diesel

Bluehealer,
not a conclusive test, but more for indication only, in a clean glass jar (honey/jam etc) about 500 ml jar, half fill, then give it a good swirl and allow 15 - 20 seconds to settle. If clear and bright, should be the good stuff.
As far as deliberet additives (kero, Jet A1 etc) go, this method will not show them up quickly.
Also look for layering, because of the different Specific Gravities.

Cheers,

Dion.

Don't forget your nose too. Not very scientific, but a lot of the rubbish some operators dilute it with smells different.
This HAS saved me in the past from filling my tank with god only knows what. I stopped after about 1 litre- when I confronted the servo he went very quiet- did not deny anything. I tried to dob him in but couldn't find anyone who wanted to listen........... without clocking up a ridiculous mobile phone bill.

Have been trying to post a reply but it's playing up
It was about 3 or 4 years ago, a servo near the airport in Sydney- probably quite irrelevant after all this time.

Pour some into a metal can (like an old soup tin)- well away from said petrol station - mind you if they've just caused your $50000 4wd to blow up then maybe over the ground at the petrol station.

If it's diesel a match or cigarette lighter will not set it alight.

If it has a mixture of "additives" - most of these are flammable and the stuff should light very quickly - watch out for your eyebrows (use a long barbecue match is best!

If it still doesnt light, let it settle for 20 minutes and try again. Sometimes if the stuff's been churned up in the pump at the station or in the tank of your car they'll mix together but then separate out when left to settle.

PS kids - don't play with fuel and matches - leave this to experienced eyebrowless adults.

thanks for replies will be getting my diesel hilux soon ,wanted to get in early to find out about the dodgy fuel thanks

bluehealer, if "contaminated or dodgy" fuel refers to fuel substitution, yes there is a very simple test available. Fuel substitution is the mixing of solvents eg paraffin with diesel fuel with the intention of evading tax or duty. To combat this, legislation requires the addition of a "marker" to the commonly used fuel substitutes. In Australia, a product called Mortrace MP is used and a simple test kit is available from chemical companies to detect the presence of this marker.