🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <2un9rk$3ch@mojo.eng.umd.edu>,
Matthew T. Russotto <russotto@eng.umd.edu> wrote:
>In article <2un04f$k3c@access3.digex.net> larry@access3.digex.net (Larry Rubin) writes:
>}their tests which they said they did within the past 30 days of my call, 
>}the octane rating was up to state snuff.

>The station owners know when the inspectors are coming, so if they are
>being crooked, they can be selectively crooked. Alternatively, it
>could be a recent problem in the distrinution network. I've had no problem
>with 2 Exxons in Frederick.  

They don't use random drop in inspection?  really.

The real question is not wether they are measuring the octane of the fuel
but if they are doing water contamination tests.  Back in Illinois the
department of weights and measures would each month test each pump
for 1 gallon accuracy, nozzle diameter, octane and water contamination.

IF this problem is occuring only in exxon's  i would suspect the
problem is with the distribution network.  Here is a simple mechanism
that does not require malice or corruption.

	"Average motor fuels storage containers (Large and small) have
a tendency to absorb moisture from the air and have rust and dirt
particles settle to the bottom.  Fiberglass tanks have less trouble
with rust.  Now if the station tank is allowed to run nearly dry,
it is possible for the fuel pickups to begin sucking the contaminated
fuel at the tank bottom.  Exxon may be having trouble right now
getting fuel to stations before they get into the "Red" zone of the
tanks.  THis could be due to a temporary shortage of drivers, rolling
stock or problems at their tank farm in Springfield, VA.

	Better grades of tanks,  will not draw fuel from the tank bottoms
but a foot or two of the bottom.  However, if the tank is being loaded
while you are fueling, water and crud can still be stirred up to the
pickups.  "

	So while Mr Russoto's Malice and corruption hypothesis may
be correct, i suspect the easier solution to be more correct.

	I was just wondering, mr russotto, given how you see corruption
and theft under every bed, if you think there are any honest merchants
or tradespeople out there?

pat

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