At the pump - let it run or shut it off?

[jrusko]

I've had my Cummins for about a month, and I've noticed pretty much every time there's someone else at the pump with me, they leave it idling. The big rigs obviously, but I've seen pickups and suburbans do it too. I'm in the habit of shutting it off, from years of driving a gasser and seeing the warnings on the pump to turn your engine off. Is there any danger involved in leaving it run while you fill up like there (supposedly) is with a gasser? If not, I'd like to leave it run if for nothin else than to drown out the barely audible duramax idle

 

[Steve Roseman]

I always shut mine off for safety reasons. Chances are nothing would happen, but if it did you might not get a second chance.

One other thing to think about is fumes. What would happen if someone nearby spills gas and your truck gets a whiff of fumes. I don't know how much it would take to cause a runaway condition, but it's possible. Your governor or ignition switch won't help if your motor's on a runaway high.

 

[illflem]

I usually let mine idle for a couple of minutes only if it needs to cool down. I like to be able to hear when the fuel is getting close to full, I've had too many "automatic" nozzles shut down a little late and make a mess all over the side of the truck and my feet. I prefer manual mode for the last few gallons.



Almost blew it at the offroad pump last week, looked at the pump readout and thought I had only put in 15 gallons, when I had actually put in 31. I had the numbers reversed, it was 15 dollars and 31 gallons, price was 46¢/ gallon.

 

[JHansen]

I let mine run... . doesn't take that long to fuel it up. I've got an automatic positive air shutoff on mine-so that in theory anyway should take care of the fume part!



Jason

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by illflem

I usually let mine idle for a couple of minutes only if it needs to cool down. I like to be able to hear when the fuel is getting close to full, I've had too many "automatic" nozzles shut down a little late and make a mess all over the side of the truck and my feet. I prefer manual mode for the last few gallons. [/QUOTE



Same here on the idle time. I always use the large "truck" nozzles. I find the center position works best probably because it foams more. Manual or auto, to slow and I get a splash.



I only let the foam settle and top off if I am going on a trip.

 

[Lurch]

I tow pretty much full-time so I'm rolling in off the interstate with a hot truck and rolling back out as soon as I fill. 99% of the time I fuel at the big truck pumps so gas fume runaway isn't a big concern.

Do what you're comfortable with.



Lurch

 

[jrusko]

ok, I think I'll just start leaving it on then. The only place I fill up at is the Sunoco on the turnpike (best price around here and on the way home from work), and I go to the big pump so the spilled gasoline thing shouldn't be a concern. BTW, what exactly do the gasoline fumes do? Fire in the intake? Make you detonate all over the place cuz the gasoline ignites halfway through the compression stroke? Inquiring minds want to know

 

[Ray Torresdal]

extra keys!

Years ago I left my diesel Volvo idle while I filled one bitterly cold (-20 deg F) night. Out of habit I locked the doors either when I got out, or before I went in to pay . . . ooops! Have since learned to carry 2 vehicle keys at all times, and it gives me piece of mind knowing that no-one can jump in and drive away when I want to leave the vehicle idle.



Ray

 

[GeneA]

For my peace of mind, I like to check oil at each fuel stop. Also after settling down after shut down, I drain a little out of the fuel-water seperater. All this , of course after the idle cool off time. Usually, that rime is taken up by the intercom to the fuel desk.

 

[redneckdr]

runon

jason, tell us more about the "automatic positive air shut off" i'd like to be prepared for the bad things that can happen with a run-on condition.

 

[JWhitcomb]

I turn mine off, peace of mind and all that. Not to long ago I got called a jerk when I pointed out to a person that having a cigarett in one hand and gas nozzle in the other was a bad idea. I try to fill at big rig pumps most of the time, better and safer class of customer. Most of the time I have keys to the truck and camper on a chain around my neck when traveling, saves those awkward moments when someone locks the keys in the truck.

 

[SOOT]

I allways leave mine running! but as mentioned above, its your truck do what you feel comfertable with.

 

[Wirenut]

has anyone ever experienced a "run-on" condition? I new that it could happen with natural gas but I didnt know it could happen with gasoline. I may have to go spill some gas and try this

 

[Bad340fish]

I saw a mechanic at a service station start a 24V truck that had run out of fuel with a gas soaked rag. He just opened the air cleaner up and held the rag in the opening. The truck cranked for just a moment the lit right off. I had been there about 30 minutes and he had been trying to start it the whole time. I offered to help but the guy was a real ^&* hole so I walked off. I did talk to him long enough to know his truck was a 98 with 220K on it. Bet it had a dead lift pump lol

Clark

 

[HDH]

I can't break old Habbits

The Air Force Calls it "Inflight Refueling"

The Navy Calls it "UnRep" Short for Underway Replenishment/Refueling.

Since I was in the USN for 6ys as the Ships "Oil King". I Allways Comence UnRep Operations at the Pump... . Now if I could just find a Sounding Tape, Water indicating Paste and a Penski Martin Flash point tester,I would be set...



Let it Idle at the Pump.

Doug.

 

[Joe G.]

I always turn mine off. Don't need to listen to all that racket for no reason.

 

[Okie-Go]

I also shut mine down while taking on fuel. It takes a while to pump 80-90 gallon depending on the size of the nozzle of course. I don't want it to be running when I go in to pay either.

 

[DHatfield]

I always turn mine off so somebody does not steal my truck and make me have to make a long walk back home.

 

[JohnE]

I usually leave mine running, especially in the cooler times and if the family is along and wants to listen to the radio and enjoy some cab heat.

I also removed the filler neck ball for ... cleaning. Really sped up the fill process.



I also have to fill at fuel only islands. No combos where I buy my juice. The sound of the neighbors running makes mine sound like "one of the boys".



-John

 

[Todd T]

I let mine run.



but i also use a high idler