Diesel dissolving tank sender unit? Any idea how fuel can do this?

The_Pedant

I've just had a problem with an 8,000 mile diesel Focus cutting out, due to a blocked fuel filter.

Now, it turns out on taking it apart that the cause was a scale like residue in the tank. On closer inspection, the fuel sender unit in the tank appear to have started dissolving!

You can see on the bottom and bottom left edge of the top where the plastic has thinned or dissolved away.

I've only had the car a few weeks and my suspicion is that someone has tried to run the car on some home-brew fuel.

From a curiosity standpoint, has anyone seen anything like this before?
From a money saving point, if badly made fuel may be to blame, I don't think I'll be pursuing any plan to make my own anytime soon.

Red_Cat

I work with a diesel engine manufacturer and have never seen anything like this. It might be home brew fuel but more likley some additive for injector cleaning.

johnnyroper

Red_Cat wrote: »

I work with a diesel engine manufacturer and have never seen anything like this. It might be home brew fuel but more likley some additive for injector cleaning.

you and me both never seen anything like that on a car.

i have seen something similar on a train where rubber hoses etc got eaten away,turned out there is some sort of fungus that can grow in fuel(never heard of that before) needed tank drain and clean with hevay duty chemicals.

i would say some home brew fuel use as previously suggested,change damaged parts anf refill with fresh fuel.

Red_Cat

I guess with diesel you can get water in the fuel, usually from condensation on the inside of sorage tanks. More common with farmers who store their own fuel, hence water in fuel filters are sometimes fitted on tractor engines.
Anyway, my point is that the water may support some mould or fungus perhaps?
(A long shot I know).

Hammyman

Red_Cat wrote: »

I guess with diesel you can get water in the fuel, usually from condensation on the inside of sorage tanks. More common with farmers who store their own fuel, hence water in fuel filters are sometimes fitted on tractor engines.
.

Yebbut it works exactly the same on cars.

epninety

I've seen diesel slime in cars, but I've never seen it do any damage besides blocking filters and water separators.

If it's really only 8000 miles old, I'd suspect a manufacturing fault, or possibly dodgy fuels.

veg oils attacks some types of rubbers, but not hard plastics to my knowledge?

I can think of one way to remove the dye from red diesel, which *might* cause that if not done correctly. (No, I won't elaborate)

Someone trying out the "get 200mpg with acetone in your fuel" legends?

All speculation, but I'd like to know if you do find an answer

maninthestreet

So, have you contacted Ford at all for an opinion?
I'm not aware of any fungus or bacteria that can digest plastic.

oldagetraveller

johnnyroper wrote: »

eaten away,turned out there is some sort of fungus that can grow in fuel(never heard of that before) needed tank drain and clean with hevay duty chemicals.

I've only ever experienced bacterial growth similar to that described here http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/australia/corporate_australia/STAGING/local_assets/downloads_pdfs/f/Fuel_news_fungal_contamination.pdf

But I suppose it could happen in any fuel tank/system if the conditions were there. I've also seen similar in an engine crankcase where the bugs actually attack the steel components!

cyclonebri1

Looking at that I suspect that will the 1st of many problems with the fuel system over time, the damage already being done for whatever reason.

Maybe woth considering if a cange of car is in order. As in :money:

Strider590

^^

Could it have been previously run on poorly prepared/filtered/mixed veg oil (or old chip fat or similar), which had a very high acid content?

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Are you certain it hasn't just gotten hot (possible electrical fault) and melted with use?

I can't see anything in the fuel causing that.