New Product to Me...Any Thoughts?

OptimusPrimeM5 · 29th March 2012, 15:44

Saw this run as a spot during a Motorweek program. Anyone know anything about this stuff other than whats stated in the FAQ's? Has this been discussed here? I know when your out of gas your desperate but is this stuff safe for engines that require premium or are high performance?

FAQ’s | Spare Fuel

bdsmitty88 · 29th March 2012, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptimusPrimeM5

Saw this run as a spot during a Motorweek program. Anyone know anything about this stuff other than whats stated in the FAQ's? Has this been discussed here? I know when your out of gas your desperate but is this stuff safe for engines that require premium or are high performance?

FAQ’s | Spare Fuel

It just sounds like a terrible idea to me. It is probably just some sort of gasoline with a **** ton of additives to keep the molecules from breaking down. And it is a container of fuel stored in the car...

Diny · 29th March 2012, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdsmitty88

And it is a container of fuel stored in the car...

According to their website, it's not flammable. I doubt that, in this day and age, they would claim that and have it not be the case.

However, as a whole idea, I'd rather just pay attention to the fuel gauge.

AlBundy · 29th March 2012, 17:39

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole.

Once the gauge is on empty, you still have ~2 gallons reserve. Right

?

bimmerule · 29th March 2012, 17:56

^^ Incorrect if parked on a slant. Ask me how I know

A trip to the closest gas station and $20 for a red jug later, I got my weekly exercise in

AlBundy · 29th March 2012, 18:03

Hmmmm.... Now that you say that, I noticed something. After a long highway trip, tank almost on empty, light on I park the car.
The next morning when I start it up the gauge will move back up almost to 1/4 tank. The RANGE will also increase.

I've done the walk with the jug before. Not for this car. Not fun. Felt pretty foolish.

jfoj · 29th March 2012, 18:22

Won't help you when the fuel pump dies, again not if, but "when"!

As for the fuel senders in these cars, they are starting to fail as well, I have 2 new ones in the que to be installed shortly as I am getting tired of all the funny codes they are tossing, the strange fuel levels and erratic overall behavior. The E46 are having the same issues as well.

I only had the fuel tank problem on 1 car many years ago, my Ford Explorer was parked on a steep downhill slope with low fuel, went to start it, no go. I rolled it down the hill to the flat spot and was able to get it started, then promptly went to fill it up. No longer did I run the truck that low on fuel again!!

I would rather carry a spare crank sensor in the car.

These cars almost always start and run, maybe not well, if these items are in good working order: battery, fuel pump, fuel pump relay and crank sensor. If the car has fuel and the following items are in working shape, it seems these cars will start as they have so many other sensors. 4 camshaft position sensors, even if one goes bad, the car should start and run reasonably well to get you somewhere!

kevin711 · 29th March 2012, 18:22

I used a similar product from Penzoil before in a rental car (a Chev Cobalt) few years back. If I recall, it can only be used when the car is hot (i.e. you just ran out of gas while driving). I only used it because I wanted to try it and purposely ran out of gas

The car seemed to drive normally, but who knows what long term effects it had. I wouldn't use it in my own car, unless it was a life or death situation.

OptimusPrimeM5 · 29th March 2012, 20:25

Maybe the target market for this product is the off road crew even though they dont specifically call them out. Personally Im of the opinion of others...Not In My Car!

Thanks

E55AMG2 · 29th March 2012, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlBundy

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole.

Once the gauge is on empty, you still have ~2 gallons reserve. Right

?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlBundy

Hmmmm.... Now that you say that, I noticed something. After a long highway trip, tank almost on empty, light on I park the car.
The next morning when I start it up the gauge will move back up almost to 1/4 tank. The RANGE will also increase.

I've done the walk with the jug before. Not for this car. Not fun. Felt pretty foolish.

If you notice, the needle doesnt move for the first 40-60mi...that's because it's burning off the "reserve" that's calibrated into the fuel gauge. Either way, I wouldnt touch this with a 50 foot pole.