Watered down gas at Fiesta Mart 15th/Harvard?

[JeffM]

Just got an email warning.....

Somebody filled up with premium last night, made it a mile and a half before the car died.... dealership told him it would cost $1400 in damages-- 75% water, 25% gasoline?-- is this possible?  OCC is sending state inspectors out... commission stated this is a recurring problem?

[custosnox]

I knew I avoided Fiesta Mart for a reason

[Cats Cats Cats]

I could see how this could happen and fiesta mart be unaware also.  Obviously they would be found out.

[TURobY]

Possible crack in the underground tanks letting water in? I've filled up a couple times there and had no issues with my vehicle.

[Breadburner]

Highly unlikely......

[Conan71]

If they were at the bottom of the tank, it could happen.  I have heard of over-charging problems on debit cards at that location.  I think it was PMCalk who posted that here.  Even when I lived around the corner from there, I'd go to the QT at 21st or 11th to fill up.

[sgrizzle]

I was told by someone who works at one of the companies who builds and maintains the tanks that water seepage is a major problem with the new 5% ethanol blend as the water will mix in instead of separate. He said that if you see someone advertise "real gas" or "real gas in select grades" it likely has more to do with the condition of their tanks than their views on ethanol. If Fiesta Mart has a water problem and is selling ethanol mix, then it would get into your tank. From what I understand, they are liable.

[Red Arrow]

I was told by someone who works at one of the companies who builds and maintains the tanks that water seepage is a major problem with the new 5% ethanol blend as the water will mix in instead of separate. He said that if you see someone advertise "real gas" or "real gas in select grades" it likely has more to do with the condition of their tanks than their views on ethanol. If Fiesta Mart has a water problem and is selling ethanol mix, then it would get into your tank. From what I understand, they are liable.

5% or the 85%?

Using ethanol to dissolve the water in gas has been going on for a long time.  We used to throw in a gallon of ethanol to the 55 gallon tank on our boat each spring (long time ago) and it never bothered anything.  I cannot say if modern injected engines may have other problems.

Edit: I guess I'd better add that it was just to take care of condensation over the winter, not a major water infusion.

[Breadburner]

The submersible pump in the fuel storage tank does not extend to the bottom of the tank wihich is where the water would be.....

[sgrizzle]

5% or the 85%?

Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%

[Hoss]

Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%

Places in Owasso do.  I think one in Glenpool does also.  I have a FlexFuel car, but until the price difference becomes $1.50 a gallon, E85 isn't worth it.  The gas mileage is substantially lower on a car that's built as a flexfuel.

[LizaQ]

I filled up with the 89 octain 2 weekends ago at that Fiesta Mart at 15th and Harvard. As soon as we filled up the car started mis-firing. We were able to make it to the lake that day but on the way back my car was almost dying. My make of car goes into a 'limp home mode' when it has emmission issues. Made for a long and scary ride home that morning. We had a feeling it may have been the gas and now it has been confirmed. Thank you. Luckily my car recovered and it did not cost me $$$$.

[LizaQ]

Oh - and all the pumps were out of service yesterday - so they must have been made aware of something happening.

[Red Arrow]

Nowhere in Tulsa sells 85% Ethanol gas, we only have the gas where they replaced the toxic additive MTBE with ethanol which is 5%

I was under the impression that most gas stations were closer to the 10% ethanol allowed. I haven't seen anyone advertising 5%.

[sgrizzle]

I was under the impression that most gas stations were closer to the 10% ethanol allowed. I haven't seen anyone advertising 5%.

You're right.. 10% MTBE was replaced by 10% Ethanol.