Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: connie14boy on May 05, 2012, 10:23:53 PM

Title: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: connie14boy on May 05, 2012, 10:23:53 PM
I have been having a hernia trying to fill the tank on my bike- anywhere inSo. Cal. it's the same pain in the ass. I get the nozzle in but can't get it to start filling- it just doesn't make sense. I have come really close to running out and having to find 2-3 stations before I can get gas to trickle in very slowly? Anyone else having problems or probably just me as always..
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: katata1100 on May 05, 2012, 11:13:55 PM
First, let me say how much I hate socal!
Ok,now to the problem:
CA has pumps with a funky vapor recovery thingie. They are worried that a a few fumes from the gas nozzle will go up and pollute the air (while they ignore the illegals driving around in an uninsured '82 Toyota with smoke coming out of the exhaust, but that is another thread).
So, when filling, you have to defeat this contraption to fill the tank. You might kill a few flies, but it beats walking home.
When filling, hold the nozzle and trigger with the right hand. Grab the rubber thing with the left hand shove it up into the pump. Dispense fuel with end of the nozzle pipe about an inch above the gas tank opening. You should be able to see the fuel go into the tank.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Jaxter on May 05, 2012, 11:22:17 PM
I think there is a gadget sold which pulls the rubber neck back...I just can't remember where I have seen it
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: SimonSaysDie on May 06, 2012, 12:14:17 AM
I think there is a gadget sold which pulls the rubber neck back...I just can't remember where I have seen it

http://www.mccuff.com/ (http://www.mccuff.com/)

Don't let the picture of Goofball Senior on the website scare you off.  It actually does work, I used to use on on my other bike and never had an issue with it...except where to carry it.

I usually just stick 2 fingers under the rubber boot and then push the nozzle into the tank.  That normally pushes the boot up far enough to let the pump work.

Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: OregonJim on May 06, 2012, 12:36:57 AM
Same problem here with my 2012, and it surprised me when I first encountered it. My 2004 R1150RT gas filler worked just like a car's -- shove the enviro nozzle in, hold firmly and pump until it stops. Kawi didn't think of this?
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Rhino on May 06, 2012, 01:59:00 AM
http://www.mccuff.com/ (http://www.mccuff.com/)

Don't let the picture of Goofball Senior on the website scare you off.  It actually does work, I used to use on on my other bike and never had an issue with it...except where to carry it.

I usually just stick 2 fingers under the rubber boot and then push the nozzle into the tank.  That normally pushes the boot up far enough to let the pump work.

The video is funny. Had to get a couple of takes with him riding. I see how this could help with the vapor boots in CA but just as easy to pull the boot back with your left hand. I have no idea why you would use this in a state without the vapor recovery boots.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Conrad on May 06, 2012, 06:31:25 AM
I have been having a hernia trying to fill the tank on my bike- anywhere inSo. Cal. it's the same pain in the ass. I get the nozzle in but can't get it to start filling- it just doesn't make sense. I have come really close to running out and having to find 2-3 stations before I can get gas to trickle in very slowly? Anyone else having problems or probably just me as always..

You did open the gashole first right?    :o
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: So Cal Joe on May 06, 2012, 07:35:01 AM
I have an 09 which should be the same as all the rest and I don't have any trouble. It works both ways, put the nozzle in the tank and fill or pull the rubber boot back with 2 fingers and put the nozzle in the tank and fill.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Tarheelbob on May 06, 2012, 08:32:34 AM
http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html (http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html)
(http://people.delphiforums.com/tarheelbob/Gas_Nozzle_Holder.jpg)

From the Aerostich catalogue:
If you’ve ever encountered the charmingly termed ‘evaporative recovery nozzles’ at gas stations, you know what a semi-spastic wrestling match with one of these flammable-spewing horses appendages can be like. All you’re trying to do is refuel your motorcycle, right? However, for those of us so afflicted, this nozzle key artfully retracts the corrugated... forepart of said alloy proboscis and allows you to gas your bike with a minimum of fuss and splatter. Small, light, packable, and a real help for those of us afflicted with such infernal devices. Get one, carry it in your tankbag and be prepared!
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: connie14boy on May 06, 2012, 08:35:21 AM
The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Rhino on May 06, 2012, 09:16:35 AM
I have an 09 which should be the same as all the rest and I don't have any trouble. It works both ways, put the nozzle in the tank and fill or pull the rubber boot back with 2 fingers and put the nozzle in the tank and fill.

