Gallardo fueling mishap. Need advice

Was getting gas last weekend and walked away from the car while the pump was running. Once the tank was full, the pump's auto shut-off did NOT work. This was the first time this has ever happened. (FYI- the pump was set on the "slow" setting, which I don't normally use). Gas spewed everywhere- onto (and into) the engine cover, the roof, side, you name it. I was really worried about gas hitting the hot manifold and igniting. I let the car sit for a while, poured some water into the engine area near the manifold to dilute anything there, and was able to get to a nearby car wash (manual!) with no further drama.

The problem is, the gasoline stained/discolored parts of the plastic engine compartment liner. It's a dark gray color, but the gas turned it a lighter shade. What can be done to correct this? Mother's Back-to-Black or something similar? Armor-All?? I haven't done anything to it yet, other than apply a little soap and water during the carwash.

Note to self: Do NOT leave car unattended while fueling. ever.

 

I would suggest something a bit better than back to black.

Try some "Pre-Wow" with "Black Wow" might be a bit more expensive but its a much better product.

Some other products you can try:

1Z einszett Gummi Pflege Stift Rubber Care Stick

or Adam's Polishes VRT.

 

Did you tell the gas station it happened when it did? If their pump failed to shut off when it should have and caused damage to your car, I would think their insurance would be responsible for the repairs.

 

Seems to be a known issue with Gallardos. More than one has gone up in flames due to overfilling at the pump when owners "set and forget" the nozzle. Best advice is to stay at the nozzle and when it auto-offs the first time, you're done. Don't "top it off".

For a related laugh, go to Lambeaupe Hour and ask "what is this about a clown and a burning Gallardo?" Great stuff.

 

Interesting.

I had an incident with a Jag X type where it overfilled and spilled gas all over the side of the car. It was a faulty pump at the gas station though. It might be worth investigating if the issue is car related, or pump related.

 

During this gas stop, I was a bit tired after having driven all weekend in the mountains. Initially I tried the full-on (fast) pump speed, but since that wasn't working, I just set it on "slow". And the nozzle may not have been inserted into the filler as far as I usually put it. Usually I put it in about as far as it will go. The lower pressure (lower pump speed) and a nozzle further out may not have allowed the pump to properly "kick-back" when full, which normally stops the pump.

As it was near 100 degrees and the motor had been running for over an hour, I think I may have ended up very lucky, all things considered.

I ordered the Pre-Wow and Black-Wow. (Thanks, elpadrino) I'll post up later with the results of the engine compartment clean-up.

 

Back in the day, there was no "auto shut off." I'd say the fact that such a thing exists today (largely due to environmental regulations) is a convenience, not a "given." Sure wouldn't look to blame others if it didn't shut off as expected.

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

Auto shut off?? With a Diablo, you can't even get the pump to stay on in the slowest position....oh while holding the handle at the sweet 8 o'clock position...


Shamile

Freeze....Miami Vice !

 

I always had to hold the handle on my gallardo, in CA they have the evap boots that you have to manually hold while filling...no auto shut off here!

 

So far, I'm a huge fan of the Pre-WOW. It worked immediately, making the gray areas even darker than the non-stained areas. I haven't even used the Black-WOW, but plan to.

Pre-WOW also did a good initial job on my Carrera's exterior plastic (around the windshield wipers)- which was more black than gray. Now it's glossy black.

The final verdict will come after 30 days or so- we'll see if this magical effect lasts.

 

Not necessarily looking to blame others. But if there is an issue with a pump, it is good for the station to find out about it now, rather than wait for a worse accident to happen.

 

The Pre-Wow is meant to be a first stage application - remember to follow up with the black wow right after.

think of the pre-Wow as a cleanser/conditioner for the Black wow to really soak in and do its thing. Pre-Wow followed by Black-wow should give you some long lasting results.

Glad to hear the initial impression.