OLD FUEL??? Help ! ?

Question

recently bought a 1996 chevy truck which was "parked " for 6 month. seems to run great on highway and higher rpm's, but when ideling , it runs very choppy, stall, or the rpm's race and truck wants to pull away even brake engaged. I have been running chevron fuel and on about the 5th tank. performance has gotten better, but still having issues i described. Is it from the old fuel, or is there anything cheap i can try to do to fix before taking to shop? Thanks

Answer 1

gas can usually sit fro a year with out problem, after that issues will develop. i would start with a routine air filter and tune up.  

Answer 2

It need service. Very likely could be the spark plugs and/or the leads.

Answer 3

Most likely after the 5th tank there would be very little of the old fuel left. Try running a few bottles of fuel system cleaner through it to see if that helps. See if the engine computer has logged any errors (most service shops will have a diagnostic tool to read out the codes, some parts stores have them too and will do it for free because they figure you will buy replacement parts from them). Check the air filter to make sure it isn't plugged and look for any vacuum lines that have come off or have leaks.

Answer 4

if you have bad fuel you will be able to smell it it will it smell like gas

sounds like a possible vacuum leak block off the hose on the vacuum assist for your brakes its near where you put the brake fluid in if this is the problem its probably due to a leaking master cylinder if not

If you think it could be a vacuum leak you can check by spraying around the top of the engine with BRAKE CLEANER while fully assembled you will here the diff. if you find the leak. HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, SPARK PLUG WIRES CAN IGNITE SPRAY SO TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM.  

Answer 5

Along with Shell V-Power (Premium 93 Octane) try a bottle of STP Fuel Injector/Carb cleaner.  If the truck has been sitting for 6 months with fuel in the system it may have "varnish" and other gunk obstructing fuel system components.  It might be worth looking at the emission control system and throttle position sensor, if so equipped.  Good luck with it.