Bad Fuel - Best method to clean and resolve

Hi,

I think my vehicle may be affected by some bad fuel that was purchased. My vehicle on occassion will shut-off when idling very slowly and turning very slowly. I already change the air filter, intake gaskets were changed, power steering pump, IAC, etc. Is there something I can purchase that will clean the fuel in my tank. I am trying to do everything to eliminate the causes.

Any suggestions would be helpful

98 Ford Windstar, 3.8L with 78K

Wouldn't diluting the fuel with fresh "good" fuel eventually purge the bad fuel out?

I don't see the connection between bad fuel and some of the items you replaced to fix the "damage" especially the power steering pump.

I would have thought that replacing the fuel filter and perhaps at the worst case cleaning the injectors would be enough.

Perhaps you have something else wrong. Why do you suspect bad fuel? In fact where do you get bad fuel? Are you perhaps talking about old fuel? If so maybe some fuel conditioner might help.

Power steering can cause the problem you mention, however the cause would be the power steering pressure switch.
The switch is in the high pressure line, and tells the PCM when the pressure is above a certain level.....which means that there would be more load on the pump...which is more load on the engine.
When the PCM gets the signal that there is more load at idle (caused by your turning the steering wheel), it tells the IAC to open more and increase the idle to compensate for the load......

Common symptom.....when you know the IAC is OK.....and the vehicle stalls when you are turning into or out of a parking space. Your foot is not on the accelerator....and you are turning the steering wheel.....with the vehicle not moving.......which is maximum load on the power steering (aside from having the steering turned all the way against the stops....which you don't want to do for very long).

Wouldn't diluting the fuel with fresh "good" fuel eventually purge the bad fuel out?

I don't see the connection between bad fuel and some of the items you replaced to fix the "damage" especially the power steering pump.

I would have thought that replacing the fuel filter and perhaps at the worst case cleaning the injectors would be enough.

Perhaps you have something else wrong. Why do you suspect bad fuel? In fact where do you get bad fuel? Are you perhaps talking about old fuel? If so maybe some fuel conditioner might help.
I don't really suspect it but the former owner claimed it might be the case (didn't believe it). I wanted to confirm with the community that it is highly unlikely. I get the impression that it is not likely especially since I know quality fuel has been added and filled (89 octane).

Would the mass air flow sensor be a culprit also? I will get the power steering pressure switch checked. Thanks for the tip. This issue is driving me crazy. If anyone can elaborate on the air flow sensor I would appreciate it. I am really trying to narrow it down so I won't have to spend more $$$ than I already have.

Wiswind your reply sounds like my problem. I'm hopeful it is. I will definitely let the mechanic know what to look for. What is the cost for the replacement of the switch?

I don't really suspect it but the former owner claimed it might be the case (didn't believe it). I wanted to confirm with the community that it is highly unlikely. I get the impression that it is not likely especially since I know quality fuel has been added and filled (89 octane).

Would the mass air flow sensor be a culprit also? I will get the power steering pressure switch checked. Thanks for the tip. This issue is driving me crazy. If anyone can elaborate on the air flow sensor I would appreciate it. I am really trying to narrow it down so I won't have to spend more $$$ than I already have.

Wiswind your reply sounds like my problem. I'm hopeful it is. I will definitely let the mechanic know what to look for. What is the cost for the replacement of the switch?

I must have misread your original post. I thought all of the repairs you tried was because you believed you had a problem with bad fuel and they didn't all make sense to me. Sounds like you actually have an idle problem to which you have been given some good advice.

Sorry

DRW1000 - Actually it was more of a what else could it be post so you answered it the way I had it in the title. Wiswind tip sounds like my problem. I also read around about mass air flow sensor. Anyone know anything about that or is there a way I can test it to eliminate that being a problem. I already know I am getting the switch done. Any feedback would be helpful about the mass air flow sensor.

I would see if the power steering pressure switch correct the problem.
If that does not, then you can try CLEANING the MAF with NON-RESIDUE electronic cleaner.
I have pictures on how to clean the MAF in my pictures at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Does my model have the PSP switch? I was told some don't. I have a 98 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L. Also where is it located?

I dropped it off today at the mechanic and told him about the switch. Thanks for the tip.

Just called a few dealers and they said there is no switch for this model. Should the pressure line be replaced instead?

I read thru the problem you have. I had the same problem with my 98 ford windstar. Well others are right that it could be some thing to do with air into the system when steering or idling.my vehicle would also shut down on steering, during parking. I found that my radiator side IMRC(intake manifold runner controller) was not functioning. It would not hold vacuum. There are 2 imrc's in the 98 model,other is called firewall side. Normally the radiator side imrc goes bad. Probably you will have to replace the imrc ,as i did. I found one from the car wreckers, for 40 dollars canadian.

please post back what finally solved your problem. This would help all of us at the forum from expensive repair.