Bad fuel, big problems

Published 12:29 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2025

If your diesel-powered tractor, RTV, or vehicle starts sputtering, struggling to idle, or won’t turn over at all, water in the fuel could be the culprit. It’s a common, costly, and often overlooked issue that affects diesel and gasoline alike — and it’s becoming a regular problem in rural communities.

I recently dealt with this on my Kubota RTV-X900. The engine began failing to start properly, and based on the symptoms and known local issues, I suspected water contamination in the diesel tank. I didn’t confirm it by crawling under the machine or testing a fuel sample, but the evidence was hard to ignore. And I’m not alone.

In many towns, especially in rural or less trafficked areas, certain gas stations tend to develop a reputation for having questionable fuel. Water gets into underground tanks through condensation, faulty seals, poor venting or even during delivery. Once inside, it sinks to the bottom of the tank — right where your pickup line is — and feeds into the fuel system.

Some drivers catch the issue early and treat it with diesel additives like Howes Diesel Treat, Stanadyne, or Diesel Kleen. These are effective on small amounts of moisture, but useless when real water has collected at the bottom. In those cases, the tank must be drained and the fuel filter replaced.

That’s not easy. In vehicles or tractors, you could be dealing with 20 or more gallons of bad fuel. There’s rarely a simple drain plug. You’ll need an electric pump, a few containers, and a safe plan for disposal. And disposal is another headache — most landfills and recycling centers won’t take contaminated fuel.

Older tractors add another layer of frustration. After replacing a clogged fuel filter, you may need to bleed the injectors to remove trapped air and water. It’s time-consuming and unforgiving. If you don’t get it right, your engine won’t run at all.

And while it’s tempting to confront a gas station for selling bad fuel, it’s nearly impossible to prove. Unless you have a receipt, a sealed sample and documentation of damage, the chances of any refund are slim.

To fuel station operators — especially the older stations on the outskirts of town — this article isn’t just a warning to consumers. It’s a direct request to you. We may not be able to hold you accountable, but we wish we could. You likely know who you are. Monitor your tanks. Inspect your inventory. Be a part of the solution.

We need clean fuel. And we need your help to keep our engines — and our livelihoods — running.