Fuel filling issue

[Ceezer]

I have the issue where I'm unable to fill my tank up continuously. Sometimes I can pump 0.5-0.75 gallon before the handle trips, sometimes I can only pump 0.02 gallons at a time... (that's when I rage out).

This weekend I removed the EVAP canister assembly, broke everything down and blew it all out. There seemed to be no blockage, and I could blow into the line back to the tank. When I put it all back together and went to the BP up the road, it still persisted (and it was one of those 0.02USG occurrences...).

Any other ideas? It's an 04 XLT 4.0 4WD, and yes, I've tried holding the handle at every conceivable angle, from every degree and depth, and squeezing the lever at any and all possibilities.

 

[twb4525]

Sounds similar to me. My filler neck collapsed on itself. Check/change fuel filler neck.

 

[AzLizard]

My Mazda I have to turn the nozzle towards the rear to be able to fuel at a higher rate

 

[RonD]

Picture of a 2004 Ranger filler pipe here: http://www.fillernecksupply.com/2004-2005-ford-ranger-fuel-filler-neck-112-wb-reg-cab-4l5z9034aa/

You will see the smaller tube in that picture, that is the air vent that allows air out as gas goes in.
Your vent tube is acting like it is blocked, so as air pressure builds up by filling the tank, the gas backs up in the filler tube part and shuts off the nozzle via it's "overflow sensor".

When you put the nozzle in the tank it needs to go in past the air vent opening so air can escape as gas goes in, you can see the air vent tube opening by removing the gas cap looking in the neck, make sure it is clear.

See if you can feel or see if that small tube has been crushed or bent, or rubber fitting on the tank has shifted pinching it off.

EVAP system is a vent of sorts but not meant as an air vent for filling the gas tank, hoses are much too small for the kind of air flow needed to pump gallons of gas a minute into a sealed tank, so that smaller vent tube on the filler neck is needed.

 

[KOBA]

I am having the same problem. I have removed the filler neck and checked the vent tube. No restrictions. I also pushed a rod towards the tank to check the check. It moves freely. It takes me 16 minutes to put I 17 gallons of fuel and it’s making me crazy!!

 

[Dirtman]

Find a new gas station...

 

[RonD]

There are only two things that block faster filling
Air can't get out of the tank, vent hose is blocked or kinked
Gas can't get into the tank, filler hose is blocked or kinked

If its not one of these then tank is already filled up, or............laws of physics simply don't apply to your Ranger

Gasoline flow is bigger than a "rod", so not a good test for a kink in the filler hose
Run your hand as far as you can down the filler tube to see if there is a kink
Same for vent hose if its a separate hose

Rangers had 2 types of filler setups

This type has separate vent hose: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attachments/general-technical-electrical-18/34684d1329362657-fuel-filler-neck-imag0885.jpg

These are combined filler: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31Y9pMVrxDL._AC_.jpg
Gas comes in via the longer tube, air goes out the larger

 

[rumblecloud]

Is it possible to use a borescope to see if anything is blocking the fuel inlet? Not sure I like the idea of putting anything with a battery that close to the tank though...

 

[Kira]

In my experience you can cause this by brimming the fuel tank.

I had to keep my tank at 1/4 or lower and finally the lines cleared up (?) and I could fill it.

Never top off.

 

[Dirtman]

I bet you like your tank brimmed

 

[Kira]

Occasionally back in the old days but not anymore.
The last time it happened a new gas jockey brimmed me while I wasn't looking.
The time before that a friend 'did me a favor' during a fill-up on a long trip; also while I wasn't looking.