Fuel System Inspection. Diesel Winter Operation

* Gasoline is extremely flammable, so take special precautions when working on any fuel system components. Do not smoke or bring open flames or unshielded portable lights near the work area. Do not perform such work in garages equipped with natural gas-fired appliances (such as water heaters, dryers, etc.). The work area must be well ventilated. If gasoline gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. When performing any work on the fuel system, wear safety glasses and keep a fire extinguisher within reach. If gasoline is spilled, wipe up the spill immediately, but do not keep gasoline-soaked rags where they could spontaneously ignite.

INSPECTION
1. If you smell gasoline while driving or after the vehicle has been parked in the sun, inspect the entire fuel system immediately.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap and check it for damage and corrosion. The sealing insert on the cap must be intact. If the cap is damaged or corroded, replace it.
3. Inspect the fuel supply and return lines for cracks. Make sure the connections between the fuel lines and the fuel injection system, and between the fuel lines and the integrated fuel filter, are not loose.

* On vehicles equipped with fuel injection, relieve the fuel system pressure before servicing fuel hoses. Refer to the Fuel and Exhaust Systems section for instructions.

4. Since some fuel system components, such as the fuel tank and certain fuel lines, are located under the vehicle, they are easier to inspect when the vehicle is raised on a hoist. If this is not possible, raise the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands.
5. With the vehicle raised, inspect the fuel tank and filler neck for punctures, cracks, and other damage. Pay particular attention to the connection between the filler neck and the tank. Fuel leaks sometimes occur due to loose filler neck hose clamps or deterioration of the neck material. Inspect all fuel tank brackets and straps to make sure the tank is securely mounted to the vehicle.

* Never, under any circumstances, attempt to repair the fuel tank (except for replacing its rubber components). A welding torch or any other open flame can easily cause the gasoline vapors inside the tank to explode.

6. Carefully inspect all fuel hoses and metal lines running from the tank for loose connections, kinks, signs of hose material wear, and other damage. Repair or replace damaged sections as necessary (refer to the Fuel and Exhaust Systems section).

Diesel Engine

Winter Operation

Normally, no additives are added to diesel fuel. However, as air temperature drops, the fluidity of diesel fuel decreases and it becomes as thick as honey. For this reason, mineral oil manufacturers add special winter additives designed to improve fluidity and ensure engine starting at temperatures down to -15°C. However, these additives are not always sufficient for trouble-free winter operation, so if summer diesel fuel is used in winter, kerosene or, as a last resort, low-octane gasoline (not AI-95) must be added to it.

Mixing should be done, if possible, before starting the engine, because otherwise the filter and fuel lines will first have to be cleaned of paraffin.

Since adding kerosene reduces engine power, dilution must be carried out in strictly specified proportions. Refer to Specifications.

* Do not use high-octane gasoline as an addition to diesel fuel.

Due to the ease of gasoline ignition, mixing must be done in the fuel tank: first add gasoline, then diesel fuel. Percentage ratios for various ambient air temperatures are given in the Specifications at the beginning of the Section.

* Adding kerosene reduces engine power.

If the engine does not start because the fuel has thickened, it will be very difficult to start. To start:
a) Remove the fuel filter and heat it in a water bath until the fuel becomes liquid, or replace it with a new one.
b) Drive the vehicle into a heated garage.
c) Spray the fuel system with hot water.
d) BOSCH supplies an optional diesel fuel heater. The electric heater is installed in an additional line to the fuel filter.

* Under no circumstances should the injection system or fuel tank be heated with a blowtorch or similar device due to the risk of explosion!