Hey California, why do we suck gas? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SirNik84 · #1 10-22-2010, 06:44 PM

So I went to get gas in the pickup truck yesterday, and they removed the tab you use to hold the gas on while you wash the windows, or check the oil. I had to stand there and hold it.
I got on facebook and my friend in the bay area had this posted.

Anyone else seen this in CA? has our state passed yet another law that violates common scene?

You know people are going to stuff their gas caps in there especially if they have large tanks. then the nozzle will not auto shut of, and gas really will get spilled.

Thank heavens CA has seemed to completely forgot about diesel pumps they still have the tab.

davidmash · #2 10-22-2010, 06:48 PM

I think you are wrong about the shut off. Should someone decide to put a cap or object in the handle it will do the same as the tab thing. When fuel hits the little auto shut off thing in the nozzle the gas will stop. Personally I think when you are pumping gas you should stay at the nozzle. I use the trigger tab thing but I stay there and watch.

PaulC · #3 10-22-2010, 06:57 PM

^^^Years ago, I purchased a metal clamp designed to hold open the trigger on the gas pump. When I used the clamp and the tank became full, the pump handle made a clicking sound and the fuel shut off.

SirNik84 · #4 10-22-2010, 06:58 PM

at least your state trusts you enough to give you the choice of weather to stay or trust the pump and go.
here in CA we are all treated as children.

davidmash · #5 10-22-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirNik84

at least your state trusts you enough to give you the choice of weather to stay or trust the pump and go.
here in CA we are all treated as children.

That is because most are. I have to monitor the gas station every now and ten where I work. I have people lighting up while pumping, leaving the engine running, pulling the wrong way ... etc.

Most people do not seem to grasp the concept that you are pumping a volatile substance into your vehicle. A little due diligence for 10 minutes will not kill someone. Personally, I do not see an issue with the policy.

SirNik84 · #6 10-22-2010, 07:11 PM

I live in CA, this is just the latest in a long line of small changes that make it more difficult to own a vehicle here. If this was the first thing I wouldn't mind it. I see the safety issues, but this state has a agenda to get people out of their cars. even thought we are one of the larger states in the union and you need a car to get around. But we're run by a bunch of people who never leave LA, SF or Sacramento.

I suppose what I'm saying is its the principle of the thing.

layback40 · #7 10-22-2010, 08:10 PM

Those auto shut off things have been banned in Australia for at least 20 years.
Its just a sign of the times with self fill stations & allowing cretins to drive cars.

davidmash · #8 10-22-2010, 08:32 PM

I get it. I do not like being punished because of the lowest common denominator. But if it saves me from getting my ass blown off or fro having a huge fuel spill then I will make that sacrifice. Have you ever looked at the warnings on some products? Lots of idiots out there. What to do?

Hatterasguy · #9 10-22-2010, 09:01 PM

Just do what we do when fueling up large boats, stick a water bottle in it. I mean come on who is going to sit their and hold it for a 300 gallon tank. Watch the gallons and when your close hold it.

retmil46 · #10 10-22-2010, 09:51 PM

Sounds like another government solution in search of a problem.

How many decades have these types of nozzles been around? If it were really THAT much of a problem, they would have been banned long ago throughout the country, not just in the state of stupidity otherwise known as CA.

Instead of inconveniencing the entire population and wasting yet more public funds on another useless regulation, if someone is too stupid or arrogant to fuel their vehicle in a safe manner, just shut off the bloody pump and tell them to either comply with the posted rules for fueling their vehicle, buy their gas somewhere else, or buy a good pair of walking shoes.

davidmash · #11 10-22-2010, 10:22 PM

It's always a useless regulation until it saves someones ass. Then it turns out to be a good one.

Hatterasguy · #12 10-23-2010, 12:16 AM

Nah, when dumb people kill themselves it makes for a good year for the Darwin awards.

This is just a government agency trying to justify its existence.

Ara T. · #13 10-23-2010, 12:40 AM

Wtf? I haven't seen this around here. Wow I never knew that by using those locking mechanisms I create risks of injury and fire.

davidmash · #14 10-23-2010, 12:47 AM

One thing I noticed working at the gas station is that people can place the nozzle in at awkward (read wrong) positions. This can cause the auto shut off to not work properly which would cause fuel to spill over from the tank/nozzle. So if someone sets the auto tab and walks away a significant hazard can materialize and the end result could cause significant harm.

Chas H · #15 10-23-2010, 12:54 AM

Part of the reason to remove the nozzle lock is to prevent the person fueling from going back into the car to fetch a cell phone or adjust their make-up and building a static charge in their body that can ignite fuel vapors. CA isn't the only state to require removing the nozzle lock. As the locks are still on diesel pumps, it appears the dangers of static electricty were being addressed.
http://consumerist.com/2010/03/man-dies-in-static-electricity-gas-pump-fire.html