Park Avenue V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (2005)
Fuel: Testing and Inspection
Without Special Tool
ALCOHOL/CONTAMINANTS-IN-FUEL DIAGNOSIS (WITHOUT SPECIAL TOOL)
Water contamination in the fuel system may cause driveability conditions such as hesitation, stalling, no start, or misfires in one or more cylinders.
Water may collect near a single fuel injector, at the lowest point in the fuel rail, and cause a misfire in that cylinder. If the fuel system is contaminated
with water, inspect the fuel system components for rust, or deterioration. Alcohol concentrations of more than 10 percent in fuel can be detrimental to
fuel system components. Alcohol contamination may cause fuel system corrosion, deterioration of rubber components, and subsequent fuel filter
restriction. Fuel contaminated with alcohol may cause driveability conditions such as hesitation, lack of power, stalling, or no start. Some types of
alcohol are more detrimental to the fuel system components than others.
ALCOHOL IN FUEL TESTING PROCEDURE
The fuel sample should be drawn from the bottom of the tank so that any water present in the tank will be detected. The sample should be bright and
clear. If alcohol contamination is suspected then use the following procedure to test the fuel quality:
1. Using a 100 ml (3.38 oz) specified cylinder with 1 ml graduation marks, fill the cylinder with fuel to the 90 ml (3.04 oz) mark.
2. Add 10 ml (0.34 oz) of water in order to bring the total fluid volume to 100 ml (3.38 oz) and install a stopper.
3. Shake the cylinder vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Carefully loosen the stopper in order to release the pressure.
5. Install the stopper and shake the cylinder vigorously again for 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Put the cylinder on a level surface for approximately 5 minutes in order to allow adequate liquid separation.
If alcohol is present in the fuel, the volume of the lower layer, which would now contain both alcohol and water, will be more than 10 ml (0.34 oz).
For example, if the volume of the lower layer is increased to 15 ml (0.51 oz), this indicates at least 5 percent alcohol in the fuel. The actual amount of
alcohol may be somewhat more because this procedure does not extract all of the alcohol from the fuel.
PHYSICAL CONTAMINANTS IN FUEL TESTING PROCEDURE
The fuel sample should be drawn from the bottom of the tank so that any water present in the tank will be detected. The sample should be bright and
clear. If the sample appears cloudy, or contaminated with water, as indicated by a water layer at the bottom of the sample, use the following procedure
to diagnose the fuel.
1. Using an approved fuel container, draw approximately 0.5 L (0.53 qt) of fuel.
2. Place the cylinder on a level surface for approximately 5 minutes in order to allow settling of the particulate contamination.
3. Particulate contamination will show up in various shapes and colors. Sand will typically be identified by a white or light brown crystals. Rubber
will appear as black and irregular particles.
4. Observe the fuel sample. IF any physical contaminants or water are present, clean the fuel system. Refer to Fuel System Cleaning.
