Changed to Propel Fuel...Fuel Filter Clogged
 

Hi,
I filled my tank with the Propel Diesel Fuel recently I already had some
regular diesel fuel in the car. Supposedly it's fine to combine them
Well the tank is full, and I went out yesterday and the car started
shaking and I had to really rev to go a few feet, and had to keep
starting it since it would die. I finally got it into a parking space. I changed the fuel filter, and that seemed to do the trick. I've read that you usually don't have
this problem with a full tank. I am a bit nervous to go to the store a
mile away. Does anyone know if it was probably just a normal time to change
the filter, or if it could be a recurrent problem because I introduced a new
fuel to the car?
Thanks

What is the difference between Propel fuel and regular diesel?

I really don't know...
 

I really don't know...

This thread may be helpful:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/415813-propel-fuel-instead-my-regular-diesel-fuel.html
Post 13 addresses the OP’s question, both now and then, actually.

Not specific
 

Nope that thread doesn't answer my specific question.of having a problem with more fuel filters, if the new diesel fuel can cause sludging in the tank..very specific

New fuel could have possibly broken debris loose in the tank where it wound up in filters, ip, etc... or even plugged fuel screen.

When I read through the thread, especially post 13, it seems to specifically address the need to change the fuel filters after the first tank. I’m not sure what the second part of your response means, but posts in the thread I linked to suggest that Propel can loosen “junk” in the fuel system. I suppose hypothetically that could lead to some sludge in the tank and possibly lead to a clogged tank strainer. Seems to me like the most cost effective thing to try is to change both under hood fuel filters and see if that takes care of the problem. That seems to be what is suggested in the other thread. Good luck.

Thanks Egatwork - that's helpful...sounds about right, I'm just going
to check the fuel filter alot in the coming weeks That's what I was
wondering...

There is a screen where the hose screws onto the tank at bottom. I added some biod to a car that had never had it and had issues till tank screen was cleeaned/replaced.

Propel HPR may be more aggressive in dissolving solid residue in the tank and even in softening fuel hoses. The good side is that your tank is likely cleaner now, with downside it can clog filters getting there. Hopefully just the plastic pre-filter before the lift pump (easily noted and changed). If the screen on the bottom of the tank, that is more involved. I've never removed mine though did on a used tank I had just to see how hard it is (need proper size socket). I found the screen inside was pristine. I replaced the short hoses at the lift pump with Goodyear Barricade "for bio-diesel" from NAPA which has a liner (Viton?), because they were weeping slightly. I replaced the small injector overflow braided hoses with 1/8" Viton (ebay). Those begin weeping to wet the fabric after maybe 4 years, even with fossil diesel. No such problems with the Viton after ~6 years. I've never seen any debris in the prefilter of my two 300D (owned one since 2001).

Thanks...
 

Thanks for the reply...Yes, I added Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment and it literally has cleaned my engine, went through a few filters. But now I'm going to stay with the new fuel I used. I find that when I'm low on fuel she starts to kind of shake, which in the past meant the car would stop because of the clogged fuel filter, so now when I feel a hint of that I fill up the tank. Seems to run better the more fuel I have in my car.

cool

Could be crap around the lower section of the tank screen.

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Thanks...speaking of fuel etc. My tank was around half full and I felt the car pulling,
and uneasy shaking when stopped. By the time I got home I barely got it in the driveway
and it stopped. When I went back out to try and start it would shake and stop. So, I
put some of the Star Tron Enzyme treatment in. The next day it was a little better but still not safe to drive. So today, she was much improved and I got her to the gas station and filled her up. So I'll have to talk to my mechanic, but when I let my fuel fall below a half tank, I have problems. And check the fuel filter. I don't know if something besides my fuel filter should be cleaned but I'll see. She's fine with a full tank. And I should keep up with the star tron treatments. The directions say to add and ounce every fill up, which I hadn't done the last fill up. A word of caution to anyone who buys an old diesel Mercedes...