1997 Ranger fuel leak when full

[stephen1231]

Hey there, I am new to this site, not sure if I am posting in the correct spot. I recently bought a 1997 4.0L V6 2wd ranger. When I went to fill up the tank with gas, I noticed as soon as it clicked letting me know it was full, a stream of gas was coming from what looked like the top of the tank, There is no gas leak when driving or parked and it only happens when you fill it up all the way for a few seconds and then stops. Anybody have any idea what could be causing this?? any advice helps as I just learning about vehicles and there systems/components ! thank you in advance !

 

[Dirtman]

Most likely a crack in the filler neck. Cheap and easy to replace.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Most common issue would be the Filler/Vent hose having a crack

Looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/1993-1997-Ford-Ranger-Filler-Clamp/dp/B00BMEU9WW?tag=959media-20

The gas flows down the smaller hose in the center and the air comes out(vents) in the larger hose
If the larger hose is cracked at the tank then it might leak only when fuel in the tank got high enough, like when filling and gas comes back up the smaller pipe to turn off the nozzle

Use your hand to feel around on the filler tube for a crack

 

[stephen1231]

Thank you !
and awesome, I have been reading around and that is what some posts have been saying. Thank you guys for the quick response ! Would the filler neck also come with the Vent hose or is that the same/different part? (sorry for my lack of knowledge, learner here) The gas only leaks once the tank as been filled and I let the nozzle shut off by itself. It only leaks for a few seconds and then it stops and doesn't leak after that.

 

[RonD]

1993-1997 Ranger the filler and vent hose are one piece

Its just the most likely, it can also be EVAP system hose or even the ring seal at the top of the tank
So feel the hose FIRST

 

[stephen1231]

Thank you again, Would that require me to remove the box of the truck? or is there a way to get up in there before I do that?

 

[Curious Hound]

On my 93, both hoses came as an assembly As RonD mentioned.

You have what we call a third generation Ranger. 2993-1997. That is something you want to keep in mind when ordering parts, especially when trying to find used parts. Because almost anything between those years will interchange. Somewhere in that range, the ecu changed from OBD1 to OBD2. And some electrical things changed with that.

 

[Curious Hound]

Thank you again, Would that require me to remove the box of the truck? or is there a way to get up in there before I do that?

Removing the box is usually considered easier than dropping the tank. You may not have to remove the bed completely. Just remove the bolts and lift the front end and prop it up securely on wood blocks just high enough to gain access. Don’t forget to remove the screws for the filler mount and remove the gas cap. If you decide to take the bed off, don’t forget to unplug the wiring harness at the rear end. I believe the connector is towards the driver side just forward of the bumper.

 

[97RangerXLT]

yep, removing the bed is the easiest route. 6 bolts to hold the bed down, three screws that connect the filler to the bed side, and the tail light harness plug. take you about 20 minutes to do. as mentioned, you can probably just remove the front 4 bolts and loosen the rear and tilt the bed up. but as easy as it is to remove completely, I would take it off, look at the frame rails and spring hangers. if you need to replace them, you already have the bed off to do so. You only need 2 people to lift the bed off.

AJ

 

[Dirtman]

Some people don't have spare people laying around.

I gotta make a hoist for mine to remove it this summer.

 

[stephen1231]

Thank you guys all so much for all the info, I super appreciate the help and will post here to tell you all how it goes. Might not get to it for a few days but wish me luck!

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Some people don