Can you gas up while leaving your engine running?

[Raceit]

Can you gas up while leaving your engine running?

I guess the gas tank is pressurized and then there is the chance of a spark or something causing some problems. Or is it all a bunch of hype?

Thanks.

 

[aldive]

You can indeed refuel with the engine running, There is no mechanical reason to prevent this.

However, for safety concerns, it is prudent to shut down the engine while refueling.

 

[rustytr]

Well you know anything can happen, but yeah you can leave it running (disclaimer: I'm not a professional anything so the above statement holds no legal consequences in the event of an explosion) I do. My friends dad smokes when he fillin er' up.LOL! BOOM!!!

 

[rpenner54]

My dad has done that lots with no ill-effects! I am still here anyway! LOL I have never done it though. I know up in Alaska where it can get REALLY cold they leave the vehicles/trucks running all year long and never shut them off.

 

[kps36]

The only reason that I know of is that it will probably cause a CEL. Same as driving with a loose gas cap = CEL. The pressurized fuel feed system, while running, depends on full pressure. That's why one thing you spoda check on a CEL is the gas cap. Once you put the cap back on and re-start the fuel system goe into a pressurized condition and all systems are go.
Otherwise, no prob.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by kps36
The only reason that I know of is that it will probably cause a CEL. .

I have on several occassions refueled with the motor running and the CEL has never illuminated during the procedure.

 

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

i have done this but it takes about ten miles before the fuel guage catches up. there is a delay in the sensor so that everytime you hit a bump or go up a hill the guage doesnt freak out. i dont know why there would be any prob.

rpenner,you just reminded me of an argument my parents used have about my dad smoking while filling up. now that im grown it seems that he did just to spite my momf. LOL

 

[Raceit]

That's good info to know. Most of the time during the Winter I find myself gassing up while I'm on my way to work. So I start up my Explorer, drive 2 blocks to the gas station, turn it off, sit there and freeze. And then start it up again to drive to work.
But if it does blow up you all will be the first to know.

 

[aldive]

It is always prudent to shut down while refueling.

Smoking duringh the process is simply stupid.

In marine situations, one always shuts down all engines. After the fueling process is completed, a bilge blower is run for at least 5 minuter prior to starting. On passenger carrying vessels, all passengers are required to leave the vessle during fueling and the starting of the engines.

 

[RTStork]

I was told on the OBD-2 vehicles (96+) that the check engine light would come on if you opened the gas cap while the engine is running. Is this true and if so, does the light go off after you replace the cap?

 

[Robert]

Some will, some won't. I guess it depends on the circumstances. I removed my cap and drove about 60 miles round trip to work to see if the Check Engine light on my '97 would come on but it didn't. Maybe if I would have drove some more it might have came on. I know the 2000 Focus I rented a while back had a specific light for gas cap and I heard the 2000 and up Explorers have it as well.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by RTStork
I was told on the OBD-2 vehicles (96+) that the check engine light would come on if you opened the gas cap while the engine is running. Is this true and if so, does the light go off after you replace the cap?

It never has when refuling while running on my 99.

I just went to the garage and tried it; no CEL.

 

[RTStork]

Thanks!

 

[2001ExpSport]

Is this sort of like, a dog will lick his balls because he can thing? Why leave the engine running when fueling up? What is actually accomplished by doing this? Maybe it's just the fact that some people choose to do things just becuase they CAN even though there is no real purpose.

This also makes me think about why you asked this question. Did you get the answer you wanted? True, it s MUCH safer on all acounts to fuel up with the engine off. That's not the answer people want.

Hell ya man, you can fuel up with the engine running. Only thing is, other people getting gas across from you will be saying, "What an idiot!"

 

[RTStork]

Easy "Greasy", We were just wondering!

 

[2001ExpSport]

Originally posted by RTStork
Easy "Greasy", We were just wondering!

I know....

 

[RTStork]

lol, ok, your comment just seemed a little harsh. No biggie.

 

[SWLathrop]

Just in case anybody "REALLY" wanted to know. The sole purpose of shutting the engine down on your vehicle while refueling is to eliminate the spark that may occur from static discharge. The static discharge occurs when the pump nozzle makes contact with the fillerneck. To help alleviate this problem, the auto manufactures normally install a ground strap from the filler neck area to the vehicle body or frame.

 

[TheMattDaddy]

Well, I've never done it, and don't really plan on it.

I've been told that gas stations always have those "please turn off car" signs because the car's electrical system uses the metal body of your car as a ground, and that's why sometimes you'll get a static discharge when getting out of the car (mine always does that!! grr.. it gets so annoying after awhile).

So basically gas companies are afraid that if you keep the car running and the metal of the nozzle comes in contact with the metal of the car since you are holding it (and you are in contact with the ground), then there's a possibility of a static discharge/spark since it provides a ground for the good ol' electricity (which was prevented by your tires being rubber..) and it may ignite the fuel, and ...

KABOOM

Just what I've been told, but it does make a lot of sense

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by TheMattDaddy
I've been told that gas stations always have those "please turn off car" signs because the car's electrical system uses the metal body of your car as a ground,

It is law in many states to turn off the vehicle while fueling.

I have never heard of its enforcement.

Why taje any chance, however small, when refueling.

Fireworks are for 4 Huly and for Afganstan....