Wanted to relate my experiences on selecting diesel fuel. The conclusion first: buy fuel from a high volume dealer, which typically is also the cheapest dealer!
I've had diesel trucks for over 20 years. At one point I had a go-round with a Dodge dealer unfamiliar with diesels where "hard starting" was blamed on "cheap gas". Turned out to be an air leak in the fuel pump (ended up diagnosing it myself), but in the meantime I spent money having the fuel tank removed and cleaned. It was spotless.
I've noticed that the diesel delivery trucks pump a very light amber color of fuel (there is a clear window in their high-volume hose connector which lets you see). It picks up color as it gets contaminants from the station storage tanks. The longer that fuel sits in those tanks the more likely it is to pick up contaminants.
The gas station near my old neighborhood charged a high price for diesel, and they preyed on local luxury car owners. When I talked with the station owner, he claimed that he had "better fuel", but the suppliers are the same as for other stations and the high prices meant that he held fuel in his tanks longer, giving it a chance to get more contaminated.
I'm in Southern California, which is typically dry and mild. Not sure if other regions would have different considerations when choosing a fuel dealer. What is your experience?
I've had diesel trucks for over 20 years. At one point I had a go-round with a Dodge dealer unfamiliar with diesels where "hard starting" was blamed on "cheap gas". Turned out to be an air leak in the fuel pump (ended up diagnosing it myself), but in the meantime I spent money having the fuel tank removed and cleaned. It was spotless.
I've noticed that the diesel delivery trucks pump a very light amber color of fuel (there is a clear window in their high-volume hose connector which lets you see). It picks up color as it gets contaminants from the station storage tanks. The longer that fuel sits in those tanks the more likely it is to pick up contaminants.
The gas station near my old neighborhood charged a high price for diesel, and they preyed on local luxury car owners. When I talked with the station owner, he claimed that he had "better fuel", but the suppliers are the same as for other stations and the high prices meant that he held fuel in his tanks longer, giving it a chance to get more contaminated.
I'm in Southern California, which is typically dry and mild. Not sure if other regions would have different considerations when choosing a fuel dealer. What is your experience?