SAM’S Club members have been left stunned after a gas station accidentally seemed to pump out the wrong fuel.
Drivers were plagued with engine issues following the mishap forcing bosses at the wholesaler to speak out.
Customers were left bewildered as some motors wouldn’t start – hours after refueling them.
Those who bought 87 octane gasoline were impacted by the mixup, as reported by The Times Leader Online.
But, diesel, a thicker and more viscous fuel, ended up being pumped into the cars.
Drivers initially didn’t realize what had happened, but the error left some stranded.
“My brother-in-law bought gas at Sams today,” Barb Eiben said.
She said his truck, which has less than 1,000 miles on the clock, would have to be repaired.
Amy Westfall Witschey said her car didn’t seem right hours after filling it up before revealing it wouldn’t start the next morning.
“What a nightmare for everyone,” she lamented in a Facebook post.
She revealed that she had called the gas station in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and a staffer told her they had already received dozens of claims.
Eve Shaw claimed her car stopped on Ohio State Route 7, according to the Times Leader.
“We got gas there yesterday and our truck started messing up almost immediately,” Jo Collett wrote online.
Drivers impacted have been urged to file a claim.
“We are actively working to address this situation and are dedicated to making things right for our affected members,” Sam’s Club’s director of corporate communications, told WTRF-TV.
It’s not known how many drivers in total were impacted by the mix-up.
Experts at State Farm have warned it can cost up to $2,000 to drain a full tank of fuel.
What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your tank?
Dwanye Saunders, the owner of Genuine Automotive & Diesel in Austin, Texas, said the common mix up isn't as dire as people think.
He told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview there are things drivers should look out for at the pumps to avoid putting the wrong fuel in your tank, and what to do if it happens.
The first thing he noted is that most gas stations make it very difficult to fill a gas-powered car with diesel. At the pumps, size does matter.
“The nozzle for the diesel pump is usually much bigger than a gasoline pump,” he said.
“So, it’s pretty hard to put diesel in a gas tank, it’s actually easier to accidentally put gasoline in a diesel engine.”
If the wrong fuel type is used, drivers will know right away, as the engine will run incredibly rough before shutting off. When that happens, it’s important to not try and start the vehicle again, as it pushes the fuel further into the system. Forcing the wrong fuel through an ill-equipped engine can cost thousands in repairs, or even merit an engine replacement.
Instead, it’s best to have your vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic, where they’ll begin repairs.
“A good mechanic would drain the fuel tank and flush the lines with fresh gasoline, maybe run some fuel system cleaner through it and it’s usually not detrimental,” said Saunders.
Read more here.
The nozzles for diesel pumps usually differ from their gas counterparts, meaning they might not fit into the tank.
Drivers have also been warned their car might smoke if they manage to start it.
Experts at Progressive have warned there is a chance diesel fuel could gum up a gas car’s system.
Diesel is a denser fuel and it burns more slowly than gasoline.
But, one of the positives of a diesel engine is that it has a life expectancy of between 250,000 and 300,000 miles.
And, diesel engines are more durable.
Technician Gary Stewart also had a warning for drivers.
“Don’t drive it down the road until it bursts into flames, don’t try to pump gas into it, don’t pour anything into the tank, don’t try to fix it,” he said.
The U.S. Sun reported how driver John Toth experienced engine trouble after refueling his car at an ARCO gas station.
And, mom Jessica Johnson had to foot a hefty $2,000 bill after her engine ended up being contaminated.
She said her vehicle started jerking and claimed she almost had an accident.
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