The Last Time You Got Bad Gasoline? (vehicles, idle, best)

[JONOV]

The thread on Gasoline brands got me thinking. I remember in the mid 90's when my mom wouldn't go to a certain gas station because her car ran poorly on their gas. I also remember at some point in 2004 or 2005 when I put some in my truck that made it run kind of hinky. Since then, I can't remember ever having gas that didn't run well.

I assume it probably has to do with stricter EPA regulations, and also maybe some consolidation in the distribution of fuel.

So, when was the last time you bought bad gasoline from a service station?

[North Beach Person]

Define bad. Bad as in contaminated or bad as in your car doesn't run as well?


The only gas brand I ever used which various cars ran poorly (pinging) on was Gulf, both leaded and, later, unleaded.


I've never had contaminated gas.

[BostonMike7]

Never.

But I have always gone to major brand gas stations. Never went to a mom and pop type station unless there was no other option.

[Me007gold]

Originally Posted by bostonmike7

never.

x

[ThomasCrown]

It's happened to me once or twice, it's been years though. Typically the last bit of gas in the underground tank could have sediment or water mixed in with it before it gets refilled, but it's never caused me any engine damage. There are stories out there of people who have had their engines ruined by a bad gas mix though.

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

Define bad. Bad as in contaminated or bad as in your car doesn't run as well?


The only gas brand I ever used which various cars ran poorly (pinging) on was Gulf, both leaded and, later, unleaded.


I've never had contaminated gas.

Either Or. I remember I had some (once) that I think had water in it...the car ran rough, coughed and spit a little bit.

[MDrenter223]

Doesn't it all go through the same pipeline?

Pretty sure the different grades are even sent along a single pipeline as "slugs" of fluid.

[vision33r]

If somebody put alcohol in there, your tank will be emptied in no time. MPG and idle is the best test of gas qualities.

[Dburger]

Sometimes I accidentally get gas with water in it. Made my BMW E39 540iT misfire until it was all burned off.

[longneckone]

Originally Posted by ThomasCrown

It's happened to me once or twice, it's been years though. Typically the last bit of gas in the underground tank could have sediment or water mixed in with it before it gets refilled, but it's never caused me any engine damage. There are stories out there of people who have had their engines ruined by a bad gas mix though.

In the early 90s I worked for a local garage which had several vehicles at once from a local seller with water in their tank.