IS IT JUST ME???

[red2000chris]

ever since ive had my 2000 (9 months) ive always had trouble when filling up the fuel tank. it takes about 10mins to fill cos the nozzle is "click""click" "click from start to finish. tried holding nozzle at odd angles, all the way in, only just in, no difference. "HELP!!!!"

[andyborris]

Saloon or Estate?

No experience of the estate, but have no problem filling my MK1 (usually, some pumps are very sensitive).

Is it the same pump or every pump? Perhaps a blockage it the pipe? I think the nozzle doesn't go all the way into the tank on a Saloon.

[radders]

ever since ive had my 2000 (9 months) ive always had trouble when filling up the fuel tank. it takes about 10mins to fill cos the nozzle is "click""click" "click from start to finish. tried holding nozzle at odd angles, all the way in, only just in, no difference. "HELP!!!!"

Upside down, halfway out, not too fast. Thats how I do it.

Unless I'm in the estate, then I can whack it in as fast as I like!

[leesellars]

Is the breather blocked?

Lee

[badger]

Yep, I have the same problem too. Half way in at an angle works for me as well!! ooer missus.

[englishbull]

Same with me

as Radders technique............

[Dave B]

I've had the same problem with both of my Mk2 saloons for a good few years now since the pumps were 'modernised' with smaller bore nozzles and higher delivery flow rates.
I think the problem is that air cannot escape from the tank quickly enough as the fuel goes in, thereby activating the blow back valve in the trigger. My theory, for what its worth
I'm with Radders, upside down, half out, half speed delivery

[CAR]

I use the same technique as above on the estate and on the pi almost upside down, about 2 o'clock works for me.
Just remember that defeating the nozzles tendancy to cut off will mean a petrol covered back wing when the tank is full as it still may not shut off, you need to keep this in mind.....you have beeen warned!

Colin

[David Withers]

Put me on the list as well. I've got so used to filling my saloon tank exactly as Colin describes that I now do it without thinking. The reasons that Dave suggested for the cause seem very plausible.

Another little problem is that my car sometimes smells of petrol for a short while after I've filled the tank well up. I have narrowed it down (I think) to a poor seal between the steel filler tube and the rubber tube-to-tank hose, but I'd be pleased to hear if others have had the same problem and what they've done about it.

[murcod]

Yes, they have THE worst design filler. The body panel cutout is the wrong shape so (if you care about the paint) you need to carefully support the nozzle. I think the cutoff problem is because the tank isn't underneath the body like most vehicles, so the fuel has to flow substantially sideways into the tank rather than dropping down the filler neck.

I've also learnt (the hard way) not to fill it too full and then park. Or else inevitably the fuel will over flow out the filler cap and down the side of the vehicle.