I've read that owners with diesel engines should know the importance of polishing their diesel fuel before sending it to their diesel engine! Yet this forum does not seem to address this question.....Is it rather obscure? or just something that we should not worry about??

I presume you are refering to the centrifuge process ships go through to remove water fro their fuel. They have huge storage tanks that can collect a lot of water, not as big a problem with much smaller RV tanks, the fuel/water seperator accomplishes the same thing.

Actually, fuel polishers continually process the fuel in the tank so it never can accumulate water and therefore won't grow mold. They are processing even when the engine is shut down. It's probably overkill in a RV, but fuel water separators only work when the engine draws fuel in.

I would think anyone that stores their rig for long periods in a humid environment might consider one, but for those of us that keep the fuel rolling through the engine, it's a big expense for little justification. They do make them in small sizes that are a good match for RVs now. They are a power drain, so best if plugged into shore power.

I don't buff my engine oil or wax my ATF. This is 99% hype (as Corey mentioned) for the average user. Algae (which grows on the fuel-water interface) is rarely an issue for diesel fuel, although it is for jet fuel. There are treatments that kill algae, but unnecessary for us.

quote:

polishing their diesel fuel

I have available an unlimited supply of .0000002536 m grit discs to attach to any cordless drill for final polishing. They are not cheap but are shipped free.

I think I'll open a company selling fuel polishers and bypass filters. Buy two, get a free Jackalope

For under $20. you can buy Diesel fuel additives that kill any fungus/algae and allow any water to get burned through the system, my GM 6.5L has a sensor at the bottom of the fuel filter to detect water,

If you want to get actual Jackelopes you can find them at this link. They would be more practical at least you have a conversation starter!

http://www.cabelas.com/product...ducts&Ntt=JACKEELOPE

The real application for fuel polishers is for boating. The fuel may sit in the boat tanks for long periods and in humid conditions. Fuel storage tanks in marinas may or may not have adequate turnover to assure quality dry fuel is delivered.
A polisher is often a standard issue on higher end diesel boats. It is a great option to changing fuel filters every hour or so.
On the road fuel is purchased from stations that generally have high turnover so there is minimal exposure to risk. Probably even less if you stick with truck stops for filling.

Fixed generators and military vehicles that sit for extended periods are another good application.

just keep your tank full .On the road fill every morning and do not use the stations that don,t have allot of fuel sold.I try but also have two spare filters on board most of the time.
lenny