Smog like smoke after gas tank got overfilled (auto shut off didn't work), harms the system?

General lounge
1

Good afternoon all,

Since gasoline is cheaper in Abbotsford, today I stopped at the Shell gas station on Mt. Lehman Rd & Trans Canada Highway. While I was doing something else, the auto shut off failed to function and the gas continued to be pumped in the tank till there were gushing and flowing sounds including gasoline hitting the ground; this is when I disengaged the gas flow trigger.

After driving a minute or two, white fog like smoke started spewing and continued for 20-25 minutes while driving on Trans Canada Highway. Additionally, the “Check Engine” light turned on.

Any advice based on previous experience or otherwise is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Following is a brief summary of a web search “Consequences of overfilling gas tank“

Google’s AI Overview says, “Overfilling your gas tank can damage your car’s {!nav}emissions system (EVAP), particularly the charcoal canister, leading to poor performance, rough idling, trouble starting, and a lit check engine light, potentially costing hundreds in repairs; it also poses environmental and safety risks from spills. The pump’s auto-shutoff is there for a reason, and continuing to pump after it clicks can saturate components meant only for fuel vapor, not liquid gas, causing costly damage.“

ChatGPT says, “Overfilling a gas (fuel) tank—usually by continuing to pump after the nozzle clicks off—can cause several problems. Here are the main consequences, from minor to serious:

:automobile: Vehicle & Mechanical Issues

  • Damage to the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system
    Extra fuel can flood components like the charcoal canister, which is designed to handle vapors, not liquid fuel. This can lead to costly repairs.

  • Check engine light
    EVAP system damage or sensor issues often trigger warning lights.

  • Reduced engine performance
    Fuel vapors may be improperly managed, affecting air–fuel balance.“

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It’s always disappointing to hear how cars can be so delicate.

The check engine light will result in a code that your mechanic can read and determine what your car’s computer thinks is wrong.

I googled and found that you can probably drive “conservatively.” to get off the highway and to your mechanic.

1 Like
3

Thank you Dr. Jason for your advice!

The overflowed gas seems to have got into the cannister creating gasoline rich mixture or could have got on the exhaust outlets and heated up, producing the smoke.

The engine code was for Tire Pressure, not related to this issue (it pops up from time to time due to low battery of the Tire Pressure Sensor).

Cheers,

RK