this morning i stopped at my local station to put gas in MINI. i inserted the nozzel into the tank and clicked on the automatic thingy so i could go wash the windows while the tank was filling. after a few moments of intense window washing, i realized that the pump had not clicked off. i looked up and saw the pump still running, and gas flooding back out of the tank! i raced over and cut it off, and found myself standing in a pool of gasoline. i don't even want to think of what might have happened had a starting engine produced a spark, had someone lit a cigarette, jesus. anyway, i don't believe i'll continue this practice, and if you do, you might want to reconsider it. and i wasted about 6 bucks in fuel, but that's obviously the least of it. which leads me to a question (finally): can the gasoline running out of the tank, down the side of the car, have done anything to the paint/wax which i should address at the earliest opportunity? perhaps a case of misplaced priorities, but still...........

paddy

 

I would thinmk that a thorough wash/wax of your car would put things right again. Make sure you get the tire thoroughly cleaned as well because pretoleim products dry out and cause cracks in the rubber.

 

Yes! Flush the area, and underside of the car, completely with water as /soon/ as possible. Now, when you get home, wash at least the effected area (including tire and wheel) thoroughly. Twice.

Let it dry, then wax it. If you don't have time to do the whole car, at least do the area that got drenched in gas.

 

Glad to hear you weren't hurt. That scenario, with gas all over the place, can happen when the fuel nozzle isn't inserted completely down into the neck of the tank. I've noticed that most fuel nozzles won't go down into the MINI as with other cars.

I take a little extra care when fueling the MINI, never put the fuel nozzle on "maximum" gas flow. That makes it a little safer.

Be careful, good luck with the mess!

 

Make sure to rinse underneath the plastic trim around the wheel openings too. Luckily the MINI finish is pretty resistant to the solvents in the gasoline. The gasoline will wash off any protective waxes, and the oily residue left over can stain some colors.

 

thanks for the tips everyone. i've flushed it as best i can here at work, which means simply carrying improvised containers of water to the car and dumping them. the thourough stuff will have to wait until i get home.

much appreciated.

paddy

 

Not to get off topic, but hey Greatbear - do you own a Red Barchetta?

 

Get a bottle of Quick Detailer (Meguiar's) and carry clean microfiber towels at all times to clean up unexpected, paint harming messes.

I always let the gas pump put the gas in automatically while I clean the windshield, etc. The spill problem you experienced is the result of an ill-fitting gas pump nozzle and also a generally poorly maintained pump equipment. Gas stations are required to maintain these "Spills" sensors in check as the gasoline spills can sooner or later have an impact on the environment.

Next time avoid that gas station and always look for gas stations that have well maintained pump equipment, look new and have a clean appearance.

I always use Citgo and never have a problem with unexpected tank overflowing spills.

 

This is why in NY it illegal to have the automatic filler thingies on the pumps. Instead you have to stand there the whole time, holding the nozzle until the tank is full.

 

LAUGHING OUT LOUD WITH FEAR AND HOPE
I'VE GOT A DESPERATE PLAN...

Such a great tune; SUCH a great band. Hmmm, I'm gonnna load MP into the H/K CD player. Oh yeah, oh yeahhhh.

 

I would use a degreaser to get all the grease from the gas off of it. Something to the effect of Dawn dishwashing liquid. It will strip everything from the car when you use it, but it will get the gasoline off. Then just make sure to put a nice coat of wax on the car to protect it again.

Good luck, your baby will be ok!!

 

RUSH RULES!!! \m/ One of the best live shows I've ever seen.

 

i feel not quite right about doing this, given the horrendous events of this morning, but i did want to say a quick thank you to those who responded to my posting. yesterday after work i thouroughly washed the car, the wheel and tire, waxed, treated the vinyl trim and tire, and everything looks fine.

thanks again,

paddy

God Bless Britain

 

Or stick your gas cap between the handle <whistle>...

The other thing to note - if the pressure in the gas station tanks are low, and the pump is pumping s l o w l y then there is a good chance the automatic filler will not sense the gas properly.