Steam while fueling?

[lapis986]

After driving home through some heavy traffic for about an hour, I stopped to fuel up. Opened the gas door, inserted the nozzle, and about 3/4 of the way into 13 plus gallons I noticed steam coming from the front of the gas door. Scared the heck out of me. From the drive I know I was at temperature, and curious if cooler gas going into the tank might cause the steam to come out. Somebody tell me this is normal please

[KevinH1990]

Is it possible that the source of the steam is a leak in the cooling system? The radiators are up front. I'm not sure of the location of piping between the engine and the radiators, but I suspect they must pass through the fuel filler door area.

If you were in heavy traffic, this might have caused some mild overheating after the car stopped moving while you were refueling.

[lapis986]

I found no leaks. I live in Florida and it is hot here. car typically operates at just above the 180 mark which is where it was when I stopped to fill up. Can anyone confirm the location of the radiator nearest the fuel filler door and if the steam I saw come out of that area might be from cold gas moving past a warm/hot hose in the same area? I can't think of any other reason I'd see steam come out. It stopped as soon as I stopped fueling.
It is unnerving to see steam come out of the front of the filler door and leave some condensation on it
I noticed a few folks read this thread- would appreciate anyone responding who has had similar experience.

[dcporsche99]

I've never had that experience before, but I believe your line of thinking is most likely correct. I, too, cannot imagine what other possibility it could be.