Hello,

When I fill my tank, the fuel ocassionally runs over and spills onto the ground. This maybe happens once every couple of months. Someone told me recently that this can mess up the "charcoal canister" that prevents fuel fumes from getting in your engine compartment and, hence, into your car. Does anyone have any good info on this such as how bad it has to get before the canister fails, how to prevent the gas from spilling over (that would really be great), etc. Thanks for the hep guys,

Andy

 

Don't top off the gas when you fill it up. Or maybe the auto gas shut off for the nozzle is not working.

 

Yeah, I guess it just comes down to being more careful when I fill it. Maybe going slower toward the end of the tank would work. Does anyone know of the effects on the canister, though, of having it overflow? Thanks again,

Andy

 

You are not going to flood the canister with a little splash-over at the gas pump. You would have to seriously cram in way too much gas. And even if you did, the canister should purge itself while driving.

If you smell gas inside the car, check the whole system for leaks. Especially around the fuel filter, fuel rail, and injectors.