Possible water in gas tank?

Question

My son went to a Texaco station today and filled his gas tank. He said it sputtered a little when he started the car up. He drove it to the mall. Apparently on his way home the car began to give him major problems and eventually sputtered and stalled. He can run the engine but can not drive it. Could the gas he put in his car have water in it? He had no problems with the car before this.

It is a 1996 Ford Probe. It was just at the mechanics the other day to pick up plate and they did a check on it and everything was fine. I talked to my son and he said it is bucking. As I said had no issues until he put the gas in and it bucked a couple of times when first started but was able to drive. Until he shut it off again and now it bucks and sputters.

Answer 1

Possibly, or it could just be a coincidence. Go to the auto parts store and look for a fuel additive that is meant to remove water. I think it is drygas, but there are different ones available. Make sure it says safe for modern vehicles. Run it for a while and see if it will drive. If not, take it to a mechanic.

Answer 2

Possibly, but that would show up more when the gas was very low, not just filled up. Most often, the busiest stations have the least water. I would check the gas filter first, although, just finding them on some new cars is a job. Also sounds like it may be a stretching timing belt. Bob Hickey

Answer 3

Possible to be fuel pump or water. Can't say. If you could disconnect a fuel line and pump some gas into a clear glass jar you could see the water if present. The fuel pump needs a pressure gauge connected to check it. You don't say what year the car is.

Answer 4

Sounds like the fuel pump is bad

Answer 5

there is the possibility that he got some gas that has water in it, but i doubt it.....i would question if he put the right type of gas in his car....maybe he fueled it up with diesel fuel by mistake.

Answer 6

dri gas