Need to Refuel slowly to avoid gas pump kick-back

[DrJeff]

When I fill my D with gas, I can't leave the pump to fill at full rate. If I don't meter the fuel in at a slow pace the pump will kick and interrupt the fuel flow (like when the tank is full). I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem before and what the solutions are?

[dvonk]

this happens on my 2000 Jeep Wrangler if i stick the nozzle in all the way--"to the hilt," if you will. must be the angle of the filler neck or something. the solution is to pull the nozzle out about an inch, then it fills with no problems. not sure if it will help on a DeLorean with the different orientation of the filler neck, but it could be worth a try.

im sure actual DeLorean owners can provide more pertinent information. :wink:

[RIUM+]

Try changing the angle you put the fuel into the car. Different stations often have a slightly different nozzle and they all behave differently. I have a grooved gas flap hood & I find it's easier to get a better angle if I pop the hood than trying to work through the flap.

[Chris 16409]

When I fill my D with gas, I can't leave the pump to fill at full rate. If I don't meter the fuel in at a slow pace the pump will kick and interrupt the fuel flow (like when the tank is full). I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem before and what the solutions are?

Yes this behavior is rather common with DeLoreans. What I do is just set the filler at the first stop and deal with the slightly slower refill time.

[Sidaries]

I have the same. If I fill the car and the fuel comes from the front of the car, it is better. I mean the nozzle is looking towards the windscreen.

[Michael]

Yes this behavior is rather common with DeLoreans. What I do is just set the filler at the first stop and deal with the slightly slower refill time.

And it's actually nice as you get to chat with the guy asking what happened to the white lines on the road, or about the flux capacitor even that much longer.:hihi:

[Kenny_Z]

Just be thankful that it does kick off and doesn't fill your trunk with fuel. Yes, I was not paying attention. :hihi:

Fill problems are common with all older cars. If I don't pay attention to the Mustang she'll fill and then pour down the paint and bumper. Even my Astro give me trouble sometimes and she's an 89.

[MML]

And it's actually nice as you get to chat with the guy asking what happened to the white lines on the road, or about the flux capacitor even that much longer.:hihi:

Ha ha ha it's like you read my mind.

[Michael]

Ha ha ha it's like you read my mind.

I'm good like that
http://thecount.com/wp-content/uploads/doc-brown-thinking-cap-back-to-the-future.jpg

[David T]

It also matters how you place the nozzle into the car. If you rotate it so it points upwards it will seem to handle the fuel better. I also set it on the 1st notch and fill slowly. It goes quick enough, it is only a 12 gallon tank and fills faster on slow than my Tahoe on fast (much bigger fuel tank). By going slower you can also fill it fuller. Be aware on many Deloreans if you fill it to full you get a fuel odor. This is NOT normal and can be fixed. usually because the fuel pump is not installed properly, the rubber boots are deteriorated, or the sending unit is not sealed up well.
David Teitelbaum

[baldwinsusa]

Yes, I noticed it on my previous D.

[DMCMW Dave]

I have seen one or two that would not take more than a trickle of gas. The flap assembly (that you push open with the nozzle) had broken away from the filler neck and fell down the rubber hose, lodging about 1/2 way down. It almost completely obstructed the hose.

You can see this if you just look down the filler neck, if the hole is wide open and does not have the usual restrictor plate about two inches in, it went somewhere. . . .

[Ron]

Dave,

Can you elaborate a bit on the tiny hollow tube from the tank and the fitting it connects to in the tanks vent port?
THX

[DMCMW Dave]

Dave,
Can you elaborate a bit on the tiny hollow tube from the tank and the fitting it connects to in the tanks vent port?
THX

It's to discharge static electricity buildup in the plastic tank.

[at88mph]

I just figured its because with the price of gas being more these days, that they've increased the speed at which the pump puts out so you don't have to wait as long with bigger vehicles...but with our small tanks, its too fast. (might be COMPLETELY wrong on this though) I generally pull the nozzle out as much as possilbe and, as others have recommended, setting it on the first notch.

[thirdmanj]

You got D troubles I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but the pump ain't one!!!

[dmc6960]

You got D troubles I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but the pump ain't one!!!

Drinkin' again?

The only time I can fill up at full speed is when I pump from the passenger side, which is usually only in a situation with a drive-one-way pumping station. The passenger side lines are always shorter. So this has really only happened 3 times in the 12 years owning the car. Something you get used to. There are even some pumps which go too quickly on the lowest setting and I need to stand there and hold it myself.

[Ron]

It's to discharge static electricity buildup in the plastic tank.
THX!

I thought that might be the case but dismissed it because of the tiny hole running through it...What's with that?
So it should be run down and along the bottom of the tank?

...thinking about it, I still don't get it -- Plastic tank, rubber hose...where does a charge flow to?

[Tillsy]

...thinking about it, I still don't get it -- Plastic tank, rubber hose...where does a charge flow to?

Plus one more important ingredient - flammable vapour...

[Ron]

Plus one more important ingredient - flammable vapour...
huh?...I was wondering how a charge gets from the copper tube to ground.

[Rokkinlen]

I have the same. If I fill the car and the fuel comes from the front of the car, it is better. I mean the nozzle is looking towards the windscreen.

Thanks, I'll try this. I've only filled up my car a handle of times so far, and the gas pump usually kicks off a bunch of times before I finally overdo it and have gas coming out and going down the side drain.

Fingers crossed!

[DMC-81]

Thanks, I'll try this. I've only filled up my car a handle of times so far, and the gas pump usually kicks off a bunch of times before I finally overdo it and have gas coming out and going down the side drain.

Fingers crossed!

Also, try to only squeeze the pump trigger halfway. This works for me. It is only a 14 gallon tank, so depending on how much fuel you have left, you can judge when to slow down by looking at how much fuel you dispensed.
E.g. I usually fill it up when it gets down to 1/3 of a tank. Therefore I know I can only put in 9 gallons or so. I slow down the flow at roughly 8 gallons.