+1 I've never had a problem pulling back the boot.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: OregonLAN on May 06, 2012, 12:08:45 PM
The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

That would make no sense. You would be unable to fill up gas cans or pretty much 50% of the motorcycles on the road. Having owned 6, I've yet to have one that I could jam the nozzle in and fill up. BTW, they have those boots at stations that fall into the DEQ inspection areas here in Oregon too.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: rush2112 on May 06, 2012, 04:31:41 PM
One brand has that here in Texas too. I think it's Shell Stations if I remember correctly.

PITA!

 :banghead:

Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: So Cal Joe on May 07, 2012, 07:15:17 AM
The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

What attendant??? there are no attendants at gas stations anymore, just counter help.
I usually gas up at Chevrons and Shell and have not had any problems at any stations.

Where in So Cal do you live??

This might be a case of ESO
Equipment
Superior
 to
Operator
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: connie14boy on May 07, 2012, 07:57:13 AM
The guy in Hemet can bite me- He sounds like a really cool dude like the Fonz...
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: stevewfl on May 07, 2012, 11:19:23 PM
Keep voting Nancy Pelosi and the green crowd in and you'll keep dealing with the green crowd and socialists, high taxes, vehicles you pay more for because of tighter emissions.......

Just keep voting that %$#^& in and then dealing with the CA crap.

Rant because I had the same prob in that Nazi state when I was out west. Plus I paid more for gas tax there to line her pockets.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 08, 2012, 04:00:20 AM
Steve, let's keep the political tirades for the Arena, ok?
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Boomer on May 08, 2012, 07:14:00 AM
I have only ever seen these vapour recovery hoods in California.
Whilst I guess they do work, the amount of vapour they prevent from escaping is almost certainly minor.
On motorcycles they are a PITA to use but I guess y'all don't have a choice.
As for taxes on gas, come over here and pay our taxes on gas.
Then you'll be convinced that California is still cheap.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: stevewfl on May 08, 2012, 08:11:12 AM
Jim will do, politics is the obvious reason for the CA gas pump pains compared to other US states is why i thought it on topic.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: So Cal Joe on May 08, 2012, 08:25:03 AM
The guy in Hemet can bite me- He sounds like a really cool dude like the Fonz...
Gee, Connie 14 Boy, don't get upset, it could be you and not the pump, since no one else that I know or ride with that  lives in Calif is having a problem. You did say in your first post "just me as always.."
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: stlheadake on May 08, 2012, 01:14:11 PM
The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

We have the silly things here in St. Louis, Missouri too.  I've encountered them in various forms all over the country, INCLUDING a great deal of California.  However, I have NEVER had one fail to let me gas up by pulling the cuff all the way back.  You DO need to pull it back evenly.  You can't have one side up and the other not, or it will 'think' it isn't in properly. 

As for the various contraptions, I guess they work.  I wouldn't have a handy place to store them, and getting off my bike when filling is just a pisser!  I want to get in, fill up, and get out!  Fumbling with gadgets just slows me down.  Give it a try, just make sure you pull that cuff back evenly, and all the way back.  You'll get your reward, I promise!

It ain't the bike!  There's too many of us NOT having that problem! 
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: maxtog on May 08, 2012, 03:18:58 PM
I have only ever seen these vapour recovery hoods in California.

I have actually seen them in eastern Virginia too.  But pretty rare.  When I first encountered one I was like, "what the hell is this??"
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: BlkBird on May 08, 2012, 04:21:52 PM
I have actually seen them in eastern Virginia too.  But pretty rare.  When I first encountered one I was like, "what the hell is this??"

They're all over NJ too.  Like some others I have never failed to fuel up even with these pumps, simply pull the cuff back far enough and it works like a charm... of course your hand then smells like gasoline for a couple hours but then the only other option is to glove up with nitrile gloves before fueling to resolve this.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 08, 2012, 04:39:08 PM
I have actually seen them in eastern Virginia too.  But pretty rare.  When I first encountered one I was like, "what the hell is this??"

Don't get out much, do you?
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: CrashGordon on May 08, 2012, 07:22:15 PM
We have them here in the Dallas area, but they must be a little different because the hood doesn't have to be retracted in order for it to fuel. I've never had an issue fueling my bike.

And you can blame Pelosi or whoever you want for these nozzles, but they return vaporized fuel to the station's tank to recondense and be resold. Stations are basically getting free fuel that, in the long run more than pays for the nozzle. Do you really think they need legislation to get on board with that?
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: chi-gpz1100 on May 08, 2012, 08:38:06 PM
Just be glad these new fuel tanks no longer have leaky petcocks!!  :o
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: wally_games on May 08, 2012, 09:28:23 PM
We have them here in the Dallas area, but they must be a little different because the hood doesn't have to be retracted in order for it to fuel. I've never had an issue fueling my bike.

And you can blame Pelosi or whoever you want for these nozzles, but they return vaporized fuel to the station's tank to recondense and be resold. Stations are basically getting free fuel that, in the long run more than pays for the nozzle. Do you really think they need legislation to get on board with that?

I'm just guessing, but I bet that the vapor that escapes while I fill up my 5 gallon tank isn't enough to produce one full drop of fuel.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 09, 2012, 04:05:18 AM
Yeah, but if you add everyone up, it's probably a quantifiable amount.  Just one of those things we need to deal with these days.  We have vapor recovery in Fredericksburg but it's just the bellows thingy and doesn't cause any fill up issues with bikes.  I guess there are different types depending on the locality and how tough they are on vapor recovery.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: gPink on May 09, 2012, 04:23:42 AM
Yeah, but if you add everyone up, it's probably a quantifiable amount.  Just one of those things we need to deal with these days.  We have vapor recovery in Fredericksburg but it's just the bellows thingy and doesn't cause any fill up issues with bikes.  I guess there are different types depending on the locality and how tough they are on vapor recovery.
The only vapor recovery I've seen in southern Ill-inois is the meth and crack smokers.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: MrPepsi on May 11, 2012, 11:37:39 AM
Good news fellow riders...
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)
EPA to remove vapor-capturing rubber boot from gas pump handles
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: maxtog on May 11, 2012, 04:12:19 PM
Good news fellow riders...
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)
EPA to remove vapor-capturing rubber boot from gas pump handles

Thanks for the info!  Good post
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: OregonJim on May 11, 2012, 05:31:01 PM
Yayyyyyy! Gotta wonder tho, if some states (Or, Ca) might decide to keep them
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: CrashGordon on May 11, 2012, 06:08:08 PM
Or if the stations might choose to keep them since the expense of installing the nozzles has already been paid.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: connie14boy on May 13, 2012, 07:21:49 PM
This is a picture of the offending gas nozzle that won't work on my bike. The attendant says this is a new style that was installed in Feb. at his station. In order for the pump to start, the boot has to be touching the top rim of the tank to catch the fumes, and the way my tank and filler cap is constructed, that ain't gonna happen. There is no foreskin or bellows to pull back, and the guy says he has bikers cursing at him all the time. This type nozzle is found at some Shell and Mobil stations all over the state, but mostly in and around Los Angeles. The 76 , Valero and Chevron stations are all trouble free for me.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Rhino on May 14, 2012, 03:38:52 AM
Good news fellow riders...
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/epa-gas-pump-handles/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)
EPA to remove vapor-capturing rubber boot from gas pump handles

This is confusing. This implies that it is a federal EPA thing. But most states, like my home state of CO have never had these silly vapor recovery nozzles. I always thought it was just CA and OR.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Rhino on May 14, 2012, 03:39:48 AM
This is a picture of the offending gas nozzle that won't work on my bike. The attendant says this is a new style that was installed in Feb. at his station. In order for the pump to start, the boot has to be touching the top rim of the tank to catch the fumes, and the way my tank and filler cap is constructed, that ain't gonna happen. There is no foreskin or bellows to pull back, and the guy says he has bikers cursing at him all the time. This type nozzle is found at some Shell and Mobil stations all over the state, but mostly in and around Los Angeles. The 76 , Valero and Chevron stations are all trouble free for me.

That does look very different then the ones I have encountered.
Title: Re: Hard to fill gas tank-
Post by: Conrad on May 14, 2012, 05:16:52 AM
This is a picture of the offending gas nozzle that won't work on my bike. The attendant says this is a new style that was installed in Feb. at his station. In order for the pump to start, the boot has to be touching the top rim of the tank to catch the fumes, and the way my tank and filler cap is constructed, that ain't gonna happen. There is no foreskin or bellows to pull back, and the guy says he has bikers cursing at him all the time. This type nozzle is found at some Shell and Mobil stations all over the state, but mostly in and around Los Angeles. The 76 , Valero and Chevron stations are all trouble free for me.

I can see how that would be problematic. How exactly do these things recover the vapor? Is there someplace for the vapor to go or is it simply covering up the gashole?