Did someone sugar my gas tank

2007 FORD FOCUS

100,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC

AMY SHIRLEY

MEMBER
1 POST

Is it normal for sand to collect around your cars gas cap or did someone put sugar in my gas tank? I am a new driver and I only drive it to work five minutes down the street or to get food. I have not been on a beach or anything like that. I have only put gas in it two times. Once after I got it and a month later (today) which is when I saw this sand type stuff around the gas cap. There was quite a bit of it.

Jul 14, 2016 at 8:44 PM

JOHNNY G.JR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
320 POSTS

Taste it and find out or pour some in a glass of water and see if it dissolves.

Jul 14, 2016 at 8:48 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
11,004 POSTS

Sometimes dirt will collect in the gas cap compartment.

Two things you can try (Yep, the first is easy and what I would do)

1) Ever been to the beach? Got a little sand in your mouth? A little touch to your tongue might verify whether it'= is sweet or dirt.

2) Okay the other way, Gather as much of it up and put it in a teaspoon. Hold it over a candle, Sugar will turn blackish and sort of boil until it looks like dry, thin, black fingernail polish. Sand will get hot, that is all.

Of course either of the two items could intentionally be added to your tank.

Ever thought of a locking gas cap?

The Medic

Jul 14, 2016 at 9:09 PM

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