I had a mishap at the gas pump

[Steve #1]

To answer your question, the black smoke and stalling were caused by the engine running rich.

This most likely happened because the Fuel tank has a vent that goes to a carbon canister, which on most vehicles then goes to the intake. I'm not exactly sure how it is set up on the H3 but, it sounds like you got fuel going completely through the system. The engine ran rich and stalled, or it was just a quick shot of extra fuel and when the computer compensated, leaned it out, then caused the stall.

So, there's my answer to your question.

Now for filling up with the motor running.... shame shame shame on you. It's obviously dangerous and outright wrong. If you believe in hel, pack your bags because you are obviously on your way there.

Why? .......... well, it is the first thing on the list on all the gas pumps, right not to not smoking while you pump gas.....and well....... obviously everyone here knows you shouldn't do it..... because they've told you...... because it's on the signs.........

Somebody mentioned flash point. Maybe the problem is that if the vehicle is running, gas could get on the tail pipe, and if the tail pipe is over 475F (don't think it would be that hot) then you could have a fire. We all know the tail pipe cools off immediately when you turn off the engine. If you don't believe me, just grab yours next time you shut off the motor..... OK, so maybe that isn't the problem with pumping gas with the motor running.

Sparks from the ignition system? Maybe you could have fumes that aren't caught by the recirculation system, drawn in to the engine compartment, and ignited by a faulty ignition wire (there are still some cars with ignition wire on the roads) and boom...... but it would probably have to be a big puddle of gas to be at a volatile level considering the amount of air being pulled trough the engine compartment by the fan......

I'm still not sure.....

How bout this, we all know how safety conscious they are in auto racing, and we all know they shut the motor off while refueling at a pit stop....... wait, no, they leave them running.

I'm stumped, If anyone knows WHY you should turn off the engine while fueling, fill me in..... and don't say "because it says so on the sign."