Removing Water from Fuel System!

[RangerMan64]

you might just be SOL in that case. even if you did take it to court, its hearsay...your word against theirs.

i suppose it was a cash purchase, not a swiped debit or credit...

Yeah it was, so can't really prove it at all, this station was cash only though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah it was, so can't really prove it at all, this station was cash only though.

If you got water in your truck from the station, you were not the only one and they probably already know about it by now.

When the gas station got flooded last spring here, everybody involved got new fuel filters, those without serviceable filters got new pumps, and one even got a few injectors... all on the station's dime.

 

[Mark_88]

That's the thing you need to confirm though...is it water in the gas and were other people affected like you...if it's something else then eliminating the water possibility is the first step...

 

[1996 fordranger 4x4 stx]

I would, but I would have no way to prove it. Hell, they didn't even give me a damn receipt after I went inside and paid for it. But I could always try it anyways.

Where would I send the letter to? The ARCO headquarters or the station I went to.

Go to your local post office and tell them you want to send a certified RESTRICTED letter the restricted part means NOBODY can sign for the letter EXCEPT for the person it is addressed to PERIOD.

Just get the name of the head person in charge of that particular gas station, probably the manager, then address your short to the point letter to that person, be nice but stern, give them the opportunity to address the issue and if they don't in a reasonable amount of time let them know you will file a small claims suit against them to have the matter legally resolved in a court of law.

The manager will most likely bring the letter to the attention to the owner.

In my part of Kansas it cost $59.00 to fill out and file the small claims paper work and $5.00 for the sheriffs department to deliver the notice of hearing to the person you are suing.

You can even file for court costs which means the party you are suing will have to pay your $59.00 and $5.00 fee IF you win.

I have never sued anybody BUT I did go threw the motions and gave the person EVERY opportunity to resolve the matter before I WAS going to sue.

After talking to them in person failed and sending an un certified letter failed I finally went to the post office and sent a certified/restricted letter of intent and this worked, they finally took me seriously.

It is not a matter of being SUE HAPPY AMERICAN it IS a matter of making a wrong a right.

Of course the burden will be upon YOU to PROVE your case in front of a judge.

If you do NOTHING, NOTHING will get done! Just like you not emptying your tank to remove the suspected water.

Just use some common sense and take some pictures and document everything INCLUDING this thread and when it was started.

 

[1996 fordranger 4x4 stx]

This sounds like a great idea! How would the owner know that I bought gas there? The guy behind the counter didn't give me a damn receipt?

Most gas stations have a security system that records everything on video for up to 90 days depending on the security systems set up.

Once you walked in the store to hand the CASH to the clerk you WERE recorded and are well within the time frame PROBABLY to have it not been erased yet. This is another point you can make in the letter to the station and if it mysteriously gets erased you can also prove threw other means that this was PROBABLY not the normal practice or protocol of this station to erase or record over data so soon.

You see most modern security systems are on hard drives now with TONS of storage and are automated to perform tasks at certain points IF nothing needed to be reviewed.

OR you can just drain your damn tank and do what everybody has been saying, ASSuming it really is all this water.

 

[RangerMan64]

OR you can just drain your damn tank and do what everybody has been saying, ASSuming it really is all this water.

I'm planning on doing so.

 

[RangerMan64]

I drained the tank, and sure enough had water in it. I refilled with fresh gas and it still has the same issue? What could it be?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

did you repalce the fuel filter?

 

[RangerMan64]

did you repalce the fuel filter?

Damn it, no I was a dumbass and installed it right before I drained the tank to see if it would make a difference....

Can't I just run some fuel through the filter?

And if it's not the filter, what else could it be? I am kinda tired of riding the bus to work...

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i would replace it...filters arent that expensive.

if the filter doesnt help it, i would pull the injectors and check them...they could be plugged as well. aside from that, water is hard on fuel pumps, it might be a good idea to get a fuel pressure reading.

does your check engine light work (it should light for a few seconds after you turn the key to "run")? if so, does it come on while the truck is running? (if it doesnt work, you should replace the bulb)

 

[RangerMan64]

i would replace it...filters arent that expensive.

if the filter doesnt help it, i would pull the injectors and check them...they could be plugged as well. aside from that, water is hard on fuel pumps, it might be a good idea to get a fuel pressure reading.

does your check engine light work (it should light for a few seconds after you turn the key to "run")? if so, does it come on while the truck is running? (if it doesnt work, you should replace the bulb)

My check engine light does work. I really have to contact the station, just haven't had time. I have no idea how to pull the injectors, what is involved in it, just pulling off the upper intake manifold, or lower as well? Sorry, I have only pulled injectors on the 7.3L International

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the injectors are easy, just pull the upper intake.

the injectors have little screens on the fuel rail side that can get clogged. they should be checked and cleaned.

 

[RangerMan64]

Ok didn't know they had screens! Awesome! Do I need a new gasket for the upper intake?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

yes.