Bad gasoline

[John Hines]

It is real folks, not a urban legend!!

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- Just before the heavy-driving Memorial Day weekend, more than 500 Shell and Texaco stations in the South have stopped selling gasoline because of high sulfur levels that can ruin vehicle fuel gauges and make an empty tank appear full.

The damage done by the bad gasoline could cause some drivers to run out of gas unexpectedly. Also, car owners may have to replace their fuel gauges, a repair job that can often cost $400 to $600.

The tainted gasoline originated at the Motiva Enterprises refinery in Norco, according to Shell Oil Co.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Had I not seen this from a reputable source, I'd have a hard time believing it. What can high sulfur do to affect a gas gauge? I can see it would play hell with emissions, but a gauge? Ed

[Roger Grady]

Remember these reports are coming from the general media who probably don't know the difference between a fuel gauge and a fuel pump. The bad gas damages the fuel gauge sending unit in the gas tank.

Roger Grady [e-mail] To reply by email, remove "qlfit." from address

[Texan]

Most of the gauges uses silver electrical contacts, which can be quickly corroded by sulfur.

[ken]

quickly corroded by sulfur>>>.

Someone here knows his chemistry

[Ron Hardin]

My last two cars both lost their fuel gauges within a couple years so I assumed nobody else's worked anyway. Just use the trip odometer.

[Joseph Meehan]

I did see this report on CNN. They explained that the silver contacts on the gauge can become damaged and indicate a full tank when in fact it is empty causing people to run out of gas. I believe those stations have taken care of their problem by now and are again selling gas.

[ken]

WOW.....maybe at a dealership, but it's only an hours work if the tank is close to empty and not a Camero

[John Hines]

I can imagine this is gonna cause supply problems in replacement fuel senders, in the areas affected.

[CBhVAC:)]

Well..hell..F bodies are one of the easiest to change...IF you mean Camaro.