Sugar in a petrol tank?

Question

What actually happens if you pour sugar into a petrol tank (along with petrol in the tank)?

captmhunt please be more specific.

Answer 1

Any sort of gritty substance put into a fuel tank is going to have an adverse effect on the car's performance. Salt and sugar are probably the most effective, since they do not dissolve in the gas. Sand is less effective because it is heavier and will sink to the bottom of the tank. Of course, it depends on how much sand you are funneling in.

Let's use sugar as an example. There are three basic ways that sugar in the gas tank is going to foul up someone's car. First, it will clog the fuel filter. Second, what gets through the fuel filter will clog the fuel pump. Finally, what makes it through the fuel filter and the fuel pump will completely foul whatever fuel delivery system your car uses. A carburetor that gets sugar in it is junk; you can strip it down and attempt to rebuild it but you likely will fail - it's a gummy, sticky mess. Your fuel injected vehicle will not fare much better when mucked up with the sticky stuff. This sort of vandalism will result in the car hesitating, losing power, and stalling. And repairs will not be cheap - replacing the fuel filter, dropping and draining the fuel tank, possibly a new carburetor or new fuel injectors. The latter two are very expensive, both in parts and labor.

Answer 2

Sugar In Petrol Tank

Answer 3

Not a whole lot; as it turns out, this is a widespread urban legend. The story goes that this sweet revenge will dissolve in the gasoline (petrol), travel through the fuel lines into the engine, where the heat of combustion will cause it to convert to a cement-like glue and gum up all the works, especially after you shut off the engine and allow it to cool. The problem is that sugar doesn't dissolve in the gasoline, so 99.9% of it just sit at the bottom of the gas tank. A little might make its way up the fuel line, but would be screened out by the fuel filter. Eventual clogging of the fuel filter would prevent the car from running, but that's a cheap and easy fix. If someone poured a lot of sugar in your gas tank, you'd have to disconnect the gas tank and dump it out to remove all the sugar crystals that are clogging your fuel filter, which should take a competent mechanic all of fifteen minutes to accomplish (and about $200). There are much more effective ways to exact your revenge on your enemies than this.

Answer 4

it mixes with the gas, but when running through the carb or fuel injectors, it gums up the injectors and gets the rings of the pistons all gummed up too. it can be an expensive repair job. Nasty thing to do to someone. But you have to put a large amount of sugar for it to work. A cupful in a tank will do nothing...at least a 2 pound bag...then consider you have 1 less freind, and 1 more enemy.

Answer 5

Limey? Sugar does not dissolve in gas. Try it yourself, pour some gas into a container and add sugar; the sugar just settles on the bottom.
I would imagine that the sugar could be sucked up into the engine and clog the fuel line, filter, injectors, etc.

Answer 6

Modern fuel pumps can filter out sugar.

Once the filter is full, then the fuel filter will stop working causing the engine to stall.

The fuel filter will need to be replaced and the sugar needs to be removed from the fuel tank.

I've heard that sugar will cause no ill effects in newer cars, but issues remain with older cars.

Answer 7

Hi Hunni,

You have it slightly wrong (I presume you are a blonde?)

What you do is add sugar to a very hot cup of water that has a tea bag floating in it.

Leave it to stand for a while, squeeze the tea bag and take it out of the water.

Stir it with a spoon, pass it to your boyfriend or husband and say, "There you are darling. I love you."

You will get a much nicer result than putting it in a petrol tank.

Answer 8

Nothing until it starts. The sugar goes into the injectors and caramelizes which seizes your engine. If you don't start it, you could drain and flush the tank which would only cost bout £50.

Answer 9

It produces lots of carbon very quickly, the carbon will glow and cause pre-ignition (pinking) then cut out altogether.
It would then be a head off job, decarbonising, then cleaning out the fuel tank to prevent repetition.

Answer 10

Everything turns into a sticky mess, and gums up the works!


But this is NOT a very nice thing to do to anyone, and you can get into trouble with the police if you are caught! And probably worse if you get caught by the owner!!!