Help removing bio-diesel from paint

[Greyghost]

I just experienced the real negative issue of not being able to fill your own tank in Oregon. The attendant seemed to be very professional, but unfortunately he forgot to replace to filler cap. I only noticed this about 20 miles down the road. Our tow car was covered with diesel as well as the whole side of the motor home. My wife drove back to the station, got the cap, washed the car and returned to where I was sitting on the side of the highway.

2 days go by and I started to clean the side of the coach. Wrong, it only comes off a tiny bit at a time. I've tried warm soap and water, Meguiars waterless cleaner, Meguiars quik wax. Nothing works very well. Does anyone have a magic solution that get this stuff off easier?

[donkeydew]

i have never been refused to pump my own diesel in oregon. i don't know about cars and pick-ups, me experience is trucks and rv's in the last 40 plus years.

[down_home]

Occasionally get diesel on side below fill compartment. I have used the window cleaner bucket water with drop of dish soap on paper towel and a big glass full or preferably a pitcher of water on it afterwards, or the hose if one is at the pump.
We've never been to one of the stations that will pump for you, in a long long time though. If we do I will check after them.
We had a fill hose connection to the fill fitting lose diesel fuel on the road.
The plastic inner fender and flap warped severely.
Washed it every chance for a long time. It finally went back to shape somewhere in two or three years time. The plastic may be changed in properties though.

[mtofell1]

Jim@HiTek wrote:
Have been a life long Oregon visitor and resident. Lived just outside Portland in Gresham for 34 years. Been full time RVing with a diesel for 13 years now and Portland is my anchor town, though I travel all over the state. Have never had a station give me a hard time about pumping my own diesel anywhere in the state. Many stations have big signs telling you that you can pump your own. Funny how people have different experiences in the same places under the same rules.

Not saying the above stories aren't true, just never happened to me.

I think they're more likely to let someone with a big DP pump their own rather than a guy in a truck. The attendants always just hand you the nozzle. I seemed to get the most push back on the diesel thing with my truck in ritzy suburbs just on the outskirts of Portland (Lake Oswego, West Linn, etc). Out of town at all where there are more diesel trucks there was rarely an issue.

[Greyghost]

Thought I'd get back to you with the results of my efforts. As I stated in the OP Dawn and Meguiars did not work, neither did Lukas clean and wax. This AM we picked up Simple Green, Goo Gone, Purple Power and Goof Off. I tried the Goof Off first and am please to announce that it removed the bio-diesel with just the wipe of the cloth. It left no residual spots, now I just have to finish the job.

Thanks for all of the good suggestions. Those from Oregon that responded, rest assured that I will never let a pump jockey pump my fuel again.

[Jim]

Have been a life long Oregon visitor and resident. Lived just outside Portland in Gresham for 34 years. Been full time RVing with a diesel for 13 years now and Portland is my anchor town, though I travel all over the state. Have never had a station give me a hard time about pumping my own diesel anywhere in the state. Many stations have big signs telling you that you can pump your own. Funny how people have different experiences in the same places under the same rules.

Not saying the above stories aren't true, just never happened to me.

[mtofell1]

Aside from the law, many stations/companies have "policies" against self-service here. I drove a diesel pickup for years and constantly got screamed at by some kid who thought he was better at swiping my credit card into the machine than me. I know, I know - not his fault and I was always cordial unless he was a total dick about it.

[dons2346]

donn0128 wrote:
You can by law pump your own diesel in Oregon. Dont let them fool you.

Ok, I halfway agree with this. From what I have been told is that if there is a regular gas pump on the island, you cannot pump your own diesel. For that reason, I go to the trunk pumps where there is no regular gas.

[naturist]

Diesel is hard on paint. Biodiesel is even harder on paint. You can't wait two days to remove either and expect it to come right off. It diffuses INTO the paint and if you wash it twice a day for the next decade or so, MAYBE you will get most of it. For quick removal, I suggest sanding it down to bare metal and repriming/repainting.

I hope you prove me wrong. But I don't think so. I think it will continue to rise back to the surface every time you wash it off.

[stickdog]

I always get out and stretch my legs in Oregon or New Jersey you if you can't pump it you can slide your card take the nozzle out and replace the cap yourself and push the button for a receipt. I used to be a pump jockey years ago we also washed the windshield and checked the oil.

[SCVJeff]

Dawn
If it's good enough to clean crude off if birds.......

[Greyghost]

Thx, I hadn't thought of Simple Green.

They will never pump my fuel again. Thanks for the info.

[donn0128]

You can by law pump your own diesel in Oregon. Dont let them fool you.

[MountainAir05]

try simple green, rinse very well.

[Lwiddis]

I don't like attendant filling in Oregon either. Gas station full employment law