Supermarket fuel

nickcc

Unfortunately I can remember the winter of 62/63 when most diesel fuelled vehicles were breaking down due to waxing in the, usually, exposed fuel filters. In those days winter grade diesel was virtually unheard of and every one incorrectly assumed the problem to be water in the fuel and usually cured by bypassing the fuel filters, this actually worked but often resulted in premature failure of the injection pump and/or the injectors. It would be useful to know if the problem of waxing is related to all suppliers of diesel or just down to the lower end of the market.

photome

nickcc wrote: »

Unfortunately I can remember the winter of 62/63 when most diesel fuelled vehicles were breaking down due to waxing in the, usually, exposed fuel filters. In those days winter grade diesel was virtually unheard of and every one incorrectly assumed the problem to be water in the fuel and usually cured by bypassing the fuel filters, this actually worked but often resulted in premature failure of the injection pump and/or the injectors. It would be useful to know if the problem of waxing is related to all suppliers of diesel or just down to the lower end of the market.

It would indeed be useful to know, but what do you class as the lower end of the market

nickcc

photome wrote: »

It would indeed be useful to know, but what do you class as the lower end of the market

Third parties instead of the Majors or their exchange partners.

flashg67

photome wrote: »

flashg67 wrote: »

there has to be a reason why it has increased this winter and does suggest that the fuel is the problem if it is across many manufacturers...doesnt it?

I wish I knew the reason. I've quizzed some of the drivers - some have said the AA and/or garages initially said to stop using supermarket fuel but this hasn't stopped the problem, with some drivers saying they've stuck to 'premium' fuels since (eg BP/Shell etc) but have still had subsequent failures.
Whether this indicates that the problem is with all fuel suppliers, or that changing the fuel filter is not getting to the root cause, and the previous waxing has left residue still in the tank/lines/pump that is pulled through later on, I couldn't say with any confidence.
I have seenseveral cars, of different makes, that've had 3 or more filters in 3 months/10k miles. I believe Hyundai have effectively told private motorists they won't cover the costs (and if it is down to the fuel, why should they?). Whether fleet companies will have more clout remains to be seen. I''m not picking on Hyundai- they're not alone in denying there's a problem with their cars. I think if the fleet companies start complaining, something will be done though.

My guess is the problem will temporarily disappear as the weather warms up.......

breton_2

to my opinion, do not use BP.

photome

flashg67 wrote: »

photome wrote: »

I wish I knew the reason. I've quizzed some of the drivers - some have said the AA and/or garages initially said to stop using supermarket fuel but this hasn't stopped the problem, with some drivers saying they've stuck to 'premium' fuels since (eg BP/Shell etc) but have still had subsequent failures.
Whether this indicates that the problem is with all fuel suppliers, or that changing the fuel filter is not getting to the root cause, and the previous waxing has left residue still in the tank/lines/pump that is pulled through later on, I couldn't say with any confidence.
I have seenseveral cars, of different makes, that've had 3 or more filters in 3 months/10k miles. I believe Hyundai have effectively told private motorists they won't cover the costs (and if it is down to the fuel, why should they?). Whether fleet companies will have more clout remains to be seen. I''m not picking on Hyundai- they're not alone in denying there's a problem with their cars. I think if the fleet companies start complaining, something will be done though.

My guess is the problem will temporarily disappear as the weather warms up.......

Kia have told our company fleet that that they wont cover the costs, the advice at the mo is not to fill up at the same garage all the time to try and minimise any issues.

Like you say, I am guessing the problem will be hidden as soon as it gets warmer.

photome

breton wrote: »

to my opinion, do not use BP.

If you took everyones advise on where not to buy diesel from (assume you mean diesel) there would be no where to buy from.

Which does suggest the problem is across the board and not limited to supermarkets

nickcc

With exchange agreements the end buyer never really knows whose fuel they are buying so saying not to buy BP seems pointless. The only difference with the various suppliers is the additives, which are not supplied to competitors.

mutley74

flashg67 wrote: »

photome wrote: »

I wish I knew the reason. I've quizzed some of the drivers - some have said the AA and/or garages initially said to stop using supermarket fuel but this hasn't stopped the problem, with some drivers saying they've stuck to 'premium' fuels since (eg BP/Shell etc) but have still had subsequent failures.
Whether this indicates that the problem is with all fuel suppliers, or that changing the fuel filter is not getting to the root cause, and the previous waxing has left residue still in the tank/lines/pump that is pulled through later on, I couldn't say with any confidence.
I have seenseveral cars, of different makes, that've had 3 or more filters in 3 months/10k miles. I believe Hyundai have effectively told private motorists they won't cover the costs (and if it is down to the fuel, why should they?). Whether fleet companies will have more clout remains to be seen. I''m not picking on Hyundai- they're not alone in denying there's a problem with their cars. I think if the fleet companies start complaining, something will be done though.

My guess is the problem will temporarily disappear as the weather warms up.......

why does the wax not melt in the filter when the engine is hot and close proximity, surely the filter must get warm?

Tilt

Seen a couple of threads about the 'just add fuel' promotion by Peugeot where the cars have had problems. According to the dealerships, if the owners use supermarket fuel, it invalidates the warranty!! Bet they don't tell you that when you have a look at one before buying it!