Contaminated regular unleaded petrol

[Admin]

March 9, 2009. Warning from Caltex Australia

 

CONTAMINATED REGULAR UNLEADED PETROL AND DIESEL SAFETY WARNING

 

Caltex Australia regrets to advise that regular unleaded petrol and diesel purchased from the Tea Tree Cafe / General Store, South Pambula (158 Mount Darragh Road, South Pambula) from 14:15 Friday, 6th March through to 08:23 Saturday 7th March may have been contaminated.

 

This fuel may be a safety threat to any user of ultralight aircraft, marine craft powered by an outboard motor or other high-revving two stroke motors as use of the fuel may lead to engine failure.

 

Any customers who may have experienced performance problems (such as hard starting or rough idling) in their vehicles or equipment should contact the Caltex Customer feedback line on 1800 240 398 immediately.

 

If you have any concerns we recommend the engine is checked by a mechanic, as further mechanical problems may exist if the issue is not addressed.

 

Caltex has taken action to investigate and determine the source of the possible contamination.

 

For further information please call the Caltex Customer feedback line on 1800 240 398

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

When working for an aviation maintenance firm once we had to recieve the fuel tanker for the once weekly load of fresh AVGAS into our underground tank. This was often at night or sometimes early morning, as the truck could turn up at any time.

 

This particular night the tanker guy pulled off the long 20" x 5" hose, hooked it to the truck and was about to hook it to our supply, when it became obvious that the hose had a fair quantity of fluid already in it. We tipped out what turned out to be about 5-6 gals of AVTUR Kerosene. Turns out the truck carried both, and his last unload had been AVTUR with that same hose. AVTUR Kero contamination in AVGAS can, and will cause preignition and detonation in sufficient quantitys, which can destroy your engine quickly as you can't hear it happening...........................................