Procedure for suspected bad fuel

[T3rminator]

What is the normal procedure if you suspect you have filled up a tank with bad fuel?

Last weekend we filled up mum's Kia Sorento (Diesel) at the local BP. Car started fine after filling. Drove half way to Geelong and stopped over for a coffee. Got back in the car, went to start it, and it just kept cranking but not firing up. I turned the car off, and tried again, again extended cranking, then finally started. Car drove fine but sounded a bit noisey at low RPMs in 1st and 2nd gear. The car has been like this since.

I told the folks to go to a reputable mechanic shop and get them to submit a fuel analysis. For some reason, dad didn't want to do that. Instead he called his mechanic mate who came over and ran some diagnostics via the ODB2 port. Not sure what software was used, but it cleared up the car a little and started ok that evening. Next morning, extended cranking again. I told dad to go get some fuel pumped up and tested by a shop, again he ignored me, and instead bought a bottle of Fuel Dr and put it in. Its been 2 days since Fuel Dr, its running slightly better, less extended cranking but still not normal. And on morning start ups, it emits a lot of smoke for the first couple of minutes.

He is now asking me to call BP........I'm banging my head against a brick wall as I doubt they will accept a fuel test now.

[Citroënbender]

It sounds very much like a car problem to me. Do you use algaecide regularly?

Check the Google Reviews for where you last bought a sizeable amount of fuel. Negligible bleats will confirm where you should direct your efforts.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It sounds very much like a car problem to me. Do you use algaecide regularly?



Check the Google Reviews for where you last bought a sizeable amount of fuel. Negligible bleats will confirm where you should direct your efforts.

They don't ever use any additives. Always fill up on BP diesel ultimate.

Car has been running flawlessly since new, never missed a beat, no gradual symptoms , then all of a sudden this happens.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

They don't ever use any additives. Always fill up on BP diesel ultimate.

Car has been running flawlessly since new, never missed a beat, no gradual symptoms , then all of a sudden this happens.

Love these names, Ultimately stuffed the fuel system.

No fuel tanker on the forecourt when they were filling ??

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Love these names, Ultimately stuffed the fuel system.



No fuel tanker on the forecourt when they were filling ??

Nup....

[kevino]

I filled up a diesel with 98 in error once
Diesel hose- green
98 hose- green
Vehicle symptoms sound like yours

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by kevino

I filled up a diesel with 98 in error once
Diesel hose- green
98 hose- green
Vehicle symptoms sound like yours

Well well. After reading this, I asked mum for the receipt to double check. The receipt shows Premium 95!

I was certain I saw dad lift the diesel tab to pull the hose out that morning, and he reckons he 100% did lift the tab. So I suspect maybe someone put the premium 95 hose on the diesel housing.

I'm surprised the pump and injectors haven't collapsed given we've used 3/4 tank.

The car is now back running normal. From what I've read, it should have died by now.

[Citroënbender]

It takes a while.

In all seriousness, I would get the car beautifully detailed up Monday and sell it that same week.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It takes a while.

In all seriousness, I would get the car beautifully detailed up Monday and sell it that same week.

Trade in on a new vehicle

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

It takes a while.

In all seriousness, I would get the car beautifully detailed up Monday and sell it that same week.

Neighbours opposite backed into it today......very small dint, but in a bad area, so not an easy fix.

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Trade in on a new vehicle

Funnily enough, he got a dealer quote 2 weeks ago as he is looking to trade it in for something new

You just know when the universe is telling you something!!

[Itsme]

As you stated without a fuel analysis you just guessing, you have no grounds with BP for compensation unless you can prove it is dodgy fuel. you could be lucky if others have put in a claim for the same problem on the same day, get him to get the fuel tested or a mechanic to certify they checked the vehicle after refueling.

[MITCHAY]

Is it like food poisoning claims? A single claim won't go anywhere usually but with more people at the same place at the same time a pattern makes thing more objective. The internet makes this much easier than before.

[Tonz]

onything on FB popping up about the servo

[T3rminator]

On second tank with fuel Dr. I haven't driven it but heard my dad take it out today and it sounded normal. He said it was acting normal.

I would not entirely discount that he may have put the wrong fuel.... I dont know much about diesels, but once it started it was running fine? No power loss. Just a bit noisy at very low rpms in gear. Wouldn't wrong fuel make it run like crap?

Google reviews showing nothing. The BP fb page is only posted by bp, no public posts. Though if everyone reacted the same as the old man, then it wouldnt show up on social media

Just out of interest, how much does a fuel analysis cost?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Just out of interest, how much does a fuel analysis cost?

Less than a rejected warranty claim and no leg to stand on with the servo.

[kevino]

The Vw Transporter diesel I filled with 98 was a transport fleet vehicle. The coy workshop couldn’t figure it flicked it a vw dealer who had it for 3 weeks changed a few bits and that van ran for another 100000kms. Initially the coy workshop drained the fuel tank so I guess that helped.
Due to a weekend and coy workshop and vw dealer getting themselves mixed up I never got my **** kicked.