with engine knowledge...yesterday I was under a 1/4 tank of gas - we have a Ford Taurus (unfortunately, it sucks - a 96). I put $20 in the tank. We've had financial issues lately and I've been putting the cheapest gas in. Anywy, the car ran ok for a bit without driving very far. This morning I got in the car and it is like sputtering and acting like it wants to stall at the light and all. Does this sound like I got some bad gas possibly or something more serious? I'm praying for some good answers - our only car left. If I did get bad gas, is there something I can do to correct it now or do I have to wait until I'm on empty again?
2006-07-08 02:38:51 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have very little Taurus experience. My automotive knowledge is general. My engine knowledge is as trained diesel mechanic in the US Air Force.
If you have had no previous problems, it does sound like bad gas.
In my experience bad gas is actually water in the fuel. Use an after market gas treatment. At $2.49 or so this is the cheapest solution.
A fuel filter will cost you around 7 dollars, but you must be able to install it. If you do not have some mechanical experience, I would not suggest doing it yourself.
Unfortunately, it may be a fuel pump problem. http://www.10w40.com/individual/100348.asp has more information on the fuel pump.
Your fuel pump is in your gas tank. In my experience, running a vehicle so equipped with less than a 1/4 of a tank of gas is bad for the fuel pump and you should consider refilling at 1/4 of a tank routinely.
2006-07-08 03:08:23 · answer #1 · answered by danlwatts 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
There are a few variables here but it does sound like you got bad gas. Hmmm, I think theres a line there. Anyway, You got a "good problem" sic. Bad Gas in this case just refers to the octane (Power) of the fuel. Your car is familiar (tuned) with a better quality of gas in mind.
Simply go to the gas station with your safest and largest jerrycan. and put as much usual gas in the tank. Go for a reasonably long drive to rid the tank and fuel lines of the other stuff. You should find things back to normal the next time you start your car. If not go to your machanics for a basic re-tune.
2006-07-08 09:47:55 · answer #2 · answered by D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I guess it is possible that you maybe have some moisture in your gas tank best thing to try is some octane booster or fuel injector cleaner. If it has done this at all in the past or keeps doing it you might want to get it checked out cause sounds to me like could be a fuel pump or fuel filter problem as well. Good Luck hope for the best for ya.
2006-07-08 09:43:08 · answer #3 · answered by shadow_lion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be bad gas, you should check the fuel filter and see if there's any trash in it. Another thing that causes a car to sputter or misfire is bad spark plugs or spark plug wires. Depending on how new your plugs are they need to be checked periodically too, make sure there's not excess carbon on them where the spark gap is at.
I went through a similair situation on an older car a long time ago, and had to have the carbeurator blown out with compressed air, bad gas had clogged the fuel inlets in it.
2006-07-08 09:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by Leef 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sound like bad gasoline. If the problem is water in the fuel, you can add a water separator. You can pick this up at a auto parts store. Just ask the clerk what to get.
If that doesn't work, you may need to siphon the gas out and change your fuel filter.
Go back to the gas station and see if anyone else has had this problem. If they had, the gas station should have to reimburse you. Good luck.
2006-07-08 09:45:45 · answer #5 · answered by Ray 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try and remove the fuel filter and pour out the contents into a tin can or something to determine if there is water mixed in with your gas. If so, did you save your receipt from the gas station.
You could also try a gas treatment. Call the Cartalk guys on NPR.
2006-07-08 09:44:24 · answer #6 · answered by Ahab 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a parts store or department store and get a product called "Heet", and add it to the gas tank This will remove any water in the fuel. If this doesn't work, try replacing the fuel filter. All gas stations will get water in their gas from time to time, it's caused from condensation during day/night temperatures. They have no control over it and it isn't usually their fault.
2006-07-08 10:03:18 · answer #7 · answered by Thomas S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be bad gas, get an additive or some water remover. Cars can produce water inside the tank from condensation, or from the place you buy gas. Ask anyone you know who shops there and see if they have a problem.
2006-07-08 09:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by catnap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to an auto parts store, and tell them whats going on. They have many easy treatments for gas. Some remove water from tank, and others help to improve performance. Usually its a container you add before you fill your tank again. Keep your fingers crossed, and pray hard. It hopefully will do the trick.
2006-07-08 09:46:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After you change your fuel filter. Put some fuel injector cleaner in. .Never run your car below 1/4 of a tank. You pick up all of the trash off of the bottom of the tank.
2006-07-08 09:47:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