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  • Saving money at the gas pumps

    I just recieved this information from a good friend. Just passing info. to you all.

    I've been in petroleum pipeline business for about 31 years, currently working for the Kinder-Morgan Pipeline here in San Jose, CA We deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period from the pipe line; one day it's diesel, the next day it's jet fuel and gasoline. We have 34 storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons. Here are some tricks to help you get your money's worth.

    1. Fill up your car or truck in the morning when the temperature is still cool. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground; and the colder the ground, the denser the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands, so if you're filling up in the afternoon or in the evening, what should be a gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and temperature of the fuel (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products) are significant. Every truckload that we load is temperature-compensated so that the indicated gallonage is actually the amount pumped. A one-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for businesses, but service stations don't have temperature compensation at their pumps .

    2. If a tanker truck is filling the station's tank at the time you want to buy gas, do not fill up; most likely dirt and sludge in the tank is being stirred up when gas is being delivered, and you might be transferring that dirt from the bottom of their tank into your car's tank.

    3. Fill up when your gas tank is half-full (or half-empty), because the more gas you have in your tank the less air there is and gasoline evaporates rapidly, especially when it's warm. (Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating 'roof' membrane to act as a barrier between the gas and the atmosphere, thereby minimizing evaporation.)

    4. If you look at the trigger you'll see that it has three delivery settings: slow, medium and high. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to the high setting. You should be pumping at the slow setting, thereby minimizing vapors created while you are pumping. Hoses at the pump are corrugated; the corrugations act as a return path for vapor recovery from gas that already has been metered. If you are pumping at the high setting, the agitated gasoline contains more vapor, which is being sucked back into the underground tank so you're getting less gas for your money.

  • #2
    Thank you for these helpful tips.
    At today's prices, you may have just saved Christmas!


    "Obsolete" is a highly subjective term.
    Andy
    62 GT

    Comment


    • #3
      Thank you for these helpful tips.
      At today's prices, you may have just saved Christmas!


      "Obsolete" is a highly subjective term.
      Andy
      62 GT

      Comment


      • #4
        I question this information.

        1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

        2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

        3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

        4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

        Lee

        Comment


        • #5
          I question this information.

          1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

          2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

          3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

          4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

          Lee

          Comment


          • #6
            #2 is spot on....
            Lot's of stuff to stir up in a tank.
            To add to that...
            If you notice that the pump is putting fuel in real, REAL slow.
            Stop and go to a different station.
            There are filters right at the pump that collect water.
            If there's a bunch of water in the tank, and they don't change the filter, the pumps slow way down.
            For some additional filter, fuel, and biodiesel info, go to:

            Hope the info helps.
            Jeff[8D]


            quote:Originally posted by 61hawk

            I question this information.

            1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

            2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

            3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

            4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

            Lee
            HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

            Jeff


            Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



            Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

            Comment


            • #7
              #2 is spot on....
              Lot's of stuff to stir up in a tank.
              To add to that...
              If you notice that the pump is putting fuel in real, REAL slow.
              Stop and go to a different station.
              There are filters right at the pump that collect water.
              If there's a bunch of water in the tank, and they don't change the filter, the pumps slow way down.
              For some additional filter, fuel, and biodiesel info, go to:

              Hope the info helps.
              Jeff[8D]


              quote:Originally posted by 61hawk

              I question this information.

              1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

              2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

              3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

              4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

              Lee
              HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

              Jeff


              Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



              Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

              Comment


              • #8
                quote:Originally posted by DEEPNHOCK

                #2 is spot on....
                Lot's of stuff to stir up in a tank.
                To add to that...
                If you notice that the pump is putting fuel in real, REAL slow.
                Stop and go to a different station.
                There are filters right at the pump that collect water.
                If there's a bunch of water in the tank, and they don't change the filter, the pumps slow way down.
                For some additional filter, fuel, and biodiesel info, go to:

                Hope the info helps.
                Jeff[8D]


                quote:Originally posted by 61hawk

                I question this information.

                1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

                2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

                3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

                4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

                Lee
                Maybe, but I remember them replacing an underground tank in my hometown when I was in high school. It had developed a small hole (actually several small holes) and they replaced it. I don't recall it looking that bad when they pulled it up... this was a tank that was probably in the ground for 20 years. I have a hard time picturing where all of this dirt and sludge can come from... especially the newer tanks. It's not like there are a lot of openings for debris to fall into and the tankers cycle enough fuel through them to keep them clean. I would think that there would be a filter between the storage tanks and the filler spout when loading the tankers. I've filled up several times while the tanker is there unloading, and I've never even had to replace a fuel filter on a vehicle other than when I decided it was probably time for a new one.

                However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.

                Comment


                • #9
                  quote:Originally posted by DEEPNHOCK

                  #2 is spot on....
                  Lot's of stuff to stir up in a tank.
                  To add to that...
                  If you notice that the pump is putting fuel in real, REAL slow.
                  Stop and go to a different station.
                  There are filters right at the pump that collect water.
                  If there's a bunch of water in the tank, and they don't change the filter, the pumps slow way down.
                  For some additional filter, fuel, and biodiesel info, go to:

                  Hope the info helps.
                  Jeff[8D]


                  quote:Originally posted by 61hawk

                  I question this information.

                  1. The storage tanks are below ground... and usually 6-8 feet. The ground temperature that deep doesn't change that quickly to make any significant difference in volume. Ever been in an unheated basement of a house... it stays about the same temperature year round.

                  2. Gasoline is filtered many times, including before it goes into the tanker and lastly when it comes out of the pump. I don't believe there is that much "dirt and sludge" in the tanks to make any difference. Unless you're filling up at a mom & pop station out in the middle of nowhere where they get their tank topped off once a year that this makes any difference. My grandparents had an old gravity fed gas tank on their farm, it was above ground and went through temperature and infrequent fillups. This was an old steel tank and I know we never had any problems even with the condensation and rust build up inside the tank.

                  3. I can believe this, it also reduces the accumulation of moisture build up through condensation. But most gas tanks are pressurized (sealed) so I can't imagine that you'd lose anything noticeable... you could probably leave a half-tank in a car for an entire summer in Arizona and you'd probably not lose more than a cup of gas through evaporation.

                  4. I'm going to have to call BS on this one.

                  Lee
                  Maybe, but I remember them replacing an underground tank in my hometown when I was in high school. It had developed a small hole (actually several small holes) and they replaced it. I don't recall it looking that bad when they pulled it up... this was a tank that was probably in the ground for 20 years. I have a hard time picturing where all of this dirt and sludge can come from... especially the newer tanks. It's not like there are a lot of openings for debris to fall into and the tankers cycle enough fuel through them to keep them clean. I would think that there would be a filter between the storage tanks and the filler spout when loading the tankers. I've filled up several times while the tanker is there unloading, and I've never even had to replace a fuel filter on a vehicle other than when I decided it was probably time for a new one.

                  However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I do not agree with most of this post, but do agree with some of it.

                    1) At least around here, storage tanks are far enough underground that they are at a near constant temperature, so the time of day won't matter. Loading the tank trucks for delivery is a different situation.
                    2) I make a practice of not filling up shortly after a station gets fuel or after a heavy rain. I used to dip underground tanks on a daily basis and there was always some water and sediment at the bottom.
                    3)Evaporation may play a small part with Studebakers and other older cars. Newer cars have a closed fuel system so you do not get atmospheric evaporative loss.
                    4) I believe that you do get less aeration at lower pump speeds.

                    I do not believe that water was the problem in that South Bend station. I think that some incorrect fuel mixture was delivered to the station. I believe that the company owned up to the error, but I never heard exactly what the problem was. I bought that gas and the car would hardly run until I ran a couple of other tankfulls through. By the time that I got home, the gas gauge sender failed. I had to have the unit replaced. I do not think that some water would have done that. Also, I still have not changed the fuel filter in that car. If water was the problem, the fuel filter would be loaded with it. I believe that the company made adjustments for some of the consumers. I never pursued it.


                    Gary L.
                    Wappinger, NY

                    SDC member since 1968
                    Studebaker enthusiast much longer
                    Gary L.
                    Wappinger, NY

                    SDC member since 1968
                    Studebaker enthusiast much longer

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I do not agree with most of this post, but do agree with some of it.

                      1) At least around here, storage tanks are far enough underground that they are at a near constant temperature, so the time of day won't matter. Loading the tank trucks for delivery is a different situation.
                      2) I make a practice of not filling up shortly after a station gets fuel or after a heavy rain. I used to dip underground tanks on a daily basis and there was always some water and sediment at the bottom.
                      3)Evaporation may play a small part with Studebakers and other older cars. Newer cars have a closed fuel system so you do not get atmospheric evaporative loss.
                      4) I believe that you do get less aeration at lower pump speeds.

                      I do not believe that water was the problem in that South Bend station. I think that some incorrect fuel mixture was delivered to the station. I believe that the company owned up to the error, but I never heard exactly what the problem was. I bought that gas and the car would hardly run until I ran a couple of other tankfulls through. By the time that I got home, the gas gauge sender failed. I had to have the unit replaced. I do not think that some water would have done that. Also, I still have not changed the fuel filter in that car. If water was the problem, the fuel filter would be loaded with it. I believe that the company made adjustments for some of the consumers. I never pursued it.


                      Gary L.
                      Wappinger, NY

                      SDC member since 1968
                      Studebaker enthusiast much longer
                      Gary L.
                      Wappinger, NY

                      SDC member since 1968
                      Studebaker enthusiast much longer

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Really now?
                        A certain #$%! Marathon station on 933 in Mishawaka?
                        Hmmmm Who can remember that far back?[:0]
                        Jeff[8D]


                        quote:Originally posted by 61hawk
                        <snip>
                        However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.
                        HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

                        Jeff


                        Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



                        Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Really now?
                          A certain #$%! Marathon station on 933 in Mishawaka?
                          Hmmmm Who can remember that far back?[:0]
                          Jeff[8D]


                          quote:Originally posted by 61hawk
                          <snip>
                          However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.
                          HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

                          Jeff


                          Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



                          Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Steel tank?
                            If so, then you are dating yourself..
                            (IIRC any steel tank that was in the ground sometime before 1974 was outlawed and had to be replaced...nationwide..not sure on the exact date, though)
                            As far as crud in the tank...
                            Don't kid yourself.
                            They pump gas thousands of miles in pipelines that have all sorts of garbage in them. There are sediment traps (not filters) every so many miles to collect the crap that comes off the inside of the pipe, or gets in there from the pumps or valves.
                            Watch that stuff settle out after it gets agitated from all the handling.
                            Sure, there are filters, but filters don't catch everything, especially water.
                            Here's a good question to ask your fuel guy...
                            In a pipeline, they 'ship' (pump), regular, mid grade, premium, diesel, fuel oil,and now probably biodiesel...
                            How do they switch from one to the other (in the same pipeline)?
                            (I know, but I am asking you'ze guys)
                            Jeff[8D]



                            quote:Originally posted by 61hawk
                            Maybe, but I remember them replacing an underground tank in my hometown when I was in high school. It had developed a small hole (actually several small holes) and they replaced it. I don't recall it looking that bad when they pulled it up... this was a tank that was probably in the ground for 20 years. I have a hard time picturing where all of this dirt and sludge can come from... especially the newer tanks. It's not like there are a lot of openings for debris to fall into and the tankers cycle enough fuel through them to keep them clean. I would think that there would be a filter between the storage tanks and the filler spout when loading the tankers. I've filled up several times while the tanker is there unloading, and I've never even had to replace a fuel filter on a vehicle other than when I decided it was probably time for a new one.

                            However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.
                            HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

                            Jeff


                            Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



                            Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Steel tank?
                              If so, then you are dating yourself..
                              (IIRC any steel tank that was in the ground sometime before 1974 was outlawed and had to be replaced...nationwide..not sure on the exact date, though)
                              As far as crud in the tank...
                              Don't kid yourself.
                              They pump gas thousands of miles in pipelines that have all sorts of garbage in them. There are sediment traps (not filters) every so many miles to collect the crap that comes off the inside of the pipe, or gets in there from the pumps or valves.
                              Watch that stuff settle out after it gets agitated from all the handling.
                              Sure, there are filters, but filters don't catch everything, especially water.
                              Here's a good question to ask your fuel guy...
                              In a pipeline, they 'ship' (pump), regular, mid grade, premium, diesel, fuel oil,and now probably biodiesel...
                              How do they switch from one to the other (in the same pipeline)?
                              (I know, but I am asking you'ze guys)
                              Jeff[8D]



                              quote:Originally posted by 61hawk
                              Maybe, but I remember them replacing an underground tank in my hometown when I was in high school. It had developed a small hole (actually several small holes) and they replaced it. I don't recall it looking that bad when they pulled it up... this was a tank that was probably in the ground for 20 years. I have a hard time picturing where all of this dirt and sludge can come from... especially the newer tanks. It's not like there are a lot of openings for debris to fall into and the tankers cycle enough fuel through them to keep them clean. I would think that there would be a filter between the storage tanks and the filler spout when loading the tankers. I've filled up several times while the tanker is there unloading, and I've never even had to replace a fuel filter on a vehicle other than when I decided it was probably time for a new one.

                              However, I do remember the problems that happened at one of the Studebaker meets where everyone who filled up at a certain gas station had problems with water in the gas.
                              HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)

                              Jeff


                              Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. Mark Twain



                              Note: SDC# 070190 (and earlier...)

                              Comment

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