I didn't even think it was possible. I drove about 10 miles past the flashing pip. I started filling and it auto stopped at 3 gallons. I started the pump again and watched in amazement as the pump passed 12 then 13 gallons and finally clicked off at 13.25 gallons. The fuel level was all the way up to the opening and a small amount was dripping over the side maybe a half cup or so. Has anyone ever heard of such a large fill? I figured the fuel spilled because I was at a BP station , but I can't explain the amount that fit in the tank.
Bingo! I was thinking that in 100+ degF temps maybe in addition to the bladder being fully distended the surrounding tank had stretched... Not!
I'm guessing that the amount pumped was accurate. The filler neck and the emissions control devices all hold a significant volume of gasoline. Of course the emission control devices are now likely ruined in your car and need to be replaced.
There was a small puddle not much though. I have been able to get 11.5 to 11.7 gallon fill up's when the gauge is flashing. It was about 95 degrees when I filled up. I've now driven 100+ miles with no adverse effects. If emission components were damaged would I see a CEL or some other indicator?
A 1.3 gallon puddle would have been bigger than your car so that wasn't it. Odds are the pump was off calibration or didn't reset to zero properly before you started. You would have to deliberately do some weird things to fill your emissions components with gasoline. Put your betting money on a bad gas station pump.
a small puddle is like being a little pregnant. Unless you have a GEN III, 13 gallons simply can't happen with a U.S. configured Gen II. .
Since you live in FL, I suggest you visit the gulf coast and scoop up some oil from the ocean, to get your money back.
Contrary to all the media reports, there is no oil in the Tampa Bay region. I fish and dive almost every weekend. I have not seen any oil on the surface or under water out to 60 miles from the coast.
Yes if there is no CEL then I won't worry about it. By the way the Japanese could squeeze 60 liters into the 45 liter tank (no bladder). http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ld-record-1680-miles-per-tank.html#post895117 I suppose the OP's fill tube etc. could potentially hold an extra gallon or two.
Just to add further, you WILL NOT "damage or destroy" the evap components by filling them with fuel! IF you completely fill the fuel system (very hard to do) and put the fuel cap on and the fuel then expands, it's possible it can push off a hose -inside- the tank between the bladder and the steel tank. Only -THAT- will cause you to replace the fuel tank. You will get a CEL quite soon after, and the code set will indicate there is fuel between the bladder and tank. Try this after you accidentally overfill - put the cap on loosely. Drive a mile or so and stop and see if you can still see fuel in the filler tube. My guess is you will not (and should replace the cap and tighten it properly). In my experience there are enough vapor traps in the system that you would have to try VERY hard to completely fill it with liquid fuel. Any reasonably large vapor volume will give enough expansion room for the fuel so no damage will be done. It only takes about 1-2 litres for a tank fill to expand from about 50F to about 80F. A little more if the ambient temp is higher. If you place the cap on loosely then no pressure will be generated by the expansion. And no, in my experience a loose cap will not generate a CEL unless you leave it loose for a day or more.
Most likely the Vapor recovery sensors were inoperative, this has happened to me several times, using the automatic fill system when this happens pumps the extra fuel back into the stations tanks and you get to pay extra.
Update: 630 miles and the flashing pip returns. I pumped 11.6 gallons before the pump stopped. I was relieved that it stopped when it did but I wasn't going to allow it to go past 12 gallons. I think the 13.25 gallons must have been an accurate measure and must have been retained in the tank to have made it to 630 miles. I have not seen anything out of the ordinary with the function of the car since the overfill.
