Vehicles stall from tainted gas

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An investigation is under way into some bad gasoline that caused cars and trucks to stall Monday.
       
The gas in question came from a Texaco in the 8100 block of Salt Springs Road in Southeast Austin.

Lee County Petroleum pinpointed the problem to a two-hour window -- from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Tino Dominguez just happened to be one of the drivers who filled up during that time.

"When I went to leave the gas station, my truck started sputtering, just running real rough. I wasn't too sure what it was. Usually what takes me 10 minutes to get to work took me an hour to get to work this morning," said Dominguez.

He wasn't alone. At least four other drivers brought their trucks and SUVs to Tony Palomino's Auto Smart shop, which was just around the corner from the Texaco gas station.

"I check the gas and the gas [smelled] very bad," said Palomino.

Palomino said the gasoline did not smell as strong and was a lighter color than traditional unleaded gasoline.

An employee with the fuel supplier, Lee County Petroleum, said they tested the gas and that it has nothing to do with water mixed in it. But at this point, they still do not know what the problem is with the gas.
   
The company spokesperson told us by phone they're doing what they can to make things right by removing that fuel from the underground tanks and reimbursing customers for towing, repairs and car rentals -- so long as the customer has a receipt and surveillance video shows those customers filled up at this gas station between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday.

"It's been very easy, very easy going, and I'm grateful for what they're doing," said Dominguez.
      
Another driver said he fills up at that Texaco at least twice a week and nothing like this has ever happened to him before.

Lee County Petroleum officials said it has confirmed at least six customers got the bad gas and it is working with those customers on reimbursement for repairs.
    
The mechanic told us flushing out the fuel systems and cleaning the injectors will cost between $350 and $400 for each vehicle.

On Tuesday, investigators from the Texas Department of Agriculture showed up at the Texaco station to test the gasoline via samples drawn from underground tanks.

Texaco is reimbursing those customers who provide receipts for gas purchases there, to cover costs of towing, repairs and car rentals.

Flushing out a car's system can cost about $400.