Instructions for the springville pumps

[belentom]

This may be a surprise to some, but the convenience store clerks for the most part don't have two brain cells to rub together let alone, understand how the CNG systems works. So I will explain to all who care and want the pumps to run correctly. I fuel there daily and see the damage as it occurs. Drivers pull up to the pump, attach the hose, flip the lever and turn on the nozzle before going in to pay. When the clerk turns on the pump, the pressure jumps to 3500 psi from 0 psi. This shocks the secondary valve inside the pump causing damage to the internal working parts, thus breaking it. If the instructions are followed, it clearly states to slowly turn on the valve, not turn it on and walk in to pay. Springville is down to one pump from four because of this. So for all those of you, If your so lazy that you can't follow directions, please sell your CNG and go back to driving gasoline. those pumps are harder to break! Us smart ones will save the planet.

[CNGLO]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

If WE smart ones will save the planet, WE smart ones might consider tactfully and gently suggesting to the Flying J folks and to those who WE see improperly using the pumps to change their ways so that WE smart ones can continue to use the pumps that are so important TO US so that WE smart ones can continue to save the planet.

You make a good point about flipping the lever on the side of the pump before turning on the valve at the nozzle. That is consistent with the instructions I have seen on the Questar pumps at their 200 South pumps and at the Tesoro pumps on North Temple. However, the Jordan District pumps specifically say to turn on the valve at the nozzle BEFORE raising the red lever on the side of the pump. That is combined with another sign on the front of the pump that warns that the pumps will shut down if the instructions are not specifically followed. I've wondered why the Jordan District pumps have instructions that are different from all the Questar instructions I have seen on other pumps.

Anybody in the know care to chime in? I believe the Jordan Pumps are Tulsa Gas Technologies pumps, but I'd have to take a closer look to see what model they are.

[belentom]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

This same habit is what is causing the alpine pumps not to function. Shocker huh?

[freedml]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

Pumps which are used by consumers need to be 'bullet proof' enough to withstand that kind of 'operator error.' I've never seen any instructions like that for pumps in California -- whatever you do they will work properly and not break.

[OptimaCNG]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

The instructor from PG&E teaches me lift the lever and turn on the nozzle then go use the card to pay for it. I don't know will it damage the pump but I need to re-do due to insufficient time to complete the process.

[freedml]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

That method is fine in California. You can't hurt a dispenser here by turning something on or off at the wrong time or too quickly or slowly (as it should be). The worst that will happen is that you won't get any fuel.

[Zarniwoop]

Re: Instructions for the springville pumps

The Utah State pumps will error with "Handle?" or "In Use?" or other similar messages if you flip the dispenser to ON before going in to use the card reader. So, it is logical to conclude that the Utah pumps should probably NOT be switched on prior to initiating payment and receiving the message authorizing you to start pumping. Furthermore, others here have mentioned that you should wait a few more seconds after the authorization message before turning on the pump to avoid causing the system to shutdown.

What I do is: (after receiving authorization to dispense)
1. Hook up the nozzle to the car.
2. Turn the valve from Vent to Dispense. This allows my car's tank to pressurize the pump's hose.
3. Turn on the dispenser.

Doing it that way, the dispenser kicks on to at least a partially pressurized line, and it also sees that the gas is "going somewhere". Some of the touchier dispensers only seem to work this way; I've had problems when they kick on when the hose is still set to Vent. It's almost like they see a closed hose as "oh look, there's no car hooked up to this hose so I better turn off".