Platkar problem

[Whisky]

I am aware that this is a 4x4 forum but you might just be able to give me some advice.

My SWAMBO's Opel Astra 1.9 Tdi has suddenly lost power. You can put your foot flat but the revs will not pick up. It also started smoking, black smoke when you change gears.

Had it at the dealers and they connected it to the computer. Came back and told me there is paraffin in the diesel. They did not test the diesel only looked at it and smelt it.

How do I now take this matter further. The car is currently parked in our garage, afraid to drive it now in case we cause more damage.

Where in East London can I have the diesel tested? If it does come out that there is paraffin in the diesel what proof do i have too be able to confront the fuel station owner. he will most probably refer it to the fuel company.

Some advise will be appreciated.

Ben

[Mars]

First thing I would do is drain the fuel tank and fill it with diesel from another garage. This will quickly show you if it was indeed contaminated or mixed diesel. Keep a sample for analysis. If they find paraffin in the diesel I would report that garage owner to the supplier of his fuels. I must say that I doubt that paraffin mixed into the diesel would cause the car not to want to pick up revs at all.

[Haboob]

Ben, you should also be able to open a Fraud case with the SAPS and insist that they call their Forensic guys to take samples of the Diesel in the bulk tank of the Garage concerned which should prove the case one way or another. The parafine is mixed with the diesel up in Africa as the parafine is normally much cheaper than diesel, thus increasing profits, hence FRAUD as you are being sold a substance which you are lead to believe that it is Diesel, but is in fact a mixture with parafine...
The bigger the parafine % mixed into the Diesel the bigger the profit...

[Mud Dog]

Eish, Ben! Not sure where you can have it tested, but maybe the fuel supplier (Shell / Caltex / BP / Engen / etc.) can help or tell you where to go.

As already mentioned, I would also drain the tank as well as the diesel filter / fuel lines etc.

Hope you come right with this soon and that it's not a mechanical problem.

[ChrisF]

back in the day my dad DROVE the Isuzu on parafien - that was when we had the fuel embargo.


Today all the electronics dont like it ....


I would just drain it all and put in some diesel and pray there is no lasting problems ....