How Much is Too Much?

[Christopher Pergola]

I went put gas in my '65 for the first time and realized the filler neck is much wider than on newer cars. To be on the safe side, I only put in $5 worth so I wouldn't overflow.

Any tips on how to dispense gasoline into a midyear coupe without dribbling on the car? Do you have to hold the nozzle through the fill-up? How do you know when it's full? Any recommendations on an additive to unleaded fuel?

Thanks.

[Michael W.]

Re: How Much is Too Much?

You asked:

Any tips on how to dispense gasoline into a midyear coupe without dribbling on the car?

A1: I keep my mouth closed and a tissue near my chin just in case. A2: Stick the nozzle all the way in. Withdraw slowly and allow the last drip to drop. No rude jokes please.

Do you have to hold the nozzle through the fill-up?

A: Yes. One hand on the nozzle, the other supporting the hose. Again ,no rude jokes please.

How do you know when it's full?

A1: Pray that the automatic shut off works A2: Remove the nozzle and peek inside when you think you are getting close.

Any recommendations on an additive to unleaded fuel?

A: Yes. No additives are required, other than octane booster and ONLY IF YOU ARE HAVING PRE IGNITION PROBLEMS and cannot cure it any other way. Avoid the snake oils.

[Christopher Pergola]

Re: How Much is Too Much?

Thanks Mike. I'll avoid the rude jokes in print, but I couldn't stop myself from thinking them! Two follow-up questions:

!. When you say "getting close", would that mean near the bottom of the neck of the filler pipe or near the top of the filler pipe or am I splitting hairs at that point?

2. I've heard that you can damage your valves by using unleaded gas, is that not true?

[Dave#24235]

Re: How Much is Too Much?

I've got a 66. First the valves - if the engine has been rebuilt, it probably has (hardened) inserts to deal with unleaded fuel. If not, and it is original, have inserts done at the (next) rebuild and don't worry about it too much. The valves will outlast the valve seals and the oil will lube the valves until you can't stand the smell. Second item is the fuel level - the tank is vented. If you fill past the bottom of the filler neck or drip fuel on the rubber collar surrounding the filler neck, you will have smelly wet feet - because the rubber hose attached to the collar drains fluids to the bottom of the bumper. You will learn to leave it half an inch below the filler neck and twist the nozzle when removing it to prevent dripping on the collar or paint. Third item - a warning. The large opening in the tank will let whatever parts fall off the pump nozzles fall into the tank. Check for loose pieces on the nozzle before fueling or you will be fishing for a steel spring or rubber/plastic collar. Fourth - free advice. Find an old gas cap (cheap) at a swap meet, and drill a hole in it the size of the current fuel tank inlets. Keep it in a ziplock plastic bag in the car. When you pull up to a big city gas pump with a vapor recovery system, it will save your skin and your nerves. The new nozzles won't pump unless you hold back the outer cover hard, to indicate a tight seal. - Dave

[Chris H.]

Re: How Much is Too Much?

If I ever have to use a vapor recovery pump I just hold it (compress) with one hand and pump with the other.

I usually hold the nozzle away from the opening and watch the level rise to the filler neck.

[Kevin M.]

Re: How Much is Too Much?

There is nothing better than watching gas pour into a Mid-Year gas tank. What a awesome design. Back when gas had lead and you filled it for a couple of bucks. One of the coolest parts of the Mid-Year is the rear mounted filler. Treat it with respect. Kevin

[Michael W.]

Agree 100% with Dave *NM*

[Mark J.]

A tip for pumping gas

A very helpful gas station employee showed me that when the pump is shut off (at the pump) the last bit of gas is sucked back into the pump and will not drip. Now when I finish pumping gas I turn the pump off before I remove the nozzle from the gas tank. MJ