Re: Starting Problem

[smarinel@Flint.Mines.Colorado.edu (Steve Marinello)]

>   >    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

You're right!  It's worse this year.  One tankful my wife put in her '93
90S was so volatile it filled the garage with fumes that started to come
into the house...and that was with the garage door open!

Steve