5ltr VR Calais start problem

[Pete.M]

Hey guys, first time user so hope someone can help. My 94 VR V8 Calais needed some fuel so went to my local servo and put $10 of 98 octane in as I usually do. Car was goin great but went to shop after servo and when I came out, the car kranked over but wouldn't start. Finally got her goin but she coughed and spluttered all the way home. Let her sit for 4 hours and tried to start again. Took some time but she finally got going. Idles OK, revs OK as long as its a slow steady increase on the pedal. As soon as you give her normal gas as if taking off from standing start, she splutters, backfires and wants to stop. She was going good until I put the $10 of fuel in, although she is due for a service. Been a bit wet lately, would just $10 of bad fuel cause this (there wasn't much in the tank).

I remember years ago I used to put kero or metho (can't remember which) in a car I had and this used to dry up any water or moisture in the tank. Fuel pump is working and i did notice a little white smoke from the exhaust when I put my foot down when she got going.

Any ideas, I don't want to take her for a drive and give her a boot full to blow any cobwebs out as I don't have anyone to come and save my butt if i get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Also can't afford a tow or a mechanic until i get paid later in the week. Any advice is greatly appreciated. As everything was fine until I went to the servo, I can only assume that the $10 of fuel was bad. If that is the case, how can I fix it, cheers. Pete M

[Brett_jjj]

Syphon the fuel out and replace it,and replace the fuel filter as well.A cup of Methylated spirits will help with moisture/water in the tank.It lets any water in the fuel tank mix with the petrol so it can be burned off with the petrol in the combustion process.Also check for any error codes.Checking error codes VR/VS (Revised)

[Pete.M]

Thanks Brett for the info but where the hell is the fuel filter. As the tank was right on empty & I only put $10 of fuel in, couldn't I just go and fill her up and add a cup of metho. This would hopefully get rid of any moisture in the tank, or is it too late as the water/moisture has already stuffed up the fuel filter, cheers. PeteM

[Brett_jjj]

The fuel filter is just in front of the fuel tank near the diff under the rear of the car.I would definitely replace the fuel filter.Once you have done that,then fill er up and add the metho.Did any error codes show up at all?

[Brett_jjj]

I forgot to mention that you have to relieve the fuel pressure in the system before removing any part of the fuel system,including the fuel filter.Its pressurised even when not running.All you do is start the engine,go to the fuse and relay box under the bonnet,and while the engine is idling pull the fuel pump relay out.The engine will stall,then wind it over (try to start it)for about 5 seconds,it should just wind over,then turn the key off.This is just to make sure all the pressure has gone.The fuel system is now right to work on,and you can now remove the fuel filter.When you have replaced the filter
just replace the relay back in where it was removed from,and it will be all back to normal,all you gotta do then is with the key in the on position or the engine running,check the new fuel filter connections for leaks etc.