I haven't gotten any bad fuel yet. I try to buy fuel from reputable dealers and from stations that sell a lot of diesel. Anyway, in about two weeks, I am heading down to southern WV with four atvs and a trailer. I guy that we ride with occassionally was down that direction a few weeks ago and bought fuel for his 03 Cummins and had a lot of smoking and hard start issues. Problems went away after he ran that tank through. I am going to try to fill up around Charleston and hope to not have to get fuel again. My question is, if I would have to get fuel in a less than populated area and I do get some less than quality fuel, is there an additive that I can put into the fuel to help solve the problem or am I just stuck with running it through?

If you suspect bad fuel pick up a good additive, and use it immediately. I prefer the commercial products from Hydrotex, but also use the commercial fuel additives from John Deere, Case-IH, Cummins, and Cat from time to time. I avoid all consumer type fuel additives, as most of them are forms of alcohol that lack critical lubricants necessary to protect the fuel system.

The most frequent problem with diesel is water in the fuel, and that absolutely results in immediate damage to a third generation truck's CP3 and electrically controlled injectors. The issue is that untreated water molecules are larger and less "flexible" than those of oil products, and any water at all actually erodes the pistons in the CP3 by binding them in the cylinders as they pump, and water also creates tolerance problems with the solenoid pin that opens the nozzle in the injectors.

Water with dissolved air is even worse, as the air compresses in the water matrix and works like a spring to further score the fine tolerance parts of the newer injection systems. A good commercial additive will address both air and water, along with waxes and the ever present biological contaminants from transportation and storage facilities.

Thanks for the help RCW. I am planning on filling up on I 64 at the Pilot station outside of Charleston to avoid getting bad gas, but plan on taking some additive with me just in case.

I always carry a good supply of Power Service Diesel Klean and a gallon of non detergent 30w motor oil for just in case.

MikeyB

MikeyB - Why carry the 30W Non Detergent Oil? Is that to add lubrication to the fuel?

MikeyB - Why carry the 30W Non Detergent Oil? Is that to add lubrication to the fuel?

Yes.

MikeyB