The whole expansion argument definitely depends upon temperature differentials between gas in the ground and in your tank. Although any expansion of the gasoline would also cause any gasoline vapors within the neck to also be pushed out.

Looks like the EPA agrees that you shouldn't top off your tank

http://www.epa.gov/donttopoff/

-as a quick aside (not trying to be a smart aleck here), but just because something has been done for 40 years, doesn't make it correct. If you look at history, how many things have been done for hundreds of years, that were later shown to be wrong/unethical?

DKeane

 

--

 

Or,

maybe we can ask the millitary to resupply our hybrids WHILE we are rolling (like refuelling a B52 in flight). That way, we can keep moving in a glide (or even better, an EV glide!) AND benefit from drafting! Ah, the savings

Steph.

 

I usually "coast" at FAS or normal AutoStop into the Sam's pump area, but sure, I concede to burning a tiny, miniscule amount of gas when I pull out from the pump.

But that, in my opinion, is better for the environment than spilling a smidge of gas or releasing extra fumes by topping off. And although we THINK that "not topping off" is harmless to the vehicle, we are pretty much SURE that the EPA has said that topping off is bad both for the car and for the environment.

Wayne, I don't really want to get into this, as we would just be rehashing a "two stubborn guys" discussion from a previous time and place.....

Hey, I'm not going to attempt to influence anyone to change either way, but I do have my opinion on the least damaging procedure, and just as Wayne will, I'm sticking with it until the end.....

If you are a fan of topping off, feel free. If you aren't, feel free not to do so.

 

Lets say you have to pull in 400' round trip to get gasoline...at $3.00 a gallon, 50 mpg and filling up twice a week....it would cost $0.009. So the real question is - is the extra cost (1 cent) and saved time of not pulling into the gas station worth the risk of clogging up the cars vapor recovery system? Not to mention the increased chance of environmental and also personal exposure to toxic chemicals? Benzene, Toluene, Xylenes and ethylbenzene are contained within gasoline and are all carcinogens.

Now when I was younger (early 20's), I topped off the tank also. If I remember, it was primarily because I didn't want to stop for gas as often, which I would now identify as laziness. Seems like a more valid argument than any potential cost savings.

DKeane

 

Well, those who would disagree due to hypermiling status maintenance will only continue to 2-dimensionally define themselves that way. Thinking, reasoning members of society will do the right thing, weighing the pros and cons.

Merry ChristKwanzUkah, everyone!


Don

 

If the vapor recovery system fills a very valid purpose (which I think it does) then why defeat it by topping off? AFAIK, the notion that fuel feeds back into the station's tanks is far fetched. What really happens when you try to top off is that you have to partly lift the nozzle out of your fill pipe. Otherwise it clicks off as soon as you pull the trigger. The vapor recovery system needs a tight fit on your fill pipe to work. Once you lift the nozzle you're allowing vapors to escape into the atmosphere.

Ah, more trivial pursuit.

Those PHIL home gas pumps for the Civic GX are priced outrageously at about $3000. Do you know how much CNG you can fill at a station for that kind of money? I've seriously considered buying a GX and I know there's no way on earth I'm going to pay that kind of money for a home filling station. I'd consider it for 10% of that price. Otherwise I will drive the extra 1/4 mile to the nearest CNG filling station every time. Sorry, I'm not going to pour my hard earned cash straight into some corporation's bottom line.

 

I've read that the state of California subsidizes at least part of the cost. Is that $3000 after the subsidy?

 

I read that too that there is a subsidy however, I thought I read most recently that the Phill station is now free to residents of California on behalf of Calf. governemt. Am I wrong?

 

Haven't heard that. It's certainly worth checking.

I just checked the Honda web site and the Phill website -
http://www.myphill.com/purchase.htm
Neither mentions any kind of subsidy.