Just got an email warning.....
Somebody filled up with premium last night, made it a mile and a half before the car died.... dealership told him it would cost $1400 in damages-- 75% water, 25% gasoline?-- is this possible? OCC is sending state inspectors out... commission stated this is a recurring problem?
I knew I avoided Fiesta Mart for a reason
I could see how this could happen and fiesta mart be unaware also. Obviously they would be found out.
Possible crack in the underground tanks letting water in? I've filled up a couple times there and had no issues with my vehicle.
Highly unlikely......
If they were at the bottom of the tank, it could happen. I have heard of over-charging problems on debit cards at that location. I think it was PMCalk who posted that here. Even when I lived around the corner from there, I'd go to the QT at 21st or 11th to fill up.
I was told by someone who works at one of the companies who builds and maintains the tanks that water seepage is a major problem with the new 5% ethanol blend as the water will mix in instead of separate. He said that if you see someone advertise "real gas" or "real gas in select grades" it likely has more to do with the condition of their tanks than their views on ethanol. If Fiesta Mart has a water problem and is selling ethanol mix, then it would get into your tank. From what I understand, they are liable.
Quote from: sgrizzle on April 28, 2010, 08:57:37 PM
I was told by someone who works at one of the companies who builds and maintains the tanks that water seepage is a major problem with the new 5% ethanol blend as the water will mix in instead of separate. He said that if you see someone advertise "real gas" or "real gas in select grades" it likely has more to do with the condition of their tanks than their views on ethanol. If Fiesta Mart has a water problem and is selling ethanol mix, then it would get into your tank. From what I understand, they are liable.
5% or the 85%?
Using ethanol to dissolve the water in gas has been going on for a long time. We used to throw in a gallon of ethanol to the 55 gallon tank on our boat each spring (long time ago) and it never bothered anything. I cannot say if modern injected engines may have other problems.
Edit: I guess I'd better add that it was just to take care of condensation over the winter, not a major water infusion.
The submersible pump in the fuel storage tank does not extend to the bottom of the tank wihich is where the water would be.....
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 28, 2010, 10:31:24 PM
5% or the 85%?
Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%
Quote from: sgrizzle on April 29, 2010, 07:12:54 AM
Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%
Places in Owasso do. I think one in Glenpool does also. I have a FlexFuel car, but until the price difference becomes $1.50 a gallon, E85 isn't worth it. The gas mileage is substantially lower on a car that's built as a flexfuel.
I filled up with the 89 octain 2 weekends ago at that Fiesta Mart at 15th and Harvard. As soon as we filled up the car started mis-firing. We were able to make it to the lake that day but on the way back my car was almost dying. My make of car goes into a 'limp home mode' when it has emmission issues. Made for a long and scary ride home that morning. We had a feeling it may have been the gas and now it has been confirmed. Thank you. Luckily my car recovered and it did not cost me $$$$.
Oh - and all the pumps were out of service yesterday - so they must have been made aware of something happening.
Quote from: sgrizzle on April 29, 2010, 07:12:54 AM
Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%
I was under the impression that most gas stations were closer to the 10% ethanol allowed. I haven't seen anyone advertising 5%.
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 29, 2010, 12:17:47 PM
I was under the impression that most gas stations were closer to the 10% ethanol allowed. I haven't seen anyone advertising 5%.
You're right.. 10% MTBE was replaced by 10% Ethanol.
Check out this link on Tulsa World to see if the place you fill up has water in the tank or any other violations.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/itemsofinterest/pump_violations/pump_violations.aspx
I just filled up earlier in the week and was having problems with my car shifting a little rough. Mechanic thinks it is bad gas due to the fact that it wasn't doing it all the time. I put some gas dryer in and haven't had problems in the last day. I think maybe something with the weather may have increased the likely hood of getting condensation and/or water in gas tanks with low levels.
Obviously the "75% water" claim this wouldn't count. But I bet that is a made up number the deal threw up.
Quote from: Trogdor on April 30, 2010, 10:10:27 AM
I just filled up earlier in the week and was having problems with my car shifting a little rough. Mechanic thinks it is bad gas due to the fact that it wasn't doing it all the time. I put some gas dryer in and haven't had problems in the last day. I think maybe something with the weather may have increased the likely hood of getting condensation and/or water in gas tanks with low levels.
Obviously the "75% water" claim this wouldn't count. But I bet that is a made up number the deal threw up.
I haven't checked lately but I am willing to guess that your "gas dryer" contained a significant amount of alcohol. Not sure if it would be methanol, ethanol, or propyl or higher.
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 30, 2010, 12:33:11 PM
I haven't checked lately but I am willing to guess that your "gas dryer" contained a significant amount of alcohol. Not sure if it would be methanol, ethanol, or propyl or higher.
Yup, that is what it was.. Isopropyl . Of course they throw in some other crap in those things so it isn't just rubbing alcohol :D
Quote from: Trogdor on April 30, 2010, 10:10:27 AM
Obviously the "75% water" claim this wouldn't count. But I bet that is a made up number the deal threw up.
If someone had a Mr. Funnel, it would be easy enough to test...
Quote from: nathanm on April 30, 2010, 06:51:29 PM
If someone had a Mr. Funnel, it would be easy enough to test...
Sexist... what about a Ms. Funnel? ;D
Quote from: Red Arrow on April 30, 2010, 09:23:01 PM
Sexist... what about a Ms. Funnel? ;D
Some of them are small enough they ought to be called baby funnel.