vehicle possibly sabotaged

[MikeBriggs]

Hello 1st time poster here.

I have concerns that I could really use some clarification on.

This weekend my car(02 Sable) was towed by someone I had a major dispute with. Now I'm praying that the jerk just had it towed but I'm about 90% sure he had my car sabotaged in some way by his buddies at the tow yard.

He didn't have my keys but they could have easily got into the car with a slim jim but IMO I think they added something into my gas tank.

The car was overly loud this morning when I drove it a short distance but FWIW it was about 2 degrees outside and I didn't warm it up.

If something was added to my tank what should I do? Drain the gas and oil? Just the gas?

What could he have used sugar? bb's? would that really kill my engine?

Please help, what should I do?....more info/facts the better



thanks

[MagicRat]

Sugar in the gas does not do anything. It's a myth.

Are you sure they did anything? Imo people like this are pretty lazy. If its that cold (2 deg in FL???) they are not going to work outside in the cold much. Also, a tow yard is a business, they don't need the hassle of damaging the vehicle of a member of the public.

I suggest check the oil drain plug and oil filter for tightness. Check the oil level. Consider an oil and filter change. Have a mechanic inspect all the brake and fuel likes from front to back. Look for cuts, loose fittings, and areas hammered flat. Check the tire condition. Inspect the brakes, wheels, steering and suspension for damage/missing parts/loose fasteners.

[MikeBriggs]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

Sugar in the gas does not do anything. It's a myth.

Are you sure they did anything? Imo people like this are pretty lazy. If its that cold (2 deg in FL???) they are not going to work outside in the cold much. Also, a tow yard is a business, they don't need the hassle of damaging the vehicle of a member of the public.

I suggest check the oil drain plug and oil filter for tightness. Check the oil level. Consider an oil and filter change. Have a mechanic inspect all the brake and fuel likes from front to back. Look for cuts, loose fittings, and areas hammered flat. Check the tire condition. Inspect the brakes, wheels, steering and suspension for damage/missing parts/loose fasteners.

I'm going to drain the gas tank just to be sure.

[shorod]

What do you mean by "overly loud"? Were you hearing rattles? Was the exhaust loud? Was it moaning from under the hood area?

In general, nothing added to the fuel will make the car louder, unless something like BBs were added to the tank like you mention. And other than the sound, BBs won't really do any damage since the inlets and outlets for the tank are up high and there is a screen/filter socket over the fuel pump pickup. About the only damage they could do is loosen up rust or scale from the bottom of the tank that would eventually plug the inlet to the fuel pump.

To train the tank you'll pretty much need to drop the fuel tank to get anything out you fear might have been poured in. If you go that far, you should consider replacing the fuel pump if it's original and you plan to keep the car awhile. Also, replace the fuel filter while you're at it.

-Rod

[dharris973303]

same scenario a mechanic gets when i fix someones car, and they notice the check engine light is on or something totally unrelated.

because someone was arround your car, youre overly suspicious about every little detail, even ones you didn't notice before.

odds are they didnt tamper with it, but ive seen damage in just the hook up and bending unersides. so....

and the fastest easiest way to kill a motor is to dump the ooil or coolant. if ya handt checked em before, and even if ya started yer car aleady, it would be too late.