LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Water in tank!

Had my CRD towed yesterday. It was the third time it would start up in the morning then shut off. This time it didn't start back up. Dealer called this morning and said they tested the fuel and found alot of water. I asked why the warning light didn't warn me and he didn't know if had a warning light. I had them drain the tank and lines in and install new filter on me of course($500.00). I had the fuel filter changed around 20,000 miles(31,500 on it now). Dealer saved some of the fuel they drained to show me how much was in the tank. Why didn't the warning light come on?

I'm near Jacksonville, FL, but it was below freezing yesterday when it didn't crank. The dealer also flushed the fuel lines along with cleaning the injectors, but $500.00 is still alot. I will check with the two fuel stations I deal with as I know the owner( he owns both stations) to see if I couldn't get something back.

Anyone making a fuel tank drain?

$500 sounds about right from what I've read for similar service for other vechicles, especially given the shop labour rates and hazerdous waste disposal fees...more waste to dispose of, more it costs. Its a bit of work given to do the right job you have to drain, drop down, flush the tank, the fuel lines, the fuel filter housing, new filter and they cleaned the injectors.

If you go back to the company where you purchases the fuel, they will likely take care of it for you.

On a side note, I only buy fuel from stations such as truck stops that sell a high volume of fuel. The more they sell, the less time it speands in the ground going stale and coleting water. I always use fuel addative in the winter too...dunno if I can attribute any problems being prevented other then the fact that I havent had any trouble!!!

talstar wrote:

Anyone making a fuel tank drain?

You are going to have to replace the tank I imagine-- It is made of plastic.

Is the tank actually plastic or does it have a plastic cover/guard?
I see KJ's all the time with the corners broken away on whatever surrounds the tank.

I want to install a drain but concerned about damage. Most likely try inserting a small fitting into the lower side of the tank with a drain hose to clear the guard/skid plates. Don't know, just a thought.

Author:	talstar [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Water in tank!
Had my CRD towed yesterday. It was the third time it would start up in the morning then shut off. This time it didn't start back up. Dealer called this morning and said they tested the fuel and found alot of water. I asked why the warning light didn't warn me and he didn't know if had a warning light. I had them drain the tank and lines in and install new filter on me of course($500.00). I had the fuel filter changed around 20,000 miles(31,500 on it now). Dealer saved some of the fuel they drained to show me how much was in the tank. Why didn't the warning light come on?

Author:	Jeger [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:22 pm ]
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I cant say why the light wouldnt have came on, but if you have your receipt from where you bought your fuel I would keep that sample the dealer took, call up the station and explain the situation to them. They might just cover your bill on that one if you push the issue with them, especially if it is a station that you frequent. Honestly, where else would the water have come from?

Author:	Drewd [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:44 pm ]
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I don't buy it only because I have a natural distrust of dealers due an experience I had a while back. 500 bucks to drain the tank and install a new filter is a ripoff. Hope you kept your fuel receipts to pursue a claim assuming it was the fuel. Good luck.

Author:	Saber [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:55 pm ]
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This is why I buy my fuel only at flying J (big truck stop) it's 13 miles out of my way, but I have yet to have a bad tank of fuel

Author:	BLake [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 7:27 pm ]
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I feel your pain. http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=14873 No WIF light either but it definitely stopped up the filter. Mine has been at the dealer for 10 days and they not even started fixing it yet. Forgot to add: I emailed Shell, where I got the fuel, and they replied in 5 minutes. They said to forward all receipts and they would take care of it. Not sure exactly what "take care of it" will cover but they have made a good effort so far.

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Water in tank! http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15286	Page 1 of 1

Author:	RFCRD [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Water in tank!
talstar wrote: Had my CRD towed yesterday. It was the third time it would start up in the morning then shut off. This time it didn't start back up. Dealer called this morning and said they tested the fuel and found alot of water. I asked why the warning light didn't warn me and he didn't know if had a warning light. I had them drain the tank and lines in and install new filter on me of course($500.00). I had the fuel filter changed around 20,000 miles(31,500 on it now). Dealer saved some of the fuel they drained to show me how much was in the tank. Why didn't the warning light come on? Just wondering if you had it parked outside below freezing? In most diesel fuel tanks, the pick-up tube is raised slightly off of the bottom of the tank allowing for most of the water to settle without being sucked into the system. It is possible for some water to travel from the tank in suspension and wick into the filter element where it freezes when parked. It's not enough water to trip the WIF sensor but enough crud to give you problems. So, on a cold morning, it may fire at first but won't run very long with a frozen filter. This condition usually gives you some warning signs like it won't pull under load. If you find this happening again, try a shot of "Power Service 911" which is designed to clear this out and get you running. My personal diesel maintenance rule #1: Change your fuel filter at least once a year in cold climates just before the weather freezes and if possible check for/drain any water from the bottom of the tank while doing this service. Unfortunately, Jeep didn't tap a drain in these fuel tanks.

