Contaminated road fuel

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The present crisis with (petrol?) cars failing across the SE of England, due to failed O2 sensors raises some questions about fuel supplies in general. There was one report this morning on the BBC of a diesel car failing - though that might be an anomaly. This raises some questions:-

What is it in the petrol (or diesel?) that has resulted in exhaust gas oxygen transducer failure? Are these devices based on a platinum catalyst, like a pellistor, and has the catalyst been poisoned? Lead would do that, and would also wreck catalytic converters (exhaust cleaners).

If some adulterant has got into the fuel, how has this come about and how, nearly 24 hours after the initial reports, is it possible that we have not got an answer?

Most of us use petrol in our outboards - might these be affected?

Can diesel be similarly affected? How can we reduce the risk of taking on adulterated fuel or detect it?

Does anyone know of a similar issue anywhere else in the world or is this happening in the SE of England a world first?
 
From TV this morning they think ethernol, well to much, but will not know before Friday.
It also covers all UK, Tesco and Morrisons, and a possible report of a Sainbury garage.

Brian
 
I heard that, too. While too much ethanol can have all manner of unpredictable consequences /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I wouldn't have thought that poisoning of sensors was very likely, especially in the exhaust gas. What is it in burnt ethanol that might cause a problem? Ethanol is C2H5OH Lead does poison Pt catalysts for certain.
 
I guess it depends on your engine. a smallish, non-computer controlled outboard wont notice, and most 2 strokes will run on anything that burns, but a modern, largeish 4 stroke will run similar technology to a car engine, and may suffer in the same way
 
[ QUOTE ]
Didnt hear anything about diesel cars though (worried, as I need to fill up today!)

[/ QUOTE ]I heard it on BBC South news this morning...a lady had called in with this news but it was unconfirmed. Hopefully they asked the obvious questions before going on air with it.
 
Yer man from the Society of Motor Manufacturers was recommending that owners of motors who filled up recently should change the petrol in their tank for fresh.
Should I buy the classic car of my dreams (non-computerised, normally aspirated) and take rejected petrol off their hands?
A public service, I think.
 
I think it was Quentin Wilson last night who said that BP Ultimate definitely wasnt affected, and it does seem to be focussing in on a particular batch of supermarket fuels.

A neighbour of a friend who is quite high up at Shell told me last year that he would never fill up with supermarket fuels, and would only use Shell and one other major unless he had no choice.... this was on the basis that he knew which additives everyone uses.

Cheers

Richard
 
That is interesting. Can you possibly get an inside opinion of diesel? Down here in Spain we are seeing various types on offer in the road garages, though only one on offer at marinas. On the basis that if it can happen, it will, any of these could be delivered by mistake to a marina. I don't think there is an issue for most marine engines, even the most modern ones, but it would be nice to get the guy's opinion.

As for the O2 car sensor, I have been doing some online research; they seem to be zirconium based and the principal risk of poisoning is lead - which is what I expected at the beginning.
 
If that applies to Texaco diesel.....

......it doesn't say much for the possible [--word removed--] we must put in our boats then....


Donald
 
Is that just for the latest high performance cars? We are car-less at the moment but I never drive high performance cars (not green enough for me, or worth it to me). I must have saved thousands over the last five years by filling with the cheapest /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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That is interesting. Can you possibly get an inside opinion of diesel?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm sure we discussed this and he merely said that the best thing to do was to add an additive pack to each tankful.

I'll see what I can find out... think I've got his email somewhere.
 
If you are emailing him, it would be nice to know what sort of additives he is recommending - I don't mean Sol-whatsit vs Fuel-thingy but the characteristics or chemicals he thinks ought to be added, and why they should be added.
 
[quoteQuite high up in Shell and director of Texaco can afford more expensive filling stations I guess.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not sure what the supermarket deals are, but i tend to pay around 85p -86p per litre from Shell or BP, (just cause they're handy).

I suppose at 80p per litre, you save about 25p per gallon, and about £4 on a 15 gallon fill up.

Not sure you need to be a high flying executive to be able to spend an extra £4 per tank.

Also, the guy I'm speaking about does it because he knows what goes into the other stuff, not because he could afford it. He certainly didnt say that he buys the Ultimate grades of petrol for the extra 10p per litre, (or whatever).

Also... even the poorest people seem to find a way of buying their 200 fags a week and Sky TV.

I suppose if the current problem is identified as being a supermarket fuel issue, I guess people might have to ask themselves if it's worth paying an extra £4 per tank for some peace of mind?
 
I think it ought to be said, Richard, that while there are plenty of 'feckless poor' who do as you say, there are far more ordinary folks - like many here - many who have retired or have taken redundancy/early retirement on reduced circumstances who don't smoke, seldom drink and don't have a big entertainment budget. With the UK now set up for big supermarkets out of town and non-existent bus services, most people really do need a car. Furthermore, if they are paying good money for fuel to the likes of Sainsbury's and Tescos then they have a right to a decent product that won't harm their cars. - David

PS - I would like to see massive savings on tax, insurance, and even fuel for hybrid electric/ice cars. These are more environmentally friendly and are ideal for running around locally.
 
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