I need help with a scene. I'm trying to create a scene where something is poured into a car's fuel tank to make it stop a short time after traveling. I was thinking water, and googled that, and I saw a comment about using popcorn. Would this work? Anyone know?

Petrol into desiel or vice versus works, as my colleague found out, but it maybe a bit abrupt if you need the car to run on a while.

Maybe worth checking out.

I'd want it to be fairly abrupt. As in minutes.

Are you suggesting I test in on the neighbors? Hmm.

Try googling sugar in a gas tank - I seem to remember that being our choice when we wanted to get back at our teachers... (0:

Did it work? I had already researched that one. Seems to be a difference of opinion. Some say the filter will catch it, and no harm done.

Sugar or sand works well.  Don't ask me how I know this.


Phil

Another question is, how does the character in the scene gain access to the fuel tank? Most modern cars in the last 10-15 years have a remotely operated fuel cap from inside the car, or at the least a lock on the actual cap.
        I think the sand, or a liquid with a high viscosity that would block the flow of fuel when the pump starts to draw fuel would do the trick.

The scene actually takes place in 1931 at a gas station. So the attendant has to sneak it in without the occupants noticing.

Sand it takes a fair amount of, because the sand settles below the engine intake. Same with water. Not sure about sugar, which could cause the problem by congealing. However, I think with sugar, the engine probably sputters instead of conking out.

I don't know if the popcorn was a joke or not. I assume it works well if it gets hot and pops. But I don't know if that happens.

Water's your best way to go, Kev.  Once you pour it in, it sinks right to the bottom of the tank and the car will stall within minutes.  Happened at a gas station near here a few months ago.  Apparently water got into the station's underground tank somehow, and there were a parade of stalled cars lined up on the highway shoulder a couple miles downroad.

In that case, I'd just plumb for a little gasoline and something that would have been readily available, engine oil.

Yeah, probably water. So it happens quick then? I might still go with the popcorn, just because it's unique. I don't know. Thanks, fellas!

Sorry to hijack this thread but it occurs to me this could be a great way of finding out how to do "dirty deeds", so to speak.

You know, how can i kill my grandmother without anybody suspecting me, or how can I fake a cheque on on next door neighbours account. The list could be endless. I'll watch with fascination as the depth of knowledge emerges from SS readers. May even be a script in there!

Now, what did I need to know...

Quoted from Reef Dreamer You know, how can i kill my grandmother without anybody suspecting me, or how can I fake a cheque on on next door neighbours account. The list could be endless. I'll watch with fascination as the depth of knowledge emerges from SS readers. May even be a script in there!

They say there is nothing new under the sun, and same with that thought.

I needed a "bloodless murder" in a taxi for a script -- and board members delivered in a very typical fashion.  An amusing old WIP thread if anyone is interested.  

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-workinprogress/m-1192382407

Have him take a piss in it, Kev.

Basket, one problem, though this will amuse someone, probably Jeff: the person fixing the tank is a woman. That could be tough!

Dynamite with a long fuse always works for me  ;D

Just googled the question.  Sand, sugar and water popped up.

As did ping pong balls.  :)

Sand and sugar I'm pretty sure ruin the car's engine completely. Water I've never heard of. If gas caps were switched to something that doesnt allow air into the tank, vapor lock would occur. Probably restart after a couple of minutes then stall back out in a short time. Gas goes out, air has to come in...

James

Table tennis is the way to go, Kev.
Ping pong balls in the gas tank are GUARANTEED to stop a car after a couple of miles.
They rise up and clog the fuel line, the car stops, they settle.
After a few minutes, the balls settle, repeat annoying process.

Table tennis became popular in the 1880's, especially with women. ;D

Regards,
E.D.

Quoted from stevie Dynamite with a long fuse always works for me  ;D

Works for Bugs Bunny, too.

I don't understand using ping pong balls.  They float and all the fuel line leading from the tank to the engine is at the bottom of the tank.



Phil

I don't know how u get them down the gas tank neck.  They're larger in diameter than a standard gas pump nozzle. Guess you've got to crush them?