Author:	talstar [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:
I'm near Jacksonville, FL, but it was below freezing yesterday when it didn't crank. The dealer also flushed the fuel lines along with cleaning the injectors, but $500.00 is still alot. I will check with the two fuel stations I deal with as I know the owner( he owns both stations) to see if I couldn't get something back.

Author:	RFCRD [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:
talstar wrote: I'm near Jacksonville, FL, but it was below freezing yesterday when it didn't crank. The dealer also flushed the fuel lines along with cleaning the injectors, but $500.00 is still alot. I will check with the two fuel stations I deal with as I know the owner( he owns both stations) to see if I couldn't get something back. I can see $500 if they got into the injectors as they probably have a good 6+ hours in a job like that. They shouldn't cut corners with fuel contamination as it could lead to a pump or injector failure causing more problems. Just having the filter changed at the dealer was @ $90 with labor included. It won't take much cold sludge/ice combo to plug a 3 micron filter element. One of the things I dislike about the CRD is the single fuel filter. Would much prefer a 2 filter series arrangement with a deep/corse primary filter followed by the fine secondary. They are much more reliable when fuel quality is in question. Another recommendation would be to keep your fuel tank full, especially while the weather is alternating between warm/humid during the day to cold enough at night to form dew. This will minimize the build-up of water from condensation inside the tank. This is important on a diesel as the tank/cap is not sealed and diesel fuel is not a volatile as gasoline and thus vapors won't displace as much humid air leaving the potential for water condensation. This is why it's important to have a tank drain on a diesel.

Author:	talstar [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:
Anyone making a fuel tank drain?

Author:	Pablo [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:20 pm ]
Post subject:	fuel tank drain
talstar wrote: Anyone making a fuel tank drain? You are going to have to replace the tank I imagine-- It is made of plastic.

Author:	action [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:29 am ]
Post subject:
$500 sounds about right from what I've read for similar service for other vechicles, especially given the shop labour rates and hazerdous waste disposal fees...more waste to dispose of, more it costs. Its a bit of work given to do the right job you have to drain, drop down, flush the tank, the fuel lines, the fuel filter housing, new filter and they cleaned the injectors. If you go back to the company where you purchases the fuel, they will likely take care of it for you. On a side note, I only buy fuel from stations such as truck stops that sell a high volume of fuel. The more they sell, the less time it speands in the ground going stale and coleting water. I always use fuel addative in the winter too...dunno if I can attribute any problems being prevented other then the fact that I havent had any trouble!!!

Author:	no-blue-screen [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:05 pm ]
Post subject:
action wrote: $500 sounds about right from what I've read for similar service for other vechicles, especially given the shop labour rates and hazerdous waste disposal fees...more waste to dispose of, more it costs. Its a bit of work given to do the right job you have to drain, drop down, flush the tank, the fuel lines, the fuel filter housing, new filter and they cleaned the injectors. If you go back to the company where you purchases the fuel, they will likely take care of it for you. On a side note, I only buy fuel from stations such as truck stops that sell a high volume of fuel. The more they sell, the less time it speands in the ground going stale and coleting water. I always use fuel addative in the winter too...dunno if I can attribute any problems being prevented other then the fact that I havent had any trouble!!! Also remember that they have to refuel the vehicle as well...otherwise they won't be able to move it. They also have to re-prime the system once the new fuel is in.

Author:	RFCRD [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: fuel tank drain
Pablo wrote: talstar wrote: Anyone making a fuel tank drain? You are going to have to replace the tank I imagine-- It is made of plastic. Is the tank actually plastic or does it have a plastic cover/guard? I see KJ's all the time with the corners broken away on whatever surrounds the tank. I want to install a drain but concerned about damage. Most likely try inserting a small fitting into the lower side of the tank with a drain hose to clear the guard/skid plates. Don't know, just a thought.

Author:	talstar [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:49 pm ]
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My bill was $432, less than I was quoted on the phone($500). I'm checking with the owner on getting reimbursed, should have an answer soon. I looked at the bad fuel with the water in it. It also had some black specs along with the water.

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Author:	BioJeep [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:19 am ]
Post subject:
Quote: Is the tank actually plastic or does it have a plastic cover/guard? I see KJ's all the time with the corners broken away on whatever surrounds the tank. I want to install a drain but concerned about damage. Most likely try inserting a small fitting into the lower side of the tank with a drain hose to clear the guard/skid plates. Don't know, just a thought. I'm pretty sure it's a plastic tank & not cover. I've been planning on installing a drain but haven't got around to looking into it. Definitely want one.