Here's what I did, in case anybody is interested...

1) Discovered drain plug on bottom of fuel tank. Positioned in an almost perfect location given that the car is parked on a hill. So maybe I'm not cursed after all...

2) Carefully wiped, chipped with a small screwdriver, and shop-vac'ed all of the residual sugar from the top of the filler neck.

3) Drained existing fuel into a sealed drain pan, and set aside for next local harzardous waste collection.

4) Went to gas station and bought 5 gallons of premium, 2 bottles of dry gas. Poured into fuel tank.

5) Smoked cigarette well away from the car and only after washing hands.

6) Again drained tank into another drain pan as per step 3. Jacked up car on side opposite the drain plug to be sure the tank was drained nearly dry.

7) Replaced tank drain plug. Next time I have some daylight I will again fill the car with some good fuel and check for leaks.

8) Bought and installed locking gas cap.

9) Drank celebratory beer.


I think (at least I hope) that I'm out of the woods here. I don't actually think that much sugar made it into the tank past the flapper in the filler neck. Reason being is I have heard that most of the neighborhood cars were hit that night. All seem to be doing fine. How much sugar could a couple of ten-year-olds possibly have had? I'm very thankful that neighbors informed me of this before I had a chance to start the car...

Thanks to everybody for your practical suggestions, good humor, and ideas for revenge. Right now I'm just going to sit here and breathe for a while...

Greg