On 11/24/05 9:55 PM, in article ,
"SoCalMike" > wrote:

> E Meyer wrote:
>
>> Wrong.
>
> really? in california, we have signs at all the gas stations saying its
> illegal to dispense gasoline into an unapproved container, yadda, yadda,
> yadda....
>
> only makes sense.

We have signs in Texas as well about dispensing into unapproved containers,
do not get back in car while pumping, turn off cell phones, etc. I have
also occasionally seen topping-off on the list of do nots. I have yet to see
anything that says its ILLEGAL to top off. If it is, then I estimate
somewhere around 99% of drivers using self service gas pumps around here are
breaking laws.

As I understand it, the manufacturers recommend against it because it can
back flow into the charcoal canister and mess up the EFE system (You will
get a "check engine" light if this ever happens). The EPA doesn't like it
because the little bit that spills on the ground can evaporate into the air.
Any explosion risk that might be there is from static sparks and is
addressed by the "do not get back in car while pumping gas" admonition
(which is also rampantly ignored).

The thing I am taking issue with here is the assertion that it is illegal to
top off. If that were the case, then self service gas stations would have to
be eliminated, since the station owners would be liable for any law breaking
done using their property.