Community Forums

dn5172 · 05-11-2022, 03:27 PM

Low fuel light on, left engine running, bought 75 gallons @ I-80 travel plaza, tank full. So when low fuel light is on I still had approximately 25 gallons in tank.
Back on the road and right away RV is missing, blowing blue, black & grey smoke. Runs ok at cruise but give it power and it's smoking. So I limp my way home 75 miles.
Changed fuel filters and I have dark fuel in the filters and some crud. So I guess I have bad fuel. Now what?
Do I drain all 80 / 90 gallons out and put in fresh fuel? Drop the tank and clean it? Or just drive it and make a few filter changes?
Could it be I had bad fuel in the bottom of my tank that got steered up when I added the 75 gallons?
Has anybody dropped their fuel tank and cleaned it, is it a big job?
Thanks
Glen

**Camp CA** · 05-11-2022, 04:29 PM

Was the rv parked through the winter with 25 gallons of fuel? If so, was the fuel stabilized with an enzyme fuel treatment https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools...ars-need-use/? If not, then contamination is likely.

Check if the gasoline is old or contaminated. You can do this by removing representative fuel from the fuel tank into a clear glass container. In another container, pour some fresh gasoline and compare.

If the rv still operates run the engine until the fuel is down and change the fuel filter and check the fuel lines.

If you remove the fuel into appropriate storage containers dispose it at a hazardous disposal site.

Ray,IN · 05-11-2022, 04:33 PM

Gasoline or diesel fuel? With todays prices, fuel polishing sounds attractive, such business's may be found near marinas and boat storage locations.

Hpozzuoli · 05-11-2022, 04:59 PM

I used to get bad fuel once or twice every single year with my boat. I had twin 525hp Cummins. I would change the filters 2-3 times and eventually it would clear up. Bahamas was the worst. Imagine getting fuel off a rusty barge using rusted 55 gallon drums with a pump wired to the battery sitting next to the drum. I would be there all day.

If you think you have an algae issue fuel polishing will help. If it’s crud from the bottom of the tank let’s hope it’s all staying in the filters. Keep changing them as many times as it takes. The crud will eventually settle and wont be picked up.

dn5172 · 05-11-2022, 05:01 PM

Had been on the road for a month and everything was fine until it wasn't.
Fuel out of filter was dark in color and fresh fuel was light.
Haven't drive RV yet waiting to decide what to do?

Cat · 05-11-2022, 05:14 PM

Pour black fuel out of filter on to paper towel and leave in sun. It let it dry if the black turns to a brownish powder. Its algae then just buy a good fuel algae Treatment. Run and change filters as recommended. Safe travels

dn5172 · 05-12-2022, 06:59 AM

Thanks all
Glen

wolfe10 · 05-12-2022, 07:05 AM

Agreed, FUEL POLISHING is the answer. Very common in the marine industry. If located near water that has diesel powered boats, check with local polishers.

Fuel polishing circulates the fuel at very high speed/volume through huge filters.

The high speed/volume will stir up anything in the tank and the filters remove it.

Then a kill dose of a BIOCIDE such as Biobar JF.

If you can prove where you got the contaminated fuel, contact their corporate HQ about reimbursement.