Sunday after filling up with Exxon gas at the Tom Catt Run on Saturday, I experienced an episode of stalling about five times when coming to a stop. After refueling, and adding Lucas Fuel Treatment. The problem went away. I continued on to S2K Days and have driving about 1,500 miles since without a problem. Any thoughts?

 

Sounds like bad gas (er... gasoline). Fuel treatment "fix" it, somehow.

 

Fuel treatment? I know they sell it but why? Fresh fuel is all ya need. Sketchy fuel in the tank? Is Exxon 91 or 93 octane (just curious).

-- Chuck

 

I've experienced the same thing.

When it happened in my truck when up north I turned to Lucas Fuel Treatment to clean the injectors and that solved the problem. Since then I bought a large bottle of the cleaner and refill the smaller measured bottle. I add it to the gasoline two or three times a year. No repeat issues.

It happens to my MG on very hot/humid days. When it happens or is about to happen I give it extra fuel by pulling the choke. I'm fairly sure the issue with the MG is a combo of the crap gas they sell plus heat from the exhaust manifold overheating the fuel bowls on the SU's. I plan to have the exhaust manifold ceramic coated both inside and outside after the driving season is over. Its inexpensive to do and a very effective old hot roders trick.

When it comes to the S2000, its sounds like you got some crap gas, likely from a dirty underground storage unit and Lucas solved your one time issue. Octane number shouldn't make any difference at all.

 

Sorry to hear that Matt. I filled up at the same station and didn't have any problems.

 

Hope it was just bad gas, Matt. We've had two weird experiences with the S while on road trips. One the engine kept revving when idling. It would rev properly when driving. That "fixed" itself a short time later, but thanks to Emile for linking us to a thread that discussed cleaning something under the hood. Have not had that issue since. Another time the S was running fine, started it up after a rest room stop and it seemed starved for fuel. I think Rick just revved the engine and it cleared it...weird.

We likely picked up some bad gas while on our SC trip, in the Jeep. We needed restrooms and fuel. A local establishment had a big awning out that advised of CLEAN Restrooms. Oh Man, they were awful. The gas pumps were old antiquated equipment. Rick put some fuel in the car and before long it felt like we were having weird transmission issues or something. Not stalling, just not running right. Thankfully, the next tank of gas seemed to remedy the situation. No issues since.

Good luck Matt. Vehicle issues on a road trip, not fun!

 

Is it possible that you overfilled your tank? If so, this may have been the cause of your hesitations.

By adding more fuel after the nozzles initial shut off (filling to the brim or topping off) can cause damage to evaporative emissions system or render it inoperable. “Topping Off” may cause fuel to enter the charcoal canister, or carbon filter, which is designed only for vapor. By digesting the fuel rather than vapors will cause engine stalls until it purges itself of fuel, or it is replaced.

Gary

 

I had a similar problem a number of years back. Presumed it was water in the gas, put a small bottle of 97% isopropyl on the gas, and it solved the problem. (Alcohol is water soluble and the pint bottle caused no lasting issues with the fuel system. Bad gas is my guess, but I could be wrong, and it wouldn't even be the first time today.

Safe travels!

 

Dave,
I do the same thing. I have a big bottle at home and refill the small bottle, which I had with me which I added when I refueled after the episode. Over a thousand miles later and it has not happened since.

I am guessing that in your MG you may experience "vapor lock".

 

I agree