP.

I have a sincere and not sarcastic question and comment. Where are you buying fuel, those of you that have filter clogging problems and similar issues described in these pages?? How old are your rigs and fuel tanks???

I have been driving diesel engines of various types from small 4 cyl cars to my RV for 30 years. Most recently, I have been driving my one ton diesel truck and my newer DP (both with full modern DEF systems on the diesels) for a combined total of about 7 years with absolutely zero problems whatsoever with fuel filters clogging, sludge in tanks that lead to problems, etc. I read about these problems but in tens of thousands of miles (with routine scheduled maintenance only) I have never had these fuel filter clogging issues with the gunk you guys describe. Both my RV and truck were bought new, so no mistreatment by a previous owner. Am I just lucky? Is it because I only stop at high end, nicer fuel stops? Is it because my engines are newer? Have you been seeing this problem on newer DPs under 100K miles? Also, I have never once added any Diesel fuel additives. I live in a very cold winter climate, with hot dry summers.


I think I will now knock on wood!

[SlaterDoc]

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

Has anyone wondered why the tank builders don't include a drain on the bottom of the fuel tank so residue and contaminants could be drained from the tank?
Lynn

Lynn, I think that's a great idea. It would mean copying the oil change process over to the fuel system. It sure would make tank cleaning an easier process. It's something that I would love to hear the mfg's respond to! Of course, it is something (retrofitting) I would want the pro's to do.

[Monkey Run]

Originally Posted by iluvuk

I am reading this thread and other similar threads with interest because I feel bad for the OP and I certainly want to learn so I can avoid such problems in my DP.

I have a sincere and not sarcastic question and comment. Where are you buying fuel, those of you that have filter clogging problems and similar issues described in these pages?? How old are your rigs and fuel tanks???

I have been driving diesel engines of various types from small 4 cyl cars to my RV for 30 years. Most recently, I have been driving my one ton diesel truck and my newer DP (both with full modern DEF systems on the diesels) for a combined total of about 7 years with absolutely zero problems whatsoever with fuel filters clogging, sludge in tanks that lead to problems, etc. I read about these problems but in tens of thousands of miles (with routine scheduled maintenance only) I have never had these fuel filter clogging issues with the gunk you guys describe. Both my RV and truck were bought new, so no mistreatment by a previous owner. Am I just lucky? Is it because I only stop at high end, nicer fuel stops? Is it because my engines are newer? Have you been seeing this problem on newer DPs under 100K miles? Also, I have never once added any Diesel fuel additives. I live in a very cold winter climate, with hot dry summers.


I think I will now knock on wood!

Let's see... I purchased the fuel at the same station twice, once in July and once a couple of weeks ago. The station is "Royal Farms" on Rt 17 directly across from Walmart and a couple miles west of Rt. 95. My one and only problem with diesel fuel began that day, approximately 400 miles from point of purchase where tank was near empty, I filled with 100 gallons of product which did not quite fill my tank and added a top of the line additive as I always do.

At home, I have my own tank for my equipment. I treat the fuel regularly and never had an issue. My truck is a 2005 Dodge Cummins, never an issue, but treated with each fill.

My coach was used regularly by the first owner, it was not and is not a yard ornament. I do all my own maintenance. The fuel filters were serviced last fall on both the Cummins and the genset. The filters I pulled off had around 5K miles on them and showed not one bit of contamination.

Everything was fine until I fueled at that station in Virginia. Matter of fact, I'm directly across from it as I type and plan on walking over there tomorrow to see if they can solve this mystery for me but I doubt they will admit anything. Needless to say, I won't be filling up there this time.

So there's the mystery, it's still pretty much a mystery.

[mchero]

Originally Posted by Monkey Run

Let's see... I purchased the fuel at the same station twice, once in July and once a couple of weeks ago. The station is "Royal Farms" on Rt 17 directly across from Walmart and a couple miles west of Rt. 95. My one and only problem with diesel fuel began that day, approximately 400 miles from point of purchase where tank was near empty, I filled with 100 gallons of product which did not quite fill my tank and added a top of the line additive as I always do.

At home, I have my own tank for my equipment. I treat the fuel regularly and never had an issue. My truck is a 2005 Dodge Cummins, never an issue, but treated with each fill.

My coach was used regularly by the first owner, it was not and is not a yard ornament. I do all my own maintenance. The fuel filters were serviced last fall on both the Cummins and the genset. The filters I pulled off had around 5K miles on them and showed not one bit of contamination.

Everything was fine until I fueled at that station in Virginia. Matter of fact, I'm directly across from it as I type and plan on walking over there tomorrow to see if they can solve this mystery for me but I doubt they will admit anything. Needless to say, I won't be filling up there this time.

So there's the mystery, it's still pretty much a mystery.

93 Pace Arrow Diesel i owned for 12 years. Made perhaps 3 coast 2 coast trips and Many miles around the N.E. and zero fuel issues.
Current rig circled the states and 37k miles later zero fuel issues.
Always kept tank full when sitting.
Keep us posted on your findings.

[barmcd]

We put about 10,000 miles on our coach a year, but it still sits still for a significant amount of time so I always add BioborJF when I fill. It'll keep fuel related biological infestations at bay.

[Monkey Run]

Originally Posted by mchero

93 Pace Arrow Diesel i owned for 12 years. Made perhaps 3 coast 2 coast trips and Many miles around the N.E. and zero fuel issues.
Current rig circled the states and 37k miles later zero fuel issues.
Always kept tank full when sitting.
Keep us posted on your findings.

Will do. Latest finding, I stopped at that same fueling station on my way back through Virginia and asked if they had any complaints relative to the diesel fuel. Manager stated that some "work" had been performed on the tank, did not tell me what other than to mention all the filters had been changed. So, I believe I have my answer. As I suspected, I'm convinced that I picked something up at Royal Farms.

[Monkey Run]

Originally Posted by barmcd

We put about 10,000 miles on our coach a year, but it still sits still for a significant amount of time so I always add BioborJF when I fill. It'll keep fuel related biological infestations at bay.

I have always treated my fuel, now it appears a biocide is necessary as well. First the gift of unleaded fuel, then E10 and now the diesel. So much for thinking that a diesel boat is the way to go. Some light at the end of the tunnel, we can now purchase non ethanol fuel at our marina and a few nearby stations.

[JohnRR]

Just be sure that light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming freight train.