Blown Engine – Contaminated Fuel And Stranded In The Outback
For all the time and planning for this big trip, I never realised I had in fact, done some preparation for this catastrophic event.
The first thing I organised was the best breakdown service available. This gave me access to a professional service that could arrange towing from a breakdown in the middle of “nowhere”.
The second thing I did was to take comprehensive insurance against damage to the car for most accidents including contaminated fuel. I have a strong suspicion having read one of the major second tier insurance companies they will only allow the claim if they can in turn, sue the fuel company. That doesn’t sound reassuring.
Speaking to locals they told me, those in the know use a product to prevent damage before it happens. The product they spoke of is :
Available at all good auto stores about $40 to $50 for one litre
Chris Scibisz
I used ‘fuel doctor’ every time I filled my tank after buying a brand new 76 Series Landcruiser in 2020, but, I got lazy and stopped a few months ago. I also thought my pre-filter/water separator was adequate insurance due to the alarm which warns you of water in the fuel but obviously that is not always true. After hearing your story, I will religiously use a diesel conditioner again with each top up, and look at my insurance policy again. I was told that the modern diesels are very vulnerable to contaminants due to their complexity. None of us are immune from this problem.
Thank you for sharing your experience, lessons learned, and advice.
Your calmness and philosophical attitude to the whole thing is inspirational.
I truly hope your insurance company will do the right thing.
I am glad you will keep us posted about your progress with the repairs. You seem like a guy who always sees the glass as half full and will make the most out of a bad situation.
Paul
Wow Chris,
I only just got to find this email. Thank you for your kine words, and if you have seen my videos since, you will see the insurance company did dome through with the cash.