What could cause a nozzle shutoff mechanism to malfunction according to Executive Order VR 201-A?

• A. Damaged spout O-rings
• B. Dispenser filter seal damaged
• C. Dispensing flow rate exceeds 10 gpm
• D. Nozzle spout not inserted into vehicle fill pipe correctly

Answer: (D)

The malfunction of a nozzle shutoff mechanism can occur when the nozzle spout is not inserted into the vehicle fill pipe correctly. This misalignment can prevent the nozzle from properly detecting when the tank is full, which leads to a failure in the shutoff mechanism. The design of the nozzle relies on a proper fit to trigger the shutoff when fuel reaches the top of the fill pipe; any obstruction or incorrect placement may disrupt this process, resulting in overflows or spills.

In this context, the other factors mentioned may affect the overall functioning of the fueling system but do not directly relate to the mechanism specifically designed to control shutoff. Damaged spout O-rings and dispenser filter seals could result in leaks or operational inefficiencies, while dispensing flow rates over certain thresholds could indicate issues with fuel delivery. However, these do not address the basic functionality required for the nozzle to properly close when the fill pipe is full, which is fundamentally tied to how well the nozzle is inserted into the fill pipe.