You are correct, Dave.  One makes the assumption that if a person can
articulate a problem, then he (she) has a few mechanically inclined
clues, one being - "I have the clues and tools to do it or I don't".
The possible clues I was presenting was meant for those who have
mechanical skills or at least the common sense to take the car to a
mechanically inclined individual, armed with a little more info as to
the cause of the problem.  

You will note that this person did take the car to a dealer shop.  The
fact that the dealer shop added fuel to the 1/4 tank to get the car to
start should have been a major tip off that another problem exists.
Perhaps the experienced people at that dealership also need some clues
or large bottle of 'I care'.

You may also consider that this is a news group where people ask
questions about their cars and possible fixes to their problem or
otherwise exchange information.  There is no requirement to add a line
that says - "I'm a highly experienced mechanic who can't quite get a
grip in this problem" or "I'm too stupid to be allowed to live, please
kill me".   People should know their limitations.  People who are too
stupid to own tools, but do,  are dangerous and should be thinned from
the herd.  

I have noted that there are quite a few people in this and other
groups who seem to have the time to respond to a question with less
than an answer and merely provide a smug dig, while they themselves
have no apparent clue, but feel compelled to take up space.  Perhaps
this boosts their  low selfworth and justifies their   existence.  It
is also interesting to read that you have predetermined the askers
level of competence.  The asker wrote a nicely documented play by play
of events and asked a legitamate question, that deserves an better
response than "take it to a mechanic".  (Re-read paragraph 2)

As an experienced mechanic, I have no problem sharing information to
anyone who knows how to ask the question.   This is no different than
if I do this on the net, over the phone or face to face. It also helps
if I understand the stated question and unfortunately, that doesn't
alway happen.  I am not claiming perfection.   Information is only
useful if you know how ask for it and how to use it.

Pete Selby
Licensed Automotive mechanic (red seal)
Licensed Heavy Equipment mechanic (red seal)