Problem with getting petrol

[Hells Belle]

I recently purchased a second hand Fiat Cinquecento Sporting, and seem to have a problem when I go to get petrol.

When I’m filling up, the lever on the pump clicks like it does when the tank is full, even if I’ve only been topping up for a couple of seconds. It lets me continue filling up if I press the lever again, only to do the click again a couple of seconds later. This means I’m constantly depressing the button when I get the petrol. It won’t let the tank overflow because the petrol does stop when the car is full, but it’s annoying that the fuel doesn’t come out in a constant stream like it should do.

Other than this, the car runs with no problems. (touch wood!)

I only filled up for the second time today, thinking the first time this happened, the position of the car in relation to the pump might have explained this odd behaviour, but sure enough, the same thing happened again today.

This is only my second car, so I’m pretty much clueless with these matters. Could the fact that there was a release of air when I removed the petrol cap explain this – if there’s an air pocket in the tank, or something?

Sorry if that sounds really ignorant. Hopefully someone can help me.

[Guest]

Some cars are just like that, the problem is usually caused by poor design of the filler tube. With practice you'll find the best position to hold the nozzle whilst filling, try holding it so that it's not pushed in as far as it will go. You'll sometimes get the same thing happening if the pipe from the pump is at full stretch.

[TheJudge]

Some cars are just like that, the problem is usually caused by poor design of the filler tube. With practice you'll find the best position to hold the nozzle whilst filling, try holding it so that it's not pushed in as far as it will go. You'll sometimes get the same thing happening if the pipe from the pump is at full stretch.

[Winky89]

Lol this is probably irrelevant but anyway...

When I got my new old car (m reg peugeot 106) I went to fill it up but the key wouldnt turn in the cap! Good thing I had some WD40 lol, its not something you usually think of when making a purchase - will the cap come off hehe

[Scott L. Martinez]

peugeot 106

Sorry, a few years ago at school we had to write stories in groups and our chosen topic was the delightful 106. We basically insulted it, it was one of those "had to be there" things, but it's still funny! (to me!)

By the way WD40 is fantastic stuff, have you ever tried it on iced over windscreens? It clears it in seconds.

Anyway...I'll go back to sniffing my pens.

[Guest]

Little deuce Coupe
You don't know what I got

[Winky89]

peugeot 106

Sorry, a few years ago at school we had to write stories in groups and our chosen topic was the delightful 106. We basically insulted it, it was one of those "had to be there" things, but it's still funny! (to me!)

By the way WD40 is fantastic stuff, have you ever tried it on iced over windscreens? It clears it in seconds.

Anyway...I'll go back to sniffing my pens.

Lol, well this one drives really well for an golden oldy lol. I dont like the newer versions but this is a mardi gras version - slightly different shape. I love my Marge lol!

[Winky89]

Oh dear my alter-ego has returned

[Guest]

Why the personal negativity in a thread about cars?

[minigirl]

i was driving a friends car (a late 1970's ford escort) once and had to get some petrol. i stopped at the pump and couldn't find the petrol cap. after several minutes the man inside came out and showed me well how was i to know that you had to pull down the spring loaded numberplate mount to get at the cap?

[transplant]

Im having the same problem with my nearl new Toyota I suspect a new design of petrol pump is too fast for our fillers. Try an older petrol pump at a different garage.

Im a mere man and it shouldn't happen unless your breather is blocked as you fill up the air has to get out via a breather system.

[minigirl]

Im having the same problem with my nearl new Toyota I suspect a new design of petrol pump is too fast for our fillers. Try an older petrol pump at a different garage.

Im a mere man and it shouldn't happen unless your breather is blocked as you fill up the air has to get out via a breather system.

i think you're right - now that i think of it there's one petrol station near me where this happens each time and the pumps do seem to run faster than others. i've found holding the nozzle at a slight angle so that a little bit of air can get past usually works (or don't pull the trigger on the nozzle all the way).