[mitsenoj]

Hi what's your take on this - I am new to maintenance plans, used to doing my own servicing.

So I filled up with diesel but when they were taking too long to fill my tank I got suspicious and stopped them - diesel was foaming excessively.

About 200 km later engine light came on with code indicating fuel filter required.

So I booked it into Maritime Motors here in Port Elizabeth telling them it probably needs a new filter.

So after making the effort to take it in they just phoned to say I need a new filter but they have no stock - 3 days ex JHB. Also it will cost me as its not covered by maintenance plan.

So bit pissed off because had I known I would have ordered the part and sorted it out myself already, what is the point of the maintenance plan ?

Also do I go back to the garage and lodge a claim ?

How difficult is it to flush a tank - its down to a 1/4 now or do I just drive it low and then put a new filter in.

Thoughts ?

[JohnG]

The filter will be covered but only on the service times.In between is not covered,just how it works.
As for the fuel,what brand and what did you throw.I would certainly return to the garage asap.If he has a contamination then more vehicles will have a problem.Hopefully he is a good customer based chap.
Excessive foaming in diesel was more often found in higher sulpur diesels..Even 500ppm has a bit more foaming and many brands advertise antifoam aditives etc.
If possible,get a sample of the fuel in your tank in a clear glass container and post here.Also,if he has had a delivery since you last filled up there is not much you can do but hope the station owner will declaRE IF THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE PREVIOS LOAD.
Foaming can also be caused by water in suspense.This is when water mixes with the diesel and does not seperate as it should.The oxygen in the water is what causes the excessive foaming due to the pressure out the nozzle of the pump.I would have the tank flushed or at least drained as well.Water in suspense can have long term effect on injector life.
Phone me if you need some more info
zero eight three,543,double 7 double 4

[mitsenoj]

Thanx John for reply - think I am more annoyed by the fact the no one mentioned it would be for my account and that they had no stock - but I should have know better and made sure

I suspect it was the tank was nearly empty as the first pump I pulled up to wouldn't deliver - the second one was foaming more than I have ever seen - even for 500ppm.

I was dosing a bit but realized something was up as it was taking so long to fill and when I looked attendant had the nossel all the way out just to get any fuel in.

At this point I stopped them but I already had almost a full tank!

Will take your advice - anyone flushed a tank before - what's involved easy DIY or farm out?

[JohnG]

I have watched a mechanic pump fuel out of tanks and its different for most vehciles.He disconnect the pipe at the engine bay and has a small pump that draws the fuel out and into a container.No need to drop the tank etc.
I am more worried about you having water in suspense as this seems to be an issue nowadays with diesel.It seems additives used by petro companies causes this issue and they have no idea how.Even if you use water finding paste it will come up negative in a sample.But if you take a sample out the nozzle at the station it has a clearly more milky appearance and does not sttle at all.

[Runner_31]

Hi Tim,

What service station was this?

I am also in PE and would like to avoid it.

Cheers

[mitsenoj]

Cnr of Mount and Govan Mbeki.