2017/12/13 17:43:31
Wiggy333
Tried running the Capri today needing a pink slip for rego and drove around 4km with it spluttering and surging. Wouldn’t idle and stalled from that point on so turned around drove it home and went to work in my truck. I’ve had fuel tank issues in this one so I removed the tank and installed a 4cyl tank while I got mine professionally cleaned and that was around 4 months ago.
I thought it might be a clogged filter again but the fuel in the filter is white milky and gummed so it looks like gravy. How does that happen, I only buy 98 octane and only from Shell or Caltex. Knowing I just spent $200 cleaning the tank ( it’s back from the cleaners and installed) I am really pissed off. Could I be using to much valve saver fluid or the wrong type? The car is always garaged and never driven in the rain so unless it’s condensation I can’t say water has been near the tank.
I’m draining it now before refilling and will empty the carby float bowl I have some fuel doctor fuel extender I might add but if anyone has a diagnosis or preventative I am all all ears or eyes as it’s been my only ongoing problem with this V6. Cheers
2017/12/13 18:32:28
GTV6
unleaded fuel goes off, really noticeable when it starts to smell like cats piss.  BP says the life of fuel in a tank is 4 weeks, which I think is a bit conservative.  Since we don't have a charcoal system it also evaporates out the breather  forming sludge, plus there will always be some water in there.    I always add an extender in my cars that aren't driven a lot, and always keep my levels low so I can top up with fresh fuel when I go for a drive.
2017/12/13 19:49:21
PeterM
I have two cars in long term storage.
Fast idle for approx 20 mins at least once a month.
I use 98 octane no additives and drain fuel tank completely empty every 12 months.
No discoloration of fuel. Never a problem.
 
2017/12/13 20:28:58
cosworthfreak
Sometimes a service station will have water in its fuel tanks for whatever reason (contamination/condensation). It won’t matter what fuel you buy, or if it’s from a certain brand servo, it will just happen sometimes. Best way to get the water out of your fuel system is pour a litre of methylated spirits into your fuel, as the metho mixes with the water where fuel won’t (which is why it splutters). Just drive the car as normal with the fuel/metho/water mix to get it through the system, it will just be down on power until it’s all out.
2017/12/13 20:29:07
BEE VEE
Hi Wiggy,
have you ever added even a little Racing Fuel or E10 or E85 ?   Racing fuel is EXTREMELY corrosive, whereas Ethanols are just less corrosive than Racing Fuel. 
Adding even small amounts of these guarantees stripping the inside galvanised lining of your fuel tank, which turns the fuel greyish milky. 
If the above is not the case, and you suspect condensation or sabotage from someone adding water to tank, drain tank completely and allow a 1 litre sample from the beginning of the drain to settle for several hours or overnight. Then do same from the last of the draining. If poss, do same from middle of draining.  Examine for "separation" as fuel is lighter and will "float" on water.
You should also try adding about a litre of Methylated Spirit to every full tank to make any abnormal moisture mix with the fuel. Half litre for half tank.  If this clears up the problem, continue with half litre Metho per tankful as a preventative measure.
Is it possible you live in a very humid area ?
May help to ask other clients who buy fuel from same Servo you do, if theyve had any problems.
Even ask the Servo Operator if he has had any complaints.
Try getting fuel from ONE ONLY source till you nail it.
I've never heard of any Valve Saver causing any problems, but then I rarely use it as more than one industrial  chemist has told me it's no better than SUPER OUTBOARD 2 STROKE OIL , which Ive been using with 100% success for more than 20 years in ALL my Carby and EFI cars........all 12 of them !
Good luck
Bernie
2017/12/13 20:52:54
in rod we trust
condensation maybe  but if your running the car i doubt it unless its been sitting for hell of a long while in different temp fluctuations..  it could be the servo's your getting the fuel might have probs with there in ground tanks ...  most in ground servo tanks pickup;s at at the bottom  so as water is heavier than fuel it might be sucking up that ****  and into your tank..  
i was in my vb put fuel in it from a caltex servo within 5 min driving out of there car started to splutter etc looked under bonet thinking may be a lead, and spotted milky fuel in the ole see thru glass top pumps
2017/12/14 13:11:04
Wiggy333
Thanks all. I’ve drained it and put in some fuel doctor. I’ll try that and also the methylated spirits. I’ve had the tank cleaned at the start of the year and installed in March. I only use 98 octane and my other Capri doesn’t have an issue. Must just of been bad fuel but can’t remember where from.

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