Thread: Ampol coming back

An interesting description of how today's systems operate with just one person in command.



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Originally Posted by 4bee

https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2013/11/06/these-petrol-pumps-are-history-but-whats-the-future/


Just a little memory jog it appears it would probably have been 4 Gallons unless you used a bit of an odd ball design.

Every one I remember was four gallons. You moved a quadrant on the front of the pump to 1,2,3, or 4 then pumped the fuel up into the bowl using a hand lever on the side.

Ahaaaaaa yes. That's it Brian, a little handle thingy thing.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

Every one I remember was four gallons. You moved a quadrant on the front of the pump to 1,2,3, or 4 then pumped the fuel up into the bowl using a hand lever on the side.

Ah! Now I remember.

The volume was set by raising a tube inside the glass bowl. So once it reached the top of the tube at the set level, further pumping was a waste of time.

Thinking about the size of the bowl on the one at Louth, I'm now sure it was the size of a 4 gallon drum.

Between us, I think we now have my recollections finely tuned.

Originally Posted by vnx205

Has anyone else used one of those petrol bowsers that involved using a lever to pump fuel up to a glass bowl on top of the bowser?

When the glass bowl was up to the required level, squeezing the trigger on the nozzle let the petrol run out under gravity.

I used one in Louth in the late 1960s. Since we had two Land Rovers and a 200 litre (44 gallon) drum to fill, it wasn't a quick job.

I/we/the Doomadgee Roadhouse has one of those pumps.
It is in pretty "original" condition. We (my bosses & myself) are currently debating if we get it properly restored or if I just stick it on a concrete slab out on the forecourt as is.
I have been offered $15000 for it as is & have been told it would be worth over $35000 once restored. Seems rediculous to me?
The glass bowl (when it existed) held 8 imperial gallons so no, not quick to fill a 44.

When the fuel in Doomadgee was at the Main Store if the power went out for a longer period we could & would put a bike chain on sprockets in the pump & we could pump fuel by crank handle, hard work when it's hot & raining.
Now I have a BIG ARSE generator!

Jonesfam

Interesting that, Jonesy. Can you post up an image of said pump?

And now for something more modern...

- You know that you're OLD, when you remember filling up at this price... per Imp. Gallon, or 4.546 litres... less than 10 cents per litre.IMG_3388.jpgIMG_3386.jpg

Furthest back I can remember is $0.17 cpl