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View Full Version : "You can't leave and I have to call the fire department" he said.

Barn Babe
11-06-2009, 6:41am
Yesterday morning I had a really early start so I thought I'd go gas up the Vette so my sister can take it out this afternoon.

While the gas is a pumpin', I realize I hadn't yet had my morning coffee. So I stroll into the market, pour a cup and chit-chat with the guy behind the counter. Generally taking my time.

On my way out I see about 10 people standing around the Vette. I've had people walk by and check it out, but it's never drawn a crowd before.

It turns out the pump didn't shut off when the tank was full and my car is now an island in a sea of gasoline.

I had some towels in the trunk so I am able to clean up what little bit got on the car (we have one of those rubber things around the hole you put the gas in, that guides the gas away from the car) and whip out my keys.

The attendant then informs me that I can't start my car until the fire department comes. As much as I LOVE a good fireman show, I am starting to run late. He agrees to let me put it in neutral and push me out of the puddle, but I still had to wait 10 minutes before I started my engine for the gas to dissipate.

These are newish pumps, HTF did it not shut off when the tank was full! I never go into those little stores so I never leave my car with the gas pumping, but nothing like this ever happened before. :skep:
PortDawg
11-06-2009, 6:52am
Um...oops...
09CTSV
11-06-2009, 6:55am
The pump acts to shut off on pressure, specifically back pressure from the tank filling. If the nozzle is not seated in far enough and is allowing vapor to squeeze past then the pump can overshoot the full mark. On the other side, if the pressure is not set right on the pump it can do the same thing.
In Indiana they hold the person pumping the gas responsible for the spill and in some cases charge for the clean up. I never leave the pump while it is filling because I've had the same thing happen as you.
MYSCZ06
11-06-2009, 6:56am
yup oops is right just for that reason I never leave mine unattended you never know...
Vet4jdc
11-06-2009, 7:24am
Many of the gas stations here have signs that say you "must stay with your vehicle while pumping gas".

(not everyone does):D
xXBUDXx
11-06-2009, 7:46am
I'll check my schedule and see when we can get together to work on your hose handling skills.
DropTheTop
11-06-2009, 7:57am
User error. :D

I don't have that option here in NJ. Fockers don't let me touch the nozzle unless I'm on a bike.
Munch
11-06-2009, 7:59am
I've seen way to many of these situations in the past, I don't even take my hand off the nozzle when I fill up the Vette.
NEVRL8T
11-06-2009, 8:01am
I've seen way to many of these situations in the past, I don't even take my hand off the nozzle when I fill up the Vette.

Yep. It's funny, it never happens in my truck but it will in the Vette.
BuckyThreadkiller
11-06-2009, 2:06pm
I have got to start keeping a list...

Somebody call Apex - BB is remaking "I Love Lucy"

Which station? and how long did it take the VFD to show?
ApexOversteer
11-06-2009, 4:45pm
You're lucky. When you walk away from a Lamborghini Gallardo and the pump doesn't stop...

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/post-13102-1236588447.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/post-13102-1236588412.jpg
Firevette
11-06-2009, 4:58pm
I don't dare try that with my C4....Was able to with the old school pumps. The new spring loaded nozzles make it so I cant take my hand off it.
Firevette
11-06-2009, 5:00pm
You're lucky. When you walk away from a Lamborghini Gallardo and the pump doesn't stop...


That sucks! Dude needs a:slap:
CertInsaneC5
11-06-2009, 5:36pm
The pump acts to shut off on pressure, specifically back pressure from the tank filling. If the nozzle is not seated in far enough and is allowing vapor to squeeze past then the pump can overshoot the full mark. On the other side, if the pressure is not set right on the pump it can do the same thing.
In Indiana they hold the person pumping the gas responsible for the spill and in some cases charge for the clean up. I never leave the pump while it is filling because I've had the same thing happen as you.

:iagree: The fire department will charge you for cleanup here. $500 minimum. Then the police will give you multiple tickets. I have witnessed this first hand while stuck at the pump until they are all finished bending you over. The guy they did it to was not happy.
Neutron
11-06-2009, 5:37pm
That sucks! Dude needs a:slap:

Apparently Gallardos catch fire if you 'top them off'. :lol:
ApexOversteer
11-06-2009, 5:41pm
Apparently Gallardos catch fire if you 'top them off'. :lol:

Yup. When the pump stops the first time, its full.
Neutron
11-06-2009, 5:43pm
Yup. When the pump stops the first time, its full.

I never understood why people 'top it off'. Is half a cup of gas really worth the possibility of spilling gas on your car? :confused5:
NEVRL8T
11-06-2009, 5:51pm
BTW, I like to wait by a pump with my vehicle and when someone pulls up, puts the nozzle in their tank and walks off - hell, I take the nozzle out of their tank and swing over to my vehicle and pump away. I get a free $20 worth before they notice.
Neutron
11-06-2009, 5:53pm
BTW, I like to wait by a pump with my vehicle and when someone pulls up, puts the nozzle in their tank and walks off - hell, I take the nozzle out of their tank and swing over to my vehicle and pump away. I get a free $20 worth before they notice.

I've never done that, but I've given them 10 bucks to start the pump and it doesn't stop til I'm full. :D :cool:
Barn Babe
11-07-2009, 7:57am
I have got to start keeping a list...

Somebody call Apex - BB is remaking "I Love Lucy"

Which station? and how long did it take the VFD to show?

Not the first time I've been likened to Lucy. Not even the third time.

It was the Exxon station across the 20 from Brookshires. I was gone by the time the fire department got there. I'd have stuck around just to see them if I didn't need to be at work.
Barn Babe
11-07-2009, 7:58am
:iagree: The fire department will charge you for cleanup here. $500 minimum. Then the police will give you multiple tickets. I have witnessed this first hand while stuck at the pump until they are all finished bending you over. The guy they did it to was not happy.

Really? They wouldn't charge the station for their pump malfunctioning? I'm glad I got out of there when I did!
BuckyThreadkiller
11-07-2009, 9:45am
Wow, that's only about 6 blocks from the Willow Park FD. You must have split in a hurry.
CertInsaneC5
11-07-2009, 11:47am
Really? They wouldn't charge the station for their pump malfunctioning? I'm glad I got out of there when I did!

They may charge the station as well. I don't know for sure. But I do know they charge the car owner for not staying with the vehicle.
comp
11-07-2009, 1:32pm
I'll check my schedule and see when we can get together to work on your hose handling skills.

:o_o: pics