Today, I was filling up my S2000. While the gas was pumping, I was showing my 7 year old son how to read the dipstick. All of a sudden, I hear this noise like water pouring onto the cement. I looked back and gas was spewing out of the filler. I ran back and turned off the autofill on the nozzle as quickly as possible. There must have been a puddle of 2-3 gallons on the ground. I went in and told the clerk. He took a look and just said it'll evaporate. I played it safe and pushed my car forward 10-12 feet before starting it.

Has anyone had anything like this happen with their S2000. This is only the third time I've filled it, and one of the other times, the nozzle didn't stop until the tank was absolutely full. Usually I put a little bit more in to get to an interesting number like $12.34 (call me weird). I couldn't fit any more in. It makes me wonder if there's something weird about the S2000's tank or filler neck that confuses the gas nozzle shut off. How do those things know when to shut off anyways?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tigger
[B]Today, I was filling up my S2000.

 

Yep, when the pump stops, that's IT! If you squeeze another dime worth of go juice in there, you'll see it right at the top of the fill tube.

The gas tank is between the trunk and the cockpit, under where the top stows. The fill tube isn't real long, and there's not a lot of vertical "drop" to the tank so it doesn't slowly drain down as in other cars.

Learned that the hard way too.

 

I never leave the gas pump unattended and when filling the S2000 I dont hold the pump all the way open. Not just because of this vehicle but from experience of owning a BMW 528. The same exact thing happened to me when left unattended and nozzle all the way open.

 

Those little "stopper strips" on the fuel pump handles have been banned at least here in Alberta because there were far too many incidents like what you have just described. It is also illegal to stuff your gas cap into the handle to hold it open while refuelling. The shut off mechanisms do NOT always work as they should. Also, "topping up" or taking it to next nearest buck or "rounding off" is NOT advised. If you know the your tank is near full, then stop at the first click. In cold winter weather, if you put too much fuel into your tank and then go home to a heated garage, the cold fuel will warm up and overflow the tank. Guess what happens next? I attended one such incident where a Jeep overflowed about a gallon of gas while warming up (granted he had a bad seal on his fuel pump/gas tank interface). This may also be true in the hot summer months when the cooler fuel expands in the tank, especially if you don't drive very far, go home and park it in the sun.
You were very wise to push the car away before you started it but did you know that other bad things could have happened? Suppose you stepped on a piece of metal on the ground and scraped it along and caused a small spark. What if you dropped something and it caused a spark on contact with something else on the way to the ground? Or some other guy pulled up next to you and his car backfired or caused a spark? Or the bozo who thinks it's OK to butt out his cigarette on the ground before he refuels. The possibilities are frightening.

 

Defective gas nozzle.

 

What kind of effect would gasoline have on paint if it gets on it?? Just wondering...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MDS2K
[B]What kind of effect would gasoline have on paint if it gets

 

Evaporating gasoline is VERY bad for the environment, along with the safety issue.

I use my credit card for all gasoline purchases so I don't have to try to get to the nearest quarter. The S2000 will overflow if you try to put in another dime!

Most stations in my area have a very slight incline, I try to park with my nose down. On many cars, it can make the difference of a gallon by which way you park.

I always keep a heavy wax job below the fuel filler for protection just in case.

BTW, I what did your 7 year old "learn" by the experience?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Destiny2002
[B]Most stations in my area have a very slight incline, I try to park with my nose down.