Refuelling issues

[donaghey]

Hi, I find I can only get under a litre of fuel before the back pressure switches the fuel pump off. Shell, Esso BP petrol stations are all the same. I’ve tried every nozzle direction but the same result. Has anyone else experienced this and is there a solution? Thanks in advance Pat Donaghey

[Ken Nelson]

I find I just have to go very slowly and hold the nozzle by hand the entire time.

[lagain]

Same as Ken, very slow and with the nozzle only just in the filler tube, a bit nerve racking.
It is due to the bends in the pipe.

[enigmas]

This is what you're up against. Apparently there is also an internal liner IIRC. Removing the inner liner may assist fuel entry whilst allowing air within the tank to evacuate whilst refueling.

[Mike’S-a-loon]

It definitely doesn't, Vince! I removed mine and it's much, much worse... 

[enigmas]

Hi Mike, the photo I posted is actually of "Winston's fuel filler. Its a pity about the inner liner.
I still think that the air being displaced in the tank during filling causes the issue. That elbow from the angle shown seems to want to force the fuel uphill before entering the tank. This leaves no room for the air to purge out without forcing fuel back up the filler tube.

[dmaxwell]

I've often thought that the sharp angles in the filler tube cause the fuel to foam somewhat, causing it to trigger the auto shutoff. Had the idea to find some tubing with a more gradual bend to it of the right size and see if that will make a difference. I've been busy with other projects and haven't gotten around to it yet.

David
California

[Phil Nottingham]

I do not have any bother with our P5 (which has no inner liner) or the P5B. Both have a complex vent system which can become blocked with bugs so try blowing air through its exit just behind the rear axle. Poke some wire up first as the end can become blocked by road debris

[MK IA Norway Viking]

I have always had issues with the refilling of fuel on my MK IA. The fuel will not enter the tank quickly enough, because air prssure within hte tank builds up. This will force the fuel up the filler housing/filler cap and onto the pavement.

Instead, I direct the jet of fuel from the filler nozzle towards the rear end of the filler pipe, so that when fuel strike the filler pipe it travels forward through the hose / swan-neck.

What happens is that the fuel travels fast and in the form of a jet, and not occupying all the room in the filler hose / swan neck as it will do if travelling "slow speed".

This method allows air to exit through the filler housing and up at the same time as I enter fuel. Sort of like the fuel occupies the lower part of the filler hose and air travels out through upper part of the same hose.

I cannot fill at full capacity of the filler nozzle, but a good 70% - I adjust the filling speed by keeping an eye on the filling process and slow down a bit if I notice that fuel is backing up.

This way I do not depend on any venting system within the tank, and I fill up the tank reasonably fast.

Should I just press the handle on the filler nozzle, gaze at other naked cars in the petrol station and "not worry 'bout a t'ing", the fuel will quickly back up and trigger auto shut off on the filler nozzle.

[Eric R]

when you come to think about it - how many other vehicles have horizontal fuel pipes so close the filler one as shown in Enigma's photo? We are trying to drive liquid vertically downwards fast into a horizontal pipe a few inches away. I think kick back is inevitable.