1996 Camry hesitation

[rum runner]

1996 2.2L Camry

Several months ago I unknowingly ran a tank of contaminated gasoline thru the engine. The sputtering finally cleared up, somewhat, but the car still hesitates when idling and at highway speeds. Does bad fuel destroy sensors? Can anyone direct me where I should look for problems?

Thanks in advance. RR

[somick]

I would look for a clogged fuel filter first.

Sam

[DFBonnett]

Originally Posted by rum runner

1996 2.2L Camry

Several months ago I unknowingly ran a tank of contaminated gasoline thru the engine. The sputtering finally cleared up, somewhat, but the car still hesitates when idling and at highway speeds. Does bad fuel destroy sensors? Can anyone direct me where I should look for problems?

Thanks in advance. RR

What sort of contamination ?

[rum runner]

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

What sort of contamination ?

It was old fuel that had a water content but enough octange to run the engine. I looked at the fuel and it was clear but had a weak smell and a tad bit of water. The service station had other complaints from drivers.

Will the onboard computer get damage from contaminated fuel?

[DFBonnett]

No damage to the computer. I'd change the fuel filter first and add a can or two of dry gas at each of the next couple of fill-ups. If that doesn't clear the problem up you may have to drop the gas tank and completely empty it to get any remaining water out.

[Mike Gerber]

I heartly agree with DFBonnett. I would put in a couple of cans of dry gas of any brand right now. A couple of additional cans at your next fillup would also be a good idea. I had a problem like this with my wife's 98 Camry last Winter. I think she bought some watered gas. I was concerned about a problem with the EGR valve causing the hesitations she was experiencing, but I talked to a friend who is a professional tech. From the symptoms I described to him and noting that they started shortly after my wife got a tank of gas, he said it sounds like bad gas to him. I tried 2 cans of the dry gas and a fresh tank of gas and the problem was solved. Then, of course, my wife got another tank of gas at the same station and the hesitation started up again. 2 more cans of the stuff and another fresh tank of gas to dilute the watered stuff and all was well again. She never got gas at that same station again and all has been well. Try the dry gas. I keep about 4 or 5 cans of it in my garage all the time now. You can get the stuff for next to nothing at Walmart here at the end of Winter; something like 50 cents a bottle.

Mike