What are some signs that I may have gotten bad gas?

Question

I filled up last night, made it home just fine. Started it up this morning once just fine and drove about 10 miles. Then went to start it again and now it is sputtering/knocking and backfired plus when I hold steady on the gas it revs then slows the revs then slows and so on.

Answer 1

Hmmm...weird!  Maybe you did get bad fuel...ok!  Try this...get some drygas at a parts store, and put it in your tank. Do NOT put more then 2 bottles in! You WILL hate yourself if you do that. IF things clear up then you had alot of water in your fuel. If not, I suggest getting it to your favorite shop and have it diagnosed. Maybe a coincidence occurred where one or more of your car's sensors failed right after fueling up...not unheard of. Or perhaps you got a lot of sediment or gunk from a bad tank at the gas station...that happens too. I also need to say that I personally had experience with a vehicle owner that fueled up at a local station, minutes after taking delivery of a brand new Lexus. The car came back on a wrecker, running like c**p...he had his gas receipt, it was for midgrade gas alright, but what we found in his tank.....was diesel. Turns out the gas station had a delivery that morning and the driver REALLY  F-'d up. That gas station paid to fix that Lexus and they were NONE too happy about it.

Good luck

Answer 2

If you have a lot of water in the fuel, you will see a white exhaust stream of varying degrees. Bad gas gets blamed for a lot of stuff. It's not that easy to check. The gas driers are a good idea, but draining as much as you can  is best. If you have a full tank, then you might have a problem for a while. If the tank is low, use as much as you can using the fuel additives, then add more good fuel to dilute what's left. You should be OK after a while. As I said though, "Bad Gas" is not very specific, and may not be your problem at all.  

Answer 3

I would have someone pull the fuel filter and see what is in it by dumping it into a glass container. If its water drain the tank, change the filter , and if you have proof of getting gas at a certain station apply for repair costs. If no water scan it and give more detailes on what kind of car etc. Good luck

Answer 4

My daughter had a similar problem, STP makes a product called "Jet Fuel" it seemed to take care of the problem.

You may want to drain the tank just to avoid ruining any of your oxegen sensors.

Answer 5

are your friends avoiding you.  people giving you funny looks in the elevator?

get a couple bottles of heet or other water removers and add to your tank.

Answer 6

i doubt its bad gas. the average consumer just assumes if something is wrong with their car, its bad gas, it cracks me up. i would have the gas tested if you think its bad at a laboratory. i suspect the gas is fine and you have other issues

Answer 7

yep, sounds like bad fuel alright. when the contaminants made their way through the fuel system into the engine, that`s when it started. If worse comes to worse, you might have to have the tank removed and cleaned out, but I would try Frank`s suggestion first. Good luck!