My car runs on diesel and the tank holds 55 litres. Sometimes I want to fill the tank. The UK’s prices for diesel are ridiculously high, so I fill the tank before I take my car there.
However, it is very hard to fill the tank, and my car is not to blame. As the fuel comes out of the nozzle, it foams like beer. The pump shuts off automatically when the tank is two-thirds full, because the entry pipe is full of froth.
I have a release button on my tank, which allows me to release some of the air inside, but filling to the top is a slow dribbling process.
Is there a solution for this, other than taking it slow?
If there is no solution for me, a second question arises. Why do service stations not demand more efficient pumps? Their object must be to sell more fuel, by getting as much into my tank as possible when I call to them.
I thought it might be deliberate, as most Irish service stations also sell food and other goods. Maybe they wanted us to come by more often. However, these lousy pumps are also used by places that sell only fuel.
How is the fuel measured? If it’s measured before it froths, you get the amount of fuel that is displayed on the meter. If it’s measured after it froths, then you’re paying for some expensive air. (Note: I don’t know how these nozzles work. Just making a cynical WAG.)
Your problem is very common with Ford 250 diesel pickup trucks with the dual tanks. The rear tank intake pipe has a stretch of horizontal piping which impedes the fast flow enough to cause the froth to back up. Some guys carry blocks to run the rear left wheel on to tilt the pickup prior to fueling. I’m just a little more patient. Hell, I’ve had the same problem with gasoline fueled Ford pickups. come to think of it.
Is it perhaps the nature of Diesel fuel or delivery systems? I noticed the ‘frothiness’ of pumping diesel fuel in the past but thought it had something to do with the military fuel delivery systems.
From your comments, it seems the fuel is naturally prone to bubbling, like soapy water. However, this habit of diesel must be known to pump manufacturers. From googling I see Diesel invented it in 1892 - why have they not dealt with it after such a long time?
I wonder if there is an internal fix for this in the fuel tanks.
:: "Diesel fix it for you." "Tanks very much".::
I beg your pardon - that won’t happen again.
It seem that there must be an opening for an invention here to stop the bubbling/frothing - either by fixing the pump and nozzle or by fixing the tanks, or both.
Fill until it clicks off, HOLD the vent-release button OPEN, and stick the nozzle as far down into the foam as you can as you slowly deliver more fuel to top off the tank, stopping to let foam settle as needed.
That’s the best method I’ve found for my (01 VW Golf TDI) diesel. It still takes some time to get it right full, but this is compensated for by the fact that I have a 700+ mile range and only have to fill 1/2 as often.