Am I just an idiot?

[pasvorto1]

I was gassing up the 78 yesterday. The gauge showed less than half a tank. Doing the math, I came up with 12+ gallons needed. The pump shut off at about 8 gallons. I knew that was too little, so I waited a moment for the air pressure to ease and continued pumping. It hit 12 gallons and kept going. Ah-ha, thought I. I was right. However, at about 12.5 gallons, gas spilled out of the neck and onto the ground. I shut it off immediately. No gas got on the paint. I had a nice little pool of gas around the filler, but I got that sopped up. So I have to ask, "Why didn't the pump shut off again as it approached full?". Must I listen for the cahnging sound as it fills up, or live with a less than full tank?

 

[wishuwerehere82]

You should tell the station manager about the problem with the fuel pump nozzle. If it tripped off with 6 gallons to go and didn't shut off until it overflowed, there is a problem with the safety shutoff. If he blows you off, I guess that's why they have insurance. It shouldn't have happened.

Pete.

 

[Mac]

I took care of the double post for ya!

The shut-off will kick if fuel bubbles up to the sensor but if you keep pushing fuel in, you will override the shut-off. I always listen to the sound of the fuel going in and ease off as I approach the last couple of gallons. Better to fill slowly than spill gas, especially given the cost of gas nowadays!

-Mac

 

[81 Corvette]

i let it run till it kicks off then hold the pump manually until i see some kick back in the car's filler neck.

 

[Robin7TFour]

having a BIG fuel hole on the 74, i just watch the gas going in....dontcha just hate a smart a$$

 

[Mac]

My 73 is the same way- big hole for the gas!! My wife's sport-cute is a real pain to gas up. It always bubbles up and causes the shut-off to kick.

-Mac

 

[BoeingMan]

"Am I Just an IDIOT"

-Mac

Yes


:0)

 

[Chas]

I have always said that my 73 has a big gas hole.
Gotta becareful at them stations with the diesel pumps!
Chas

 

[Mac]

Yes


:0)

Luckily, an idiot with a great sense of humour!! :L

-Mac

 

[brusso]

I guess that this brings up another topic. The gas gauge itself. The reading, on the dash, isn't entirely accurate. My figures may be wrong but you'll get the idea. When the gauge reads 1/2 tank, you accually have about 1/3 of a tank of gas. The full reading indicates about 3/4 tank full. Thats why, when you top off, the needle goes way over the F mark. Also, ever notice that the needle seems to move much more quickly, once it goes below the 1/2 mark? Again, I'm not 100% on the figures, but my point is the gas gauge is not an exact representation of how much gas you have, in the tank. Also that it is not a linear measurement.

 

[Chas]

The "Un-goadable" Mac!
Many should take note...myself included.Keep setting the standard pal.
Chas

Luckily, an idiot with a great sense of humour!! :L

-Mac

 

[Chas]

I always thought the gauge moved diffrently due to the shape of the tank itself.having a taper on the bottom , larger at the top.

Now that you bring up the subject, when i fill my tank , watching it all the way to the top...i have noticed that my needle only goes to the 7/8 mark.
I dont think i have ever seen it go to full regardless of the level. so im guessing my float is the reason....not a big deal , just something i noticed.
Chas

I guess that this brings up another topic. The gas gauge itself. The reading, on the dash, isn't entirely accurate. My figures may be wrong but you'll get the idea. When the gauge reads 1/2 tank, you accually have about 1/3 of a tank of gas. The full reading indicates about 3/4 tank full. Thats why, when you top off, the needle goes way over the F mark. Also, ever notice that the needle seems to move much more quickly, once it goes below the 1/2 mark? Again, I'm not 100% on the figures, but my point is the gas gauge is not an exact representation of how much gas you have, in the tank. Also that it is not a linear measurement.

 

[81 Corvette]

I always thought the gauge moved diffrently due to the shape of the tank itself.having a taper on the bottom , larger at the top.

Now that you bring up the subject, when i fill my tank , watching it all the way to the top...i have noticed that my needle only goes to the 7/8 mark.
I dont think i have ever seen it go to full regardless of the level. so im guessing my float is the reason....not a big deal , just something i noticed.
Chas

every car i have ever owned has done this. When i hit the begining of empty, i ussally have 2 or 3 gallons left. Most of my fill ups are about 20 gallons.

 

[brusso]

every car i have ever owned has done this. When i hit the begining of empty, i ussally have 2 or 3 gallons left. Most of my fill ups are about 20 gallons.

Right. My comment was about gas gauges in general. Not just Vettes.