I put the third tank of gas in my new MC today. As with the previous two times, I could not get the hold-open lever on the nozzle to work - it just shut off the fuel flow right away. I assume this is due to the geometry of the Mini's fuel filler pipe interfering with the sensing gizmo. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there a certain angle to hold the nozzle at to get it to work? I've tried inserting the nozzle all the way vs. just pushing it past the anti-siphon flap, and I also have used both traditional and vapor-reclaiming nozzles (neither work).

 

You need to bring your car into the dealership to ensure that the tank's vent is open, and not clogged.

 

The dealer is an hour away and I'd rather avoid the trip; is the vent someplace accessible where I could check it myself, or is it under the car?

 

Dunno. Never seen it for this car. Had/have this issue on my 'Rover all the time...mud

If it's anything like the 'Rover, it'll be inaccessible, and you'll have to drop the tank...there is no access to it through the floor that I know of...

 

Try swinging it around up-side down. It'll look goofy, but probably work. I learned that trick at an old job with some poorly designed fuel filler necks. With Lewis I only ever have trouble with a certain Costco's pumps. I think it's the high flow that kicks back at the certain angle.
Anyway... you'd get a light if your vent wasn't working right. Just try the upside down trick.

 

Funny you should mention that, I've had my MINI for a week and I've had the exact same problem when I went to fill it up!?! I was thinking about taking it to MAG (local MINI dealer in central Ohio), but I figured taht specific pump at Marathoon was to blame.... oh well, we'll see if it happens again....

 

I've had this from time to time. Pulling the nozzle out a bit more than one would typically has done it for me.

 

Try just not "flooring it" with the fuel filler; the MINI doesn't like it when you shove fuel down it's tank too quickly.

 

Don't shove the nozzle in all the way or slow down the flow. Sounds normal to me.
Percy refuses to shotgun his drinks.

 

You guys are funny. But right. For me, it depends on the nozzle itself -- unless you look carefully, you don't realize that all the nozzles are bent at different angles. Sometimes with the Minis, if you leave it resting on the rim while it pumps, it has a tendency to shut off quickly (refusing to shotgun drinks.) But others it's fine...so dont' freak out, just play with it a bit until it works...and then remember the angle/the resting spot on the rim/how fast the gas sounds, etc.

Sidebar - One other thing that I seriously doubt happens as often in the Minis - my buddy just took his Expedition in to the dealership for the same thing. Turns out that a squirrel had built a nest in his spare tire (under the gas tank area), and something stick-like in the nest had kinked his fuel line. He had to replace the fuel line (and clean out the nest), but luckily had just purchased an extended warranty. Evidently that's a big problem in some vehicles. That, and the varmints eating wiring harnesses - I experienced that myself and it's not cheap.

Good luck with the fuel pump. Have wet-wipes or hand sanitizer ready, in case of spills!

 

You've got to be gentle, be nice first, take it slow . . .
Wait, oops, wrong forum!

I've had the same problem with some pumps as well. I find that with these there is a "sweet spot" that you have to work at to find. Sometimes if I start out with just a bit of pressure and then ease up to full it seems to not cut off as readily.