Static and High Flow Diesel

[Rangaman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rangaman]

I am after peoples help here.

I work for a company that has just sent an email around stating that we should not fill any Toyota using high flow pumps due to static electricity and the risk of diesel fires. The email states that Holden and Mitsubishi are fine to be filled from high flow pumps.

According to the email the national fleet manager contacted Toyota who confirmed this.

Now I know a little about fuels and static electricity as I spent several years in the Army as a bulk fuel specialist. I refueled everything from Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters to Leopard main battle tanks to marine landing craft. We only ever grounded the fuel truck when using diesel and steam cleaned the tank when we loaded a different fuel. For all other fuels we grounded both the fuel truck and the vehicle receiving the fuel.

I am of the opinion that Toyota said yes before considering the issue. Would not be the first time that they have told people things that were down right lies and mistruths. All diesel fires I have read about in safety bulletins involved either filling the tank too fast (30,000 litres per minute +) or filled a tank that had previously contained a lighter fuel (Avgas, Avtur, Petrol, Kerosine) without cleaning it.

I now open this to the forum and hopefully you can shed light on this.

[Big Fella Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Big Fella]

Re: Static and High Flow Diesel

Thanks for that.

It seems very interesting that they would say that. I can't imagine what the difference would be between the other makes and the Prado. I have been using the fast fill pumps since we got our Prado in '07 and also on the job sites I work on (fast flow or walking where we fill up).

Seriously have they timed how long it takes to fill a Prado tank with a normal flow pumps!

I am no expert but I thought there was a far less risk of static diesel fires than petrol. I would have thought the flash point was too high for this to occur?

[damonat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close damonat]

Re: Static and High Flow Diesel

i too would not of thought of high flow deisel creating a fire whilst filling.
yes i have heard of the high flow creating lots of tiny air bubbles and this can cause engine issues, but not fire.
maybe toyota were asked, and said yes to ensure they covered themselves in the unlikely event of it happening.
it wont stop me using the high flow.
and the 120 series has a steel fuel flap so the static electricity should ground out when you open it to remove cap.
maybe we will never know the true reason for the decision