99 Sable, wont start (Bad Gas). Please help. Quick fix

[nicks84]

Just to toss out there, the car runs perfectly! The last time I started it was a month ago. If it helps, the car was hit on the rear, which has the rear fender pushed onto the tire. So for that reason, it's not been driven. I have however, started it once or twice a month just to keep things in working order. Today, I beat the dent out with a hammer :-P

Well, the last time I moved it, was a month ago. This time, I go to start it, and it won't start. Only turns (it is on the verge of starting). I thought a couple of times it was actually going to start, but it didint.

Again, I know for a fact the engine is fine. I know it's just bad gas, as it's been sitting for months. I am under the impression gas has about 20 days before it gets weird. This has been well over that period. Its been a little over 6 months. In fact, I am surprised it even started the last few months.

Anyways, what I need to know, is how to prime it? Generally, on other cars, when I run out of gas, I pour gas into carburetor/throttle body (as sometimes, you can kill your battery before it gets from tank to engine).

So I attempted to do this with starting fluid in hopes that once on, it stays on (Maybe this time, I can waste the gas in it or put some water treatment or what ever has to be done). I don't see that I have access to throttle body without unbolting things that I'm not used to unbolting. Generally I remove the air breather or something, and it's there. On this car, when the air breather is removed, the entrance into the throttle body is sealed by a wall, and simply has a hole in it. This isolates me from where I need to be. (not to mention its rotated 90° so its facing sideways). If a picture would help, I would be glad to up one.

Can anyone give me some sort of advice for starting this thing without dropping the tank and putting new gas in it ?


I even thought about removing plugs and spraying a tad bit of starting fluid in there, but it might dry before I get it all back together ? I'm desperate here, can someone please help me.

[danielsatur]

Use octane boost in the tank, and bounce the rear bumper to mix!

[nicks84]

That is a great idea. Why didn't I think of that? I guess this goes to show how well we think in the event panic, lol. I will give it a try tomorrow and keep you posted. Getting late for now.

I'm not sure of how much gas is in there. Maybe about 1/2 tank or so. Should I put the whole thing in there? Would it not be recommended to exceed manufactures suggestions? Oh, and thanks for the suggestion.

[lavondag]

Have you checked your fuel pump cut-off switch? It is located on the inside of the right rear trunk panel. Did you get hit on the right rear and possibly damage that switch, or damage it when you hammered out the dent? Just a thought.

[nicks84]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Use octane boost in the tank, and bounce the rear bumper to mix!

Excellent idea, and though I could totally see this working, it did not work for me. Perhaps if I'd of had more time.

[nicks84]

Originally Posted by lavondag

Have you checked your fuel pump cut-off switch? It is located on the inside of the right rear trunk panel. Did you get hit on the right rear and possibly damage that switch, or damage it when you hammered out the dent? Just a thought.

I have started the car since hammering out the dent so I'm going to assume that is not the issue. Though, good call. I don't think I would have thought of that either.

Unfortunately for me, my jack-ass landlord had my car towed to the junk yard. We had arrangements for me to have it moved by Monday. And of course, he had it towed Sat morning, before Monday came along. What a complete waste

Oh well. Anyone here living in FL aware of the legalities of towing, etc ...
I had a freind who's vehicle got towed. The place that towed it did not fill out a police report, which I am under the impression from her, needs to be done. Since they neglected to follow protocol, she got her vehicle back after 2 weeks. I am going to try to approach this angle, as the person that owns the business is his personal freind. So perhaps with the work load of daily business, he neglected to do it the right way. I will report back. I'd have to make a few calls to find out some solid facts first.

In any case, thank you all for any suggestions, this site has helped me much through the years.

[danielsatur]

Did this car have a registered FL tag?

[nicks84]

The car has been registered in FL. However, the tag is now expired. That might be an issue. But even then, my friends car that got towed, her car was expired as well, she still got it back for free.