Re: [A/S] Diesel Fuel Truck stops and Running out of fuel

["Woody Schlom" <woody@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Running out of diesel fuel on older diesels which use the injector pump to
> overcome the spring pressure in the injector nozzle must be bled

True.  I've had to bleed the injector on my boat's one cylinder diesel a 
couple of times when I ran it dry.

> The new direct inject systems with a pressurized fuel line (thousands of
> psi) and an electrically actuated injector valve probably don't have this
> problem,

Don't know about that, but the manual for my 2004 GMC DuraMax shows you how 
to bleed its system (takes a large flat-blade screwdriver), so I'm guessing 
it will NOT start again if run dry -- until it's properly bled.

My parents bought our first diesel back in 1965 and even then when diesel 
was much harder to find in the cities we never ran it dry.  If you pay 
attention to your fuel gauge, you shouldn't have any trouble at all.  My 
main problem now is finding the best price.  Diesel fuel prices are much 
more variable than gasoline.  Some stations charge less for diesel than 
regular grade gas, some charge more for diesel than premium grade gas.  Go 
figure.  And nearby competition doesn't seem to enter into the equation 
either.  I find diesel prices vary as much as 25 cents per gallon ON THE 
SAME BLOCK -- and all from name-brand stations.

To help with the variations in fuel quality and weather extremes you might 
consider adding a diesel fuel additive such as Standyne Performance Formula. 
A pint bottle that treats 60 gallons of fuel costs about $2.50 at Camping 
World.