Is it unsafe....
 

To fill a running vehicle with gas?

Depends how fast you're driving...

The Mythbusters say yes, but their methods are hardly scientific. Err on the side of caution? ;)

"What did you ask, I'm on my cell phone smoking a Camel!"

No, personally I don't think it's unsafe. However, it very well may trip the check engine light to come on since it would pick up the open gas cap as an emissions/EVAP system failure methinks.

Olden days (20+ years ago) it was standard practice.

Best response :)

Like most things in life, you can do it and get away with it 999,999 out of 1,000,000 times. But you have no idea when that 1 time is going to happen when it kicks you in the crotch.

Similar to IMSB failure.

It's as safe as using a cell phone at a gas station

I think the concern is about a difference in potential between the gas pump and the car which may result in a spark. Given the location of where that spark is going to jump if it does, it definitely could end badly.

Here it is the law, and a gas station attendant will not turn on the pump for you until you turn off your engine.

Its safe, but as mentioned before, you can get a CEL and also, the tank will not fill completely.

Why would you feel the need to ?

Single digit weather. Cab cools off very fast. More for vehicles in general not our P cars. Want it to warm up since I don't let it run to warm up at the house. It's cooooold!!!

I wonder how this would relate to plugging in an electric car if the engine was on. Would the spark be like free electricity or would you be charged for it?
:D

Would refrain from smoking while doing so.

The owner of a tiny gas station near me always smokes a cigar while pumping gas !

I saw some kid doing this at a gas station. I turn to the guy close to me and ask...is she really smoking a cigarette? He looks at me and shakes his head. By the time he looked again, I was speeding out of there like I stole gas or something. What a retard!!!

This scene comes to mind:
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/308...as-fight-o.gif

Last March a gentle man was killed at a BP station in my area doing this. I'll pass.

It's physically impossible to ignite gas or gas vapor with a lit cigarette as I understand it.

I agree with this. Years ago (back when I smoked), out of curiosity I once tried to see if I could get a little gasoline I had dribbled onto the driveway to ignite with a lit cigarette. It was seemingly impossible---ultimately I ended up crushing out the lit cigarette in the middle of the small puddle, with no flames resulting.

That said, I'd still not pump gas with a lit cigarette in my hand or mouth...if for no other reason than it would make one look like an complete fool! :p

Gasoline liquid and vapour is extremely difficult to ignite this way. It will only ignite in very limited circumstances of air/gasoline mixture, and temperature. However, no matter how low the risk, I would not chance it since the consequences may be horrendous. As someone said, in the 'olden days' we all used to fill the tank with the engine running, but I no longer do this. This is because I have had quite a bit of experience with the effects of fire on people, and I can't imagine a worse way to go. Due to my line of work, I have seen people of all sorts roasted, dead and alive, including as a medic in Viet Nam many years ago. I once saw a woman burn to death in front of me, with no hope of helping her. So don't risk it, it is not worth it. Turn the ignition off, don't smoke, and be mindful of static electricity in clothing etc.

With the DD'ing Ford Explorer, I let the engine run all the time while pumping gas. I do this on very-very cold days and very-very hot days. Never with the P-cars.

Same here, Ranger.

$hit, I've been known on business trips in Minnesota to let the Explorer run for hours in the parking lot during meetings when it's been 15-20 below ZERO! Same for extreme heat, let the AC run along with the cooled seats.

LOL. Why don't you experiment by pouring some out on the concrete and touching your lighted cigarette to it? You have nothing to fear .... Right?

The guy driving the refueling rig pulled up while I was filling up. This big fat guy was smoking at the next pump. Rig man jumps out walks over to fat guy and tells him to put out the cigarette.
Fat guy doesn't like his tone and keeps puffing away. Rig guy comes over and tells him a second time and to quit wasting his time. So I'm guessing it's not so impossible to start a fire this way. Rig guy was not taking any chances.

You're not reading all the posts! Tried that. So very unexciting. A waste of gasoline...didn't burn, not at all.

Actually, tried, smart guy,,Nothing happened. We tried vapors in a milk jug, got the cherry super red hot, small amounts, a small puddle, and no go, so there.

Nothing to fear from a lit cigarette....

Yes. And on many jobs we had to wear hard hats whilst standing in an OPEN FIELD. Some Unions / salty dogs are overly cautious, but owners, insurance companies, and foremen like that.

You cannot ignite gasoline or gasoline vapors with a lit cigarette.