What to mix with petrol to guarantee engine death?

[GBGaffer]

An acquaintance of mine is being plagued by a spate of thefts of outboard fuel tanks from his boatyard. Presumably the perpetrators are running their cars on the stolen fuel.

He is planning a 'sting' by leaving a boat on a trailer with a tank with some 'doctored' fuel in it. He asked me if I knew what to add to petrol, that would be relatively undetectable, but would guarantee an early demise to the scrote's car.

My initial reply was - sugar, but on reflection (and some quiet googling) I am now not sure. The chap has access to the normal range of industrial products such as solvents and paints to be found in boatyards, and is not looking to do any personal harm - just a swift kick to the wallet as a result of a costly breakdown!

Any bright ideas?

[GBGaffer]

Silent1 said:

Bleach, it'll completely ruin it.

Really What does it do?

[GBGaffer]

Thanks for the replies guys - bleach sounds good, although acetone has distinct possibilities as boatyards tend to have it in bulk.

I will endeavour to keep you posted as to the outcome!

Cheers

G

PS Hi Ben - hope all is well YHM

[GBGaffer]

arfur daley said:

what would the cat be called on a boat?

Scourge (courtesy of Patrick O'Brian)