Re: Starting Problem

[rdh@sli.com (Robert D. Houk)]

   >    I am wondering if anyone has been having starting problems 
   >  with these "winter" fuels.  It seems that right about the time
   ...
   It's the fuels...the volatility of the different "winter/oxygenated fuels
   varies and some have significantly different characteristics, especially in
   "warm" winter weather.  In my '83 TQC, I cannot run Phillips 66 during the
   winter without having major cold start problems.  Conoco gives me great
   cold starts, but often pain in the *** warm starts.  It's just crapshoot
   with each car having its preference based on its particular setup.  A lot
   of it depends on whether it's ethanol or MTBE being added,among other
   things.  Try a few different top line gasolines.  Unfortunately, Chevron,
   Exxon and Shell aren't around here in Denver anymore and their are few
   Amoco stations near where I live.  Exxon used to be the best for me
   (sorry!).

Yeah, the different brands really are different (kinda surprised me too!).
The last time I carefully checked (coupla years ago), I quite consistently
get an extra 1.2 - 2 mpg out of Shell premium (as opposed to Exxon and
Mobil). Never found any "performance" difference, as far as starting, run-
ning, and the like, just the mileage. Strange stuff, chemistry . . .

And this winter fuel is really the s***s this year!

					-RDH