A question on Diesel -Fuel Quality

[Thiru]

Hi,
I see this discussed from time to time, claim and counter claim on the difference in the Diesel quality depending on the vendors. Is this real? and would have ill effects on the car engine?

I tend to use the cheapest sold by supermarket chains. I would change my habit & buy from known oil company forecourt, if would make a difference in maintain & protect my car engine.(I usually use a car bought as brand new and use it for 18-20 years. Well I give away my age here!!)
The latest car of mine is my first ever run on diesel fuel.

As this a trusted site I would value your views on this subject.
Regards

Topic

[Michele Pensotti]

Hello Adnoh 🙂 , I have a diesel car myself, and I live in Italy and here the diesels have about 50% of the car market nowadays, so I know lots of people that have diesel cars.

Let me tell you that the quality of diesel fuel varies A LOT from batch to batch, and the only thing that can help your engine stay alive and well is the fuel filter.
The fuel filter in diesels is even more important than on gasoline cars because it keeps water (which is contained in diesel fuel, sometimes) out of the fuel.
Remember that if ever some water should reach the high pressure rail fuel pump, and thus the injectors, it would KILL them both.

And these are quite costly parts, I assure you.

SO, if you want to do yourself a favor, change the diesel filter at least once a year; in fact it only has a definite capability to separate diesel and water, and it stores the excess water in itself.
When its water-storing capacity is full, it will let water pass beyond, so it will stop protecting your engine when it’s full of water.

Also, in winter use only diesel fuel that is specifically sold as “arctic” or “winter” blend.
Here in italy it’s sold as a standard in northern regions, but it’s always good to check BEFORE 😉

This special fuel contains additives that help it stay fluid even when it’s very cold outside; normal diesel fuel does turn into “paraffine”, which is A LOT thicker than diesel, and can clog both the fuel filter and the pump and injectors.

If it’s not available where you live, you can always put a separate additive that has the same function.
These are often called “diesel antifreeze”.

Also, every now and then I use a “diesel system cleaner” additive; this should help to keep the pump and injectors more clean.
It is also useful to pass inspections, if your engine does produce a lot of black smoke 😉

Hope this helps! :cheer:

Live long and prosper (and stay dirty!)

10nico

[college man]

The fuel comes from the same refinery weather your a name brand
station or a mom and pop shop. You could get bad fuel from either.
The tanker could have been dirty or dirty from the refinery. My suggestion
is to by from a station that does a volume business. This way the fuel is
not laying around and your getting fresh fuel.

[Thiru]

Hello College man,
That is very concise valuable information . I heard about diesel motors should have regular servicing but it does make sense and to remember to change the filters.

Thanking you
Regards

[Author]

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