diesel in third world

[61Mk+]

Hello ih8mudders,
If any of you know of any special requirements for filtering diesel fuel - i'm thinking of doubtful or unknown fuel quality, as well as particles, in Central and South America - can you please post them? On the other hand, if you've been and have found the diesel to be clean, could you post that also.
At worst, i'll use stainless wire mesh and pantyhose; if better is needed, i'd like to know.
Any feedback is appreciated.

Cheers, 61Mk+

 

[SNLC]

Hello ih8mudders,
If any of you know of any special requirements for filtering diesel fuel - i'm thinking of doubtful or unknown fuel quality, as well as particles, in Central and South America - can you please post them? On the other hand, if you've been and have found the diesel to be clean, could you post that also.
At worst, i'll use stainless wire mesh and pantyhose; if better is needed, i'd like to know.
Any feedback is appreciated.

Cheers, 61Mk+

I have found fuel to be much cleaner in CA & Mexico then most people think. If you buy out of the jugs on the side of the road it is a different story.

For filter, go with something common. Any old inline quality filter will work. Just make sure it doesn't restrict flow. Again you want something common that is easy to find in Latin America and or that is easy and small for you to carry spares.

You can also install an in-line water seperator.

What truck is this for?

 

[61Mk+]

I have found fuel to be much cleaner in CA & Mexico then most people think. If you buy out of the jugs on the side of the road it is a different story.

For filter, go with something common. Any old inline quality filter will work. Just make sure it doesn't restrict flow. Again you want something common that is easy to find in Latin America and or that is easy and small for you to carry spares.

You can also install an in-line water seperator.

What truck is this for?

Thank you RMP&O; it will be for a Troopie with a 1HZ. Cheers, 61Mk+

 

[roscoFJ73]

Thank you RMP&O; it will be for a Troopie witha 1HZ. Cheers, 61Mk+

The 1HZ troopies already have a water sensor and optional pre filter.
Having the aux tank fitted to the troopie also gives you some flexibilty if you fill up at different locations,so if you get a bad tank of fuel you can switch to the other tank.
You can also get additives that disperse the water so any moisture in the tank is consumed by the engine in minute quantities .
When you buy diesel in out of the way places ,they may have diluted the diesel with cheaper heating oil ,it wont hurt the 1HZ ,but it will lose power and smoke.

Its also good to know all the points where the fuel can be drained in case someone does give you a really bad lot of fuel

 

[DrivingMissRosey]

I can't speak to South America, but in the various countries of Central America diesel vehicles for consumers are more common. I'm in particular thinking of Guate and Belize. These countries have Hilux, Toyota Vans, Volkswagon Combies, and many other diesels for the consumer market. The quality of the diesel should be quite high.
Just my $.02.

 

[lugueto]

Being from the third world I havent had any trouble with fuel. Never used a diesel, but ive never heard of trouble with diesel fuel. Sometimes you hear that the fuel is polluted and that fuel pumps tend to suffer with that, but thats with regular fuel and not diesel.

Im from Venezuela and have been to pretty remote places in colombia and brasil (always near our border) and have had no trouble with fuel, although its not diesel. Again, ive never heard of people having trouble with diesel fuel in any place ive been.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Being from the third world I havent had any trouble with fuel. Never used a diesel, but ive never heard of trouble with diesel fuel. Sometimes you hear that the fuel is polluted and that fuel pumps tend to suffer with that, but thats with regular fuel and not diesel.

Im from Venezuela and have been to pretty remote places in colombia and brasil (always near our border) and have had no trouble with fuel, although its not diesel. Again, ive never heard of people having trouble with diesel fuel in any place ive been.

These countries woud be very reliant on road transport and you cant run a truck fleet with bad diesel.

 

[61Mk+]

RoscoFJ73/DrivingMissRosey/Lugueto,
Hello!
All these bits of info are priceless to a greenhorn such as myself, and i cannot thank you enough. Hats off!

Cheers, 61Mk+

 

[lugueto]

Glad to help, hope to see your troopie when its done, what trip are you planning?

 

[61Mk+]

Glad to help, hope to see your troopie when its done, what trip are you planning?

A slow drive to the bottom of South America and back. But that's maybe three years away yet (funding required as i want to be able to be off for two years).

 

[Tapage]

Can't speak for South America .. but you wil not have any problems in Central America ... any case I would stick to the main gas stations that keep good diesel rotation ..

 

[sandcruiser]

there's plenty of good diesel in Central America. Mexico ... in some urban areas the Pemex won't have diesel. But most do.

if you feel a need to filter, I agree with whomever suggested adding an inline filter somewhere.
Or just bring an extra fuel filter or three. Change them if they clog.

 

[61Mk+]

Hello All,
I should've been specific: i was referring to filtering before letting the fuel in the tanks. Extra filters go without saying (but thanks for the reminders). It is sounding as if i am more concerned than i need to be.
Love the feedback.

Thank you all, 61Mk+

 

[davegonz]

Here's a simple pre-filter that might help.

Amazon.com: Mr. Funnel AF8CB Fuel Filter: Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[SNLC]

Hello All,
I should've been specific: i was referring to filtering before letting the fuel in the tanks. Extra filters go without saying (but thanks for the reminders). It is sounding as if i am more concerned than i need to be.
Love the feedback.

Thank you all, 61Mk+

You don't need to do that unless you are buying from jugs and even then, your filters inline will grab any funk.

While on a trip south a few years ago. My throttle body was failing. During the process of elimination and figuring out what could be the problem. I changed a fuel filter. This after being in Mexico for well over 6,000 miles. It was as clean as new. I checked it again nearly 6,000 miles later while I was in Panama. Again, clean as new. Don't believe the hype!

 

[61Mk+]

You don't need to do that unless you are buying from jugs and even then, your filters inline will grab any funk.

While on a trip south a few years ago. My throttle body was failing. During the process of elimination and figuring out what could be the problem. I changed a fuel filter. This after being in Mexico for well over 6,000 miles. It was as clean as new. I checked it again nearly 6,000 miles later while I was in Panama. Again, clean as new. Don't believe the hype!

Hello RMP&O,
The hype certainly seems driven more by doubt and misplaced concern than facts. All the same, a simple device like the filter mentioned by davegonz looks like a cheap provider of peace of mind; how am i to predict that will never have to buy fuel from somebody setting up his fuel cans or barrels by the side of the road?
These forums are fantastically useful, and thank you all.

Cheers, 61Mk+