R56 Pumping Gas Question

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Nov 19, 2007 | 07:42 PM

RVExotics

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 615

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From: Dardanelle, AR

Pumping Gas Question

I've only had my Mini for a few days, and have put gas in it twice. Both times, I've had the gas pump do it's auto-shutoff way before the tank was full. I've noticed the entrance into the gas well is rather slim, so is it the pressure pushing back against the pump that is causing it to shut off early? My real fear here is: if I keep forcing the pump to come back on, I may accidentally hit the point where gas comes shooting out from around the pump handle. Obviously, this I want to avoid!

Is this premature shutoff issue something everyone faces? What do you do about it? I suppose I could just give it a rough estimate based on how many gallons appear to be left in the 14-gal tank...but that's rather inaccurate. Something a bit more precise and efficient would be appreciated! Thanks in advance for any advice.

Nov 19, 2007 | 07:53 PM

Msteadman

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,980

Likes: 1

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVExotics

I recognized this as well in pumping up my MINI the first few times. What I do is let the pump go full blast until the first 'auto-shutoff'. Then I slowly let it pump a second time until it shuts itself off again. I've never had any problems with gas shooting out using this method nor an only partially full tank. My main suggestion is to not pull the gas pump out at all in an attempt to get more gas in. It's tempting and I haven't tried this yet on the MINI, but I've seen other people do it to only result in gas running down their cars paint.

Happy Motoring!!! Your MINI is gorgeous.

Nov 19, 2007 | 07:59 PM

irieman

5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 797

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From: West Coast, USA

I learned how a gas pump works in my Physics class (C+ baby!). As gas rises in the tank the degree of suction changes accordingly. Without any data to back it up, I have always assumed that more modern pumps are designed to be even more sensitive than described in the link above, thereby suffering from Premature Shutoff.

I have yet to spill gas out of the tank of a MINI, as, at one point, it's pretty obvious the tank is full (the handle clicks off instantly).

I'm sure a more learned individual will ad further insight. At least I hope so!

Last edited by irieman; Nov 19, 2007 at 08:14 PM. Reason: changed link to better resource

Nov 19, 2007 | 07:59 PM

Bhatch

4th Gear

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 593

Likes: 1

From: Montreal

Turn the nozzle slightly clockwise, about 15 to 30 degrees.

There are some here where i live that will not even poor gas into the car unless i do this.

Nov 19, 2007 | 08:09 PM

acebutt

3rd Gear

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 224

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From: Fort Madison, Iowa

Set the handle on the first notch. Slower pumping = less back pressure which shuts off pump.

Nov 25, 2007 | 06:25 PM

checkercoop

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,154

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From: Pompano

the best thing (which i did with my previous car) is to put the pump about 2/3 of the way in...the best things is try and allow a gap between the pump nozzle and the opening that way the pressure can escape with the premature shut off...it always stops at the correct time if you do it this way....ive never had gas shoot out my car doing it this way