Last weekend, I was riding my R1200RT and got stranded in a small town in Arkansas due to fuel contamination. Here is how it happened and perhaps others have some thoughts about how to prevent it or fix it should it happen to you.
I stopped at an Exxon station in Gould, AR and refueled with premium fuel from the pump. The bike started OK, but died after going about a quarter of a mile and wouldn't restart. I immediately suspected fuel contamination, but had no way to confirm that so had the bike towed 160 miles to the closest dealership in Memphis. (My insurance policy with Progressive covers towing up to 85 miles or the closest dealership whichever is farthest.)
When the dealer service tech drained the tank, the fuel was obviously contaminated. The larger top layer was milky white and there was a smaller bottom layer of darker fluid (apparently water or something else). The tech removed all the bad fuel and replaced it with fresh fuel and the bike has run fine ever since.
I contacted the Exxon District Manager in Arkansas who said it was a problem they are experiencing with ethanol based fuels. He said they would replace the filters on that tank and has offered to repay me for damages/costs. I will let you know how much of my out-of-pocket costs (repair, hotel bill, .etc) they will cover.
So what can we do to prevent this in the future? My riding buddies and the BMW service manager think it might be better to use mid grade fuel if you are forced to refuel in small towns where premium fuel is probably not used that often. In my case, the station was in a small agricultural town (no stop light) where most local people probably use only regular fuel. So the higher grade fuel isn't used as often and is more susceptible to being contaminated as it sits in the tank longer.
Apparently, using national brand fuel such as Exxon versus smaller regional distributors isn't a sure proof preventative measure either.
For a roadside emergency fix, carrying a small siphon hose now make sense. Simply drain the bad fuel and replace with good. The bike should run OK afterwards.
Thoughts?
Lee
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