Hard to gas up Ranger without it spitting back out

[mccoady]

I wasn’t sure where I should post this but here’s my issue. I have a 2003 Ranger FX4 that for the last year has gotten gradually worse spitting back out the gas when I try to fill it. It’s now so bad it takes 10 to 15 minutes every time I fill it... so I’ve got to do something.

Is this fix going to cost me a lot when I take it to a mechanic?

 

[sgtsandman]

My guess is something is up with the vent in the filler neck.

As far as cost, it depends on what is found wrong. If I remember correctly, a filler neck is about $100, plus labor.

 

[mccoady]

So the filler neck is most likely the issue?

 

[sgtsandman]

Sounds like it but this purely a guess with the truck unseen. It sounds like the tank isn’t venting properly and fuel is backup in the filler neck until the air can be vented.

There are hoses that connect the filler neck and vent to the tank. It could be an issue with them.

 

[mccoady]

Thanks yeah it definitely seems like an air/venting issue. Maybe I can get an estimate on the fix can’t afford a lot right now.

 

[sgtsandman]

Have a look or have them look at the hoses first. There might be just a kink in one.

 

[adsm08]

First, find the carbon canister. I should be up above the spare tire.

One of the two larger lines going into it should just be open to the air (but that end may be hidden). Check that hose for a blockage. Spiders like to crawl up in those hoses and build egg sacks.

If none is found, you may be able to alleviate the symptom a bit by only putting the fueling nozzle in halfway.

 

[mccoady]

First, find the carbon canister. I should be up above the spare tire.

One of the two larger lines going into it should just be open to the air (but that end may be hidden). Check that hose for a blockage. Spiders like to crawl up in those hoses and build egg sacks.

If none is found, you may be able to alleviate the symptom a bit by only putting the fueling nozzle in halfway.

Oh I‘m long past trying to put fuel nozzle in halfway, quarter way or whatever I can have so much fuel on the ground if I’m not extra careful.

So you’re saying you’ll have to drop the spare tire to have access to the open air line?

 

[91stranger]

Does the truck have rust? Could have a gas filler neck made of metal like mine and it rusted and the rust flakes were blocking the screen. Before I replaced it I was able to get some of the rust out with a flexible magnet.

 

[mccoady]

No not any rust my pickup still looks like new. I read rural water meters once a month so at times I do go on muddy roads... maybe I do have a blocked line.

 

[Josh B]

Oh I‘m long past trying to put fuel nozzle in halfway, quarter way or whatever I can have so much fuel on the ground if I’m not extra careful.

So you’re saying you’ll have to drop the spare tire to have access to the open air line?

Lower your spare tire and look, you'll see what he was talking about.
It's just a small plastic tank held up by a flat steel plate(on the driver side), you'll see the two large lines going to it(they come into view as metal lines, then change into larger rubber type

You might have to lay on the ground, you may need to use a flashlight, you might have to reach up in there and follow those lines around, you might need a small mirror, BUT, it may save you $500(or more)

 

[mccoady]

Lower your spare tire and look, you'll see what he was talking about.
It's just a small plastic tank held up by a flat steel plate(on the driver side), you'll see the two large lines going to it(they come into view as metal lines, then change into larger rubber type

You might have to lay on the ground, you may need to use a flashlight, you might have to reach up in there and follow those lines around, you might need a small mirror, BUT, it may save you $500(or more)

Thanks for explaining that and what to look for I will definitely try this!

 

[Everlearn]

This is usually caused by overfilling the gas tank up the filler neck. I let a friend of mine use my truck to move a couple of years ago, and he has a habit of cramming every drop of gas a vehicle will hold into the tank, all the way up the neck. My carbon canister was full of gasoline, that's what was causing the kickback I started having immediately after he returned the truck. Not that bad a job, I went to Pull a Part and got a canister, blew out the lines, replaced the canister, problem solved.

 

[Dirtman]

I had an issue with my truck not filling all the way. Took the carbon canister off, cleaned the vents, removed the filler neck and cleaned it. Tried holding the nozzle different ways. Nothing worked, still wouldn't fill up right.

Then I started going to a different gas station.... Problem solved.

 

[Josh B]

A different gas station has saved a few problems for me too Dirtman