Fuel level at fillup
OK, I admit I've overfilled my new Prius twice. Both due to the pump nossle not shutting off (different stations in different cities). I usually add a little after shutoff but stop if I hear fuel at the bottom of the fill tube.
It is possible to damage the fuel tank in a Prius if you overfill - the fuel will expand into the evaporative canister and fill it, overflowing into the tank between the bladder and the steel. This fuel will "corrode" the fuel lines etc. It's about $1000 for a new tank. So I did a quick calculation, based on .1% expansion per deg C for gasoline, fuel from underground tank at 15 C, air temp at 30 C. Looks like around 0.5 to 1.0 litre expansion. Add in the trapped air in the tank (yes, even with a bladder there will be some). It will expand more than the fuel. Then I did a quick calculation of how much extra fuel you can put in if you overfill. It appears I went an extra 80-100 km on the two occasions I overfilled. This calculates to 4-5 litres of fuel between "normal" nossle shutoff and fill to top of filler tube. Doesn't appear to be worth the risk! |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
I feel Toyota should cover the cost for any damage due to overfilling. Is it the customers fault they can't incorporate anti-overfilling technology into the car? We should be able to take care of the vehicle just like any other "Normal" vehicle. I am getting kind of pissed at the Prius design right now anyway. I have been very light footed driving mine and I can only average around 40mpg with 2800 miles on the car. :( I could have bought another vehicle that gets that mileage for half the cost.
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Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by Resist
(Post 133454)
. . . I can only average around 40mpg with 2800 miles on the car. . . .
Bob Wilson |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
California
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Re: Fuel level at fillup
I only get about 45.6MPG after 1600 miles, in Texas.
But again, my per trip only takes less than 15 minutes most of time. More than usual this week, I have to make the trip with each drive time in less than 6 minutes just simply because I have to drive across the toll way where there is no pavement available........Just today, Woody's MPG sinks all the way down to 42...... |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by Resist
(Post 133508)
California
The other risk factor is high speeds, especially without a chance to warm-up the ICE. By high speeds, we're talking +75 mph. Your signature indicate you may have or had an Insight. What sort of performance did you get with that vehicle in the same driving? I went to both the "Prius II" and "Insight" databases and didn't find a vehicle record for "resist." Recorded mileage is a great way to share what is going on. Bob Wilson |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by David Beale
(Post 132732)
OK, I admit I've overfilled my new Prius twice. Both due to the pump nossle not shutting off (different stations in different cities). I usually add a little after shutoff but stop if I hear fuel at the bottom of the fill tube.
It is possible to damage the fuel tank in a Prius if you overfill - the fuel will expand into the evaporative canister and fill it, overflowing into the tank between the bladder and the steel. This fuel will "corrode" the fuel lines etc. It's about $1000 for a new tank. So I did a quick calculation, based on .1% expansion per deg C for gasoline, fuel from underground tank at 15 C, air temp at 30 C. Looks like around 0.5 to 1.0 litre expansion. Add in the trapped air in the tank (yes, even with a bladder there will be some). It will expand more than the fuel. Then I did a quick calculation of how much extra fuel you can put in if you overfill. It appears I went an extra 80-100 km on the two occasions I overfilled. This calculates to 4-5 litres of fuel between "normal" nossle shutoff and fill to top of filler tube. Doesn't appear to be worth the risk! |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
(Post 133519)
There are parts of northern California that are pretty chilly even during the summer.
Your signature indicate you may have or had an Insight. What sort of performance did you get with that vehicle in the same driving? |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by Resist
(Post 133526)
Plenty warm on the Central coast of California. I used to own a CVT Insight and it got much better mileage than this Prius. Sure it was a much lighter vehicle with only 3 cylinders though.
Also, I'd like to suggest recording your mileage. Over time, this gives a better understanding of your driving profile. Understand that I'm less interested in "magic driving" than trying to make sure we're on the same page about the Prius performance characteristics. Bob Wilson |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Not LA, but the same temps. I drive 7 miles to work each day and 7 miles home. Mostly hilly roads.
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Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by Resist
(Post 133536)
Not LA, but the same temps. I drive 7 miles to work each day and 7 miles home. Mostly hilly roads.
Do you have an outside outlet that could be used with a block heater on a timer? The heater will run about $75 and the extension cord and timer another $30. However, the fuel savings appear to be significant based upon my testing of a thermistor hack last winter. Another approach, one I use, is to drive the first mile or so through my neighborhood at 25 mph before picking up a cross street. I also use a two lane, access road rather than the +50 mph divided cross road for the first 3 miles. The access road is also fairly flat whereas the divided cross road has overpasses every half mile. This maximizes my driving at low power settings so the ICE warms up before using higher speeds. Then at the end, I use a one mile, urban route that maximizes my use of battery, EV mode: http://home.hiwaay.net/%7Ebzwilson/prius/map.jpg On the hills, it is best to go up as slowly as practical or at least a steady speed and avoid acceleration until after the crest of the hill. However, traffic patterns may make this difficult. This is called terrain driving but often impractical in busy traffic times. How about the other aspects, tire pressure near max sidewall and oil level about 3/4ths of full? My testing indicates both have an effect on Prius efficiency. Above all, it is important to have mileage records even if not recorded in GreenHybrid. A mileage history will give evidence about the impact of different changes. It is the one true path to engineering enlightenment. <grins> Bob Wilson |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
I forgot to post my mileage - which is so far 4.9 l/100 km, or 56 MPG imperial, or 48 MPG US. Based on distance traveled since new over fuel purchased since new. I drive at or slightly above the speed limit (to avoid getting run over in SUV/minivan/PU truck rich Alberta), and I don't avoid freeways. My Prius warms up in 2-4 km, maybe less, as the only bar graph that is "bad" is the first 5 min one. No A/C impact, usually. Ambient temps here currently are around 25 C with two "hot" spells of 34 C so far (hot for us anyway ;) ). Tire pressures at 40/38.
We'll see how it tanks in the winter soon enough. |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by David Beale
(Post 133571)
I forgot to post my mileage - which is so far 4.9 l/100 km, or 56 MPG imperial, or 48 MPG US. Based on distance traveled since new over fuel purchased since new. I drive at or slightly above the speed limit (to avoid getting run over in SUV/minivan/PU truck rich Alberta), and I don't avoid freeways. My Prius warms up in 2-4 km, maybe less, as the only bar graph that is "bad" is the first 5 min one. No A/C impact, usually. Ambient temps here currently are around 25 C with two "hot" spells of 34 C so far (hot for us anyway ;) ). Tire pressures at 40/38.
We'll see how it tanks in the winter soon enough. |
Re: Fuel level at fillup
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
(Post 133537)
Owch! I drive 10 miles and that is barely enough to get the car warmed up to an efficient temperature.
How about the other aspects, tire pressure near max sidewall and oil level about 3/4ths of full? My testing indicates both have an effect on Prius efficiency. |
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