I have been told that in the longterm, if the engine is not turned off while filling up, it could result in engine damage. Is there any truth to this or just an urban myth?
2007-09-05 16:05:22 · 12 answers · asked by Mr. Etits 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It won't hurt it a bit....... But, it can be quite dangerous to run the engine while re-fueling. Gasoline fumes from the filler neck could be ignited by a spark from the electrical system or a bad spark plug wire. Most, if not all gas stations have signs posted near the pumps telling you to shut the engine off while re-fueling because of the potential for a fire.
2007-09-05 16:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be several things. Starting warm changes the fuel-air mixture needed. Cold, the motor needs a lot richer mix; starting warm, much leaner. The computer might not recognize the difference. Your comment that it sounds like the battery's dead indicates a weak battery. If the battery is six years old, it might be failing. But it could also be just the battery terminals. If you put cold gasoline into a tank, that could change the temperature of the fuel pump. Or merely the connections for the fuel pump. Since there are too many variables, it's not smart to just buy a component and hope that solves the problem. Best bet- take the car to a good diagnostic shop. Describe the symptoms and let them find the problem before you throw money away on parts you don't need. ... Good luck!!
2016-05-17 18:10:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just dangerous to everyone around you at the time. Just start a fire and or blow up the area. If the car miss fires and you have the fumes really close to that, then you could just have a huge flash or blow the car up. If the car is in great condition without a lot of sparks going up in a dry climate then it is okay. But to be safe, turn the engine off.
2007-09-05 16:13:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will not sure the engine at all, but as everyone has said, there is the possibility of causing a flash fire. not just from a spark but ever increasing temperatures from the exhaust. The exhaust system heats up while at a stand still. Air moving under the car helps to cool the exhaust. when you have it running while stopped. the exhaust system becomes hotter then it would be while driving. this heat has been know to start fires from gas fumes. please turn the car off.
2007-09-05 16:16:38 · answer #4 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is a danger. The danger is while you are filling up, gas fumes from your filler as well as from all the others filling up are a danger in the air. If you should have a bad spark plug wire(where it is visibly sparking) even under the hood.....you are looking at causing a major fire as the pumps and you and everyone around you will be engulfed in flames. Gasoline is THAT DANGEROUS. So shut it down.
So yes it will harm the motor, and the electrical and the interior and the paint job and the gas station....and you will be dead. Period.
2007-09-05 16:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no,it cant hurt anything doing this,that's myth,one i haven't heard of before,all it is, is dangerous,if a spark occurs it can cause an explosion,and its a real good idea to just turn the car off,i have seen how much damage a car fire can do,its not a pretty site to see one go up in flames,not to mention the damage it does to the gas station that you have to pay for also,id just cut the engine off ,its a lot easier than taking a chance like that,good luck.
2007-09-05 16:13:28 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No engine damage, but there are gasoline fumes around the gas station and any igntion, including the spark that is generated by your engine could cause an explosion or fire. Is your life, and those around you worth so little that you are willing to risk it?
It is ILLEGAL to fill up your tank and not turn off the engine.
2007-09-05 16:11:06 · answer #7 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The type of engine damage that can result, and I do mean the only kind is damage is caused due a fuel ignition during transfer from supply to fuel tank under car this can result in a 100% loss and injury to humans and buildings nearby as well...SAFETY LAWS IN ALL STATES REQUIRE ENGINES BE SHUT OFF DURING FUELING PROCEDURES!!
2007-09-05 16:19:14 · answer #8 · answered by Dennis in Central Florida 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It doesn't even hurt the new pussy cars with all their 'electronics' and 'sensors' and what else. Try buying an older car with no governor chip and no fuel injection and no electronic stability control and no what else refigerated cupholers like the good old days.
2007-09-05 16:17:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no thats no true but you could cause an explosion which would cause engine damage
2007-09-05 16:12:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