Tulsa gas beware!

[deactivated]

Well, a very strange thing happened today.

As I was pulling out of my parking garage at work my needle on the fuel gauge registered empty and the low fuel light was on.

First thing I thought was "oh great, I've been siphoned" But I knew Ford built in anti siphoning doodads to the tank, so I dismissed that. I had also JUST filled up the day before so I knew I had a full tank.

Anyhow the needle went back up to full and I went on my way home.

JUST as I was pulling to my house it went back down and stayed down. I decided I'd had enough of that so I went to Ford. I showed them my problem. They proceded to pull out a special service bulletin explaining the problem.

Apparently, the gas vendors around the country are selling really ****ty gas with high sulphur content. The apparently messes with the fuel sensor. Ford says that the problem usually clears up when you get to half a tank. They told me to burn through it and then put in a techron additive.

Now I wont state where I got gas because the dealership says every gas retailer in town is suffering from the same fate and I dont want to start another gas arguement. They said I could try switching brands, but until this bad gas gets out of the area people will continue to get problems like this.

[mchedd]

Heath - Last year Shell sold fuel in the Tampa Bay area that caused the conditions you've experienced. The fuel had a high sulphur content. Shell confessed that the fuel mixture could cause fuel gauge sensor problems and if I remember correctly, reimbursed folks for repairs. They also sent out $25.00 gift cards to all of the Shell credit card owners to regain thier business.

[deactivated]

ok, so now they are shipping it to Tulsa.

So how do I get one of these cards?

[mchedd]

Heath - I'm not sure what prompted Shell to admit the fuel had a problem. I suggest you contact the agency that monitors fuel stations in OK and lodge a complaint. Naturally the more complaints, the quicker a resolution.

[deactivated]

i think i'm going to change my fuel filter too. i was already thinking about it, but this seals that decision.

[mchedd]

I've been searching for some information for ya Heath.

http://www.neworleansgasprices.com/Forum_MSG.aspx?master=1&category=1125&topic=58735&page_no=1

and http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/650359211.html?MAC=a746743332b1be96a2c87f82a68517b9&did=650359211&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Jun+12%2C+2004&author=LISA+GREENE&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=TOO+MUCH+SULFUR%3B+SO+MANY+HEADACHES+%2F%2F+Thousands+say+gas+damaged+cars

[deactivated]

thanks. I'll keep monitoring the situation.

[vger]

Just some F.Y.I.
Here in Mi the Marathon Oil refinery just added more equiptment to remove more sulpher from the gas. I was one of the electricians on that project. It took months for them to get it on line. They are also doing a semi major overhaul of the plant. I know that all of the brands (here in Mi) get their gas from this plant. If you know which refinery your gas comes from call them and ask what they intend to do about this problem. It might be worth a shot you never know till you try. Good luck.

[deactivated]

I'm guessing it is the same refinery mentioned in that link that mchedd listed.

[vger]

I read the link and passed it along to my sister in Largo (next to Tampa). She said that she saw nothing on the news about it but thanked me for the heads up. Keep us posted on what you find out.

[mchedd]

vger - The articles were pulled from archives from last year. Tell your sister not to panic.

[vger]

Thanks. I did not catch that.

[BackinAblackL]

My gas gauge did the exact opposite the other day. When I got to half a tank it stayed there and my needle would just bounce. It stayed there until about 260 miles into it when it finally dropped below a quarter tank. Once there the needle would sometimes go back up to almost a half then come back down, I wonder if its the same deal or just the floater.

[deactivated]

sounds like the same deal.

change your fuel filter soon and run some gas treatment through your rig. Mine runs a lot better after I did that.

[RichieRich]

Hell yea you should tell us where you got gas from so we don't go there! But I understand your hesitation afer that last wig-out how-dare-you-bad-mouth-QT you-are-required-to-love-QT thread on here. lol

[deactivated]

well, most of the refineries round here get their gas from the same place, so bad gas is bad gas when there is a batch that gets out into the system.

i think it was some leftover junk they were making during the hurricane shortage.

[BackinAblackL]

Thank you inteller i agree with you.