So I recently noticed that when I open the gas cap, and put the nozzle in, I see that the metal plate that you usually push through to pump gas is not there anymore. I have not noticed any difference in gas mileage or anything, but is that important? I have had trouble filling up though, sometimes I have to hold it instead of using the pump lock. I took it in for an oil change today and a random consultant told me they'd have to take it all apart. It's only under the extended powertrain warranty for recalls, so I don't feel like paying for that, but it wouldn't be covered would it?

 

hmm, I noticed that I don't have that metal plate either. Can't remember if I had it before though

 

I never had the metal plate but then again, I bought my car used...

 

mine is still there and my car is a 07 IS350......brought used too!

 

i dont think i have one either

 

I live in jersey so ummm, I don't pump my gas, so I wouldn't know =P

 

It doesn't do anything. In the olden days when you could buy gas with lead in it, the opening was open. Yes, you had a relatively large hole to insert the relatively large nozzle. There wasn't anything in there - just a large dark hole with plenty of nozzle room. Pretty basic.

In the governments infinite wisdom, it was decreed, around 1979, that the "new" unleaded gas vehicles would have a reduced opening to match the reduced nozzle. They had a little useless metal door that covered the hole so the masses could peer into the opening and realize that the car took unleaded gas long after the fender decal was peeled off. Grab the wrong hose and that door protected the environment like a chastity belt.

Now that regular gas is a memory, isn't it time to return the fuel opening to the original unobstructed size? I think so and get rid of that damn 9/10 cent crap at the end of the fuel price. With gas hovering around the four bucks a gallon mark is anyone fooled by nine tenths? Maybe back when gas was under a quarter a gallon, it was useful but now it makes as much sense as sealed beam headlights.....

Don't get me started.

 

^ I actually rather enjoyed that rant.