Gas pumps cheating us? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

R-RatedCustoms · 05-24-2007, 10:38 AM

I saw a video online from the AP where they were checking if feul pumps are accurate. It seems the State of Texas found that the few thousand they check there were only 96% that were accurate!

Here is the link to the video report (after the commercial): http://home.bellsouth.net/s/s.dll?ep...icleid=5226226

I am sure it goes on elsewhere.

Anthony

Shaw_2112 · 05-24-2007, 10:51 AM

There's supposed to be an inspector that comes around each month and measures the output, if it's not within tolerance the station gets fined...

77Ironhead · 05-24-2007, 10:58 AM

Thats what Sate/County/Town weights and measures enforcement authorities are for. A reputable company will check dispenser calibration monthly themselves. Many authorities only check annually. Most dispensers should calibrate to < + or - 6-7 cubic inches per 5 gallons.

R-RatedCustoms · 05-24-2007, 04:51 PM

The article points out the number of inspectors was 72 for several hundred thousand pumps.

Not every pump is going to get caught. I usually look for the last inspection sticker date. It also makes me feel better knowing that there might not be as much junk in the gas.

greenboot · 05-24-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77Ironhead

Most dispensers should calibrate to < + or - 6-7 cubic inches per 5 gallons.

Could somebody convert that to cc's for those metric riders?

Tom

FlaFatBoy · 05-24-2007, 08:21 PM

They fuk us on the price...no surprise here that they would do the same on the dispensing part. Corporate America has been screwing the little guy since forever.

Ride Safe
Randy

Black04 · 05-24-2007, 10:55 PM

The local news here stated that the pumps in Texas only need to be tested every four years. WTF is that all about? OK, after the state official leaves they can cheat you for four years without getting caught?

Here's another thing to think about. Why does the price of the 85 octane ethanol follow the price increases of regular fuel? There is no corolation between the two. The 85 should be about .85 cents. Stop exporting corn and turn it into fuel. For that matter, turn anything into fuel.

FlaFatBoy · 05-25-2007, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black04

The local news here stated that the pumps in Texas only need to be tested every four years. WTF is that all about? OK, after the state official leaves they can cheat you for four years without getting caught?

Here's another thing to think about. Why does the price of the 85 octane ethanol follow the price increases of regular fuel? There is no corolation between the two. The 85 should be about .85 cents. Stop exporting corn and turn it into fuel. For that matter, turn anything into fuel.

The best thing would be to have random "surprise' inspections to keep them on their toes. Four years between inspects is pretty much useless.

Ride Safe
Randy

M-16Pilot · 06-22-2007, 07:39 PM

Well We are totaly geting F)))@#$ed We have 3 refineries with in 50 miles and oil fields between yet we are still paying $3.00 a gallon.

Tim

Texan · 06-22-2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black04

The local news here stated that the pumps in Texas only need to be tested every four years. WTF is that all about? ......

Black I don't know what station you're watching (part of the State) but I know a fellow that works for DPS Weights and Measures. He said that news caster was bull of fermenting BS. They get every station 3 to 4 times a year. AND they've started doubling back on some stations when reported by the public.

One thing the news people have brought up here several times is the fact that pumps are calibrated with the gas at around 62 degrees. When the gas product get up around 75-80 degrees you not getting a full gallon of volume. I'm no chemical engineer or scientist but seems we should be buying gas around mid-night when it's a little cooler.

o~\o

route66paul · 06-23-2007, 12:36 AM

The calibrations have to be correct to a certain tolerance. If it gives you too much fuel they can get fined also. These guys know how to calibrate pumps, some have done things to the measuring device that they can remotely short you, maybe the person who always puts in $20. They have caught a few doing this. Most gas station owners keep the output right on the money.

I used to have a truck with an extra saddletank. I would run that dry and then see which station I could put the most gas in. We had one station in town and when it showed that it took more than it should, I would report the ba$tard. He got fined, but good. I hear that he is still doing it.

hdmarsh77 · 06-23-2007, 09:39 AM

I think there is a sticker on each pump that says when it was checked last, at least here in WI. The last time I thought about this while filling up I noticed it had been a couple years for that pump. I'll have to check it out today. Should be filling up a few times.

Tripper · 07-01-2007, 10:55 PM

I generally get between 38 and 43 mpg except for one station that I used to frequent; there I started getting between 35 and 37 mpg and I stopped going to that station. Mismeasurement? I dunno. Some stations, I have heard are dispensing their gasoline at a higher temp than required. Higher temp means less gas.

Curtis Shipp · 07-02-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenboot

Could somebody convert that to cc's for those metric riders?

Tom

CI x 16.387 = CC's

Example - 45 CI x 16.387 = 737.415 CC

Harley50glide · 07-04-2007, 08:34 AM

I refuse to buy in chicago the highest prices in the country ,the bordering states at least 40 cents cheaper especialy with this fleet of cars in this family.

Only name brand sort like mobil-shell- bp around here for the bike tho ,as far as correct mesurement you sort of gotta trust the state your in keeping them honest