What happens if you have sugar in your cars fuel tank?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mander may
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mander may

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I think my ex got drunk and sugared my tank over the New Year Holiday. I am getting conflicting stories on what this might do to my vehicle. 2007 Impala. Ive heard it is ruined then again Ive heard sugar don't do anything.
 
why do u think it? is it running...did he leave a empty sugar bag under wiper? a few cups will not hurt..5 pounds or more...tow it to repair shop
 
sugar when its heated it caramalizes (sp?) I can tell you that your car isn't ok. But it also depends on how much sugar is in your car. Take it to the Machanic (sp?)
 
IF you think your tank has sugar in it, do NOT start the car.

Drain the gas, flush the tank and fuel lines with CLEAN gas, and replace fuel filters.

IF you have started it, then you will ALSO need to flush the carburetor, and possibly have the heads pulled. Best to take it to mechanic BY TOW, NOT by driving.

The sugar will gum up the lines, clog the fuel filter, and IF it gets into the engine may cause valve and ring problems and/or severe carbon buildup in the cylinders which can require EXPENSIVE engine work sometimes to repair.
 
Contrary to popular belief sugar will not dissolve in gasoline, Berkeley confirmed this in 1994, so if someone did put sugar in the gas it would it would stay at the bottom of the tank or it would be picked up by the fuel pump. If it was picked up by the pump the fuel filter would stop it or at best or worst you'd have a plugged filter.

If you think someone did put sugar in your tank, have someone drain and CLEAN the tank otherwise you might be driving someplace and have a filter clog up.

Other than that there is no danger to your engine.

http://www.snopes.com/autos/grace/sugar.asp
 
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