Petrol Pumps

[wilsarnie]

How do you work the petrol pump so that you can leave it filling the tank without you needing to hold the trigger all the time?

I've seen the clip on the trigger but can't figure out how to work it. Am assuming it'll unclick itself when the pump clicks to say the tank is full?

[spudqueen]

Sounds highly dangerous to me. Why on earth wouldn't you want to be there, where else do you want to be for the two minutes that it takes to fill a petrol tank up????????

[wilsarnie]

Actually spudqueen I never said I would walk away from the car, all I mean is to not have to hold the catch the whole time. I did it last night and gave myself blisters (I rarely fill the tank up) and in the winter it's just too cold for the fingers...

[spudqueen]

Still sound dangerous wilsarnie. Maybe you could try wearing gloves, maybe gardening gloves? If it works you could keep some permanently in the car.

[teag1rl]

wilsarnie.
I know what you mean, but don't know how to do it myself-my sister does this but I never got round to asking how and have never bothered to try it myself for fear of cocking it up looking like a tw&t at the pumps. post on motoring, somone there will defo know what you're on about. Anway, Why would it be any more dangerous? Fuel is only gonna be dangerous when ignition source around.

[wilsarnie]

Thanks Teag1rl, I thought I was going mad! I know it can be done because I have seen it, but just don't know how!

I too am in fear of looking like a complete 'girl' at the pumps!

Will put it on Motoring...

[Coobeastie]

European pumps normally require you to keep the trigger depressed.

Automatic filling pumps can be very dangerous, in America they have quite a few incidents of the fuel fumes igniting as people get in and out of their cars whilst the tank fills up. (Static from clothing rubbing against seats ignites the fuel vapour).

[wilsarnie]

My goodness! No-one's safe!

[Catso]

Pretty much all UK 'consumer' pumps have the actual working bit of the clip removed, just so you can't do what you want. The only exceptions are diesel pumps intended for HGVs (takes ages to fill them up) and (possibly) pumps in private use.

As you say, you put the little clip on, and it will pump until liquid covers the end of the nozzle.

[BenDToy]

spudqueen obviously has a significantly smaller fuel tank than me! You definitely used to be able to do this a few years ago - I did t all the time. You pulled back the little slider clip and it kept filling until it stopped automatically. I actually tried to do it again the other day and I am fairly sure it had been disabled. By the way I also find it a pain to hold the trigger especially on a cold day.
I can't see how it can be seen as dangerous. Nothing to stop a person getting in and out while someone else is filling the tank.

[smorodina]

Years ago I work in a service station when they actually provided service - i.e. filled your car for you. All our pumps had the clips and we used them every time. It's not dangerous. Almost all self service pumps have the clips disabled and I agree it's a pain, but I'm sure they'd have constant moaning from customers who put more in than they wanted because they couldn't figure out how to turn it off if they didn't.

[pezza.......]

The clip part of the pump is usually still in place on the grip, however you will find there usually has been a small screw put into the hole that the clip would attach to.

[heathfield]

If you look at the pump handle you'll see a small hole toward the rear and a similar hole at the back of the trigger. By squeezing the trigger fully you can line the holes up, and insert a metal pin or nail and keep the pump going without having to hold the trigger.

One of the reasons the UK doesn't like this idea is that in the States, serious accidents have happened, and not just as reported above. People have gone to pay for their fuel and returned to their car, and, forgetting that the nozzle is still attached to the car, they've driven off.
If the nozzle pulls clear of the car, the back-pressure on the pump is relieved and the petrol comes out at full flow again, all over the court. Or, if the nozzle is stuck, the hose may part - something the filling station owners don't go a bundle on..

[sddsddean]

Exactly what I do when filling the truck at Tesco ('cos the wife has got the 5p a litre off ticket). I carry a big broken paperclip which is ideal for putting in the holes and thus making the clip work. It is amazing some of the 'how did he do that?' looks you get!!

[Hamish]

If you do do this, PLEASE make sure you earth yourself before removing the nosel. Petrol vapour can ignite with a VERY small spark, ie static. At the time, you will be in the vapour cloud (remember the smell?). Personally I would make do with the blisters - or get someone else to fill it.

[strain]

when you pull the trigger press the clip back - if it locks it it will work and if it doesnt it is likely broken. they dont all work but once you get one that does us that one in future

I use this facility all the time - when the tank is full it stops - simple as that!

[lord molly]

lift the small leaver in the squeez grip housing


automaticly turns it off when full

[trevHCS]

Another problem is the auto switch off doesn't always seem to work and that's with just holding it. And definitely don't try it with a Peugeot, although any owners of 206's will no doubt have figured the pumps don't fit properly at the best of times.

I'm rather amazed they don't run a wire from the handle down to the earth on the pumps.

[markja]

one of the reasons the clip has been removed is to stop fuel carrying on flowing if the nozzle falls out of the fueltank. i saw this happen once, massive puddle of petrol and the halfwit who caused it was going to get in their car, start it and drive out of puddle 'till he had his keys taken off him!!! not a happy bunny!

[blue virgin]

Some cars (my old BMW 5 series - E34) and Toyota Rav4 for instance have a fuel cap that when removed, will fit in the hole created when the trigger is squeezed and holds it on for you. Have a look at your petrol cap and give it a try.....

[avoss]

i wasa gona say the same, i do that every time i fill up so i can jump the queue!! ive done it with countless cars and vans, diesel and petrol. if ur petrol cap doesnt work, use a piece of wood, or stone etc. the pump always clicks off as the fuel level nears the nozzle. if there is no queue, u could always use the 4mins or so to go and have a fag round the back of the garage!!!! enjoy!