[Esprit_SE]

I'm not sure which forum to put this, but I'll try here.

I can't take filling up my daily driver anymore ('94 Ford Probe GT). Everytime I try to add gas, the lever on the pump handle 'pops' as if the tank is full. But it isn't. What's going on?!?!? It takes me like 5+ minutes to fill up, because I have to continually pump the handle lever. Or I can try to hold the lever at the point where fuel literally is pumping as slow as the pump will allow.

How does the pump determine when a tank is full and 'pops' the handle lever? I would think maybe pressure or something. But that wouldn't seem to account for the fact that pumping fuel at even a trickle will 'pop' the handle. That much flow rate couldn't generate any pressure. So what the HECK is going on here!?!?!?

Its only a matter of time before someone punches me for hogging the pumps.

Thanks

[poncho62]

Your tank is not venting out the air quickly enough. There is usually a vent hose that runs down beside the filler tube. It's probably plugged.

[Esprit_SE]

Well, I'll look for it and try to check it out, but that seems odd. Even if I pump about as slow I can (OK, a fraction above the absolute minimum), it still pops. That much air should vent around the nozzle with no trouble.

[tm454]

The pump nozel is angled differently on different pump handles. My Riv does this at BP and one of the local cheap stations. I think there is splash back that shuts off the pump.


Tazz


Rat Rods Rule!

[oldschoolrods]

yeah the pumps will shut off whenever gas hits the nozzles so if it splashes back the pump shuts off. sometimes if you pull the nozzle out a little bit it goes longer

[Siggy_Freud]

I normally hook the gas hose around my driver side mirror so it puts the pump nozzle at an angle while keeping it slightly out so it vents properly.

[Esprit_SE]

I tried another station with no luck. Maybe I should try a few more. I also tried pulling the nozzle almost all the way out. And I've turned the nozzle to pretty much upside down. Nothing seems to help.

If its really a vent issue, and I try to fill up from a 5 gallon gas can, would I notice the fuel going in slowly? Or would it possibly spill out around the filler neck if the tank can't vent fast enough? I'm hoping to get a clue from trying that.

I took part of the vent line off and checked it, and it seemed OK. I can't get to the entire thing unless I drop the tank. I'm very curious to find out the problem, but I'm not sure I want to go that far.

Thanks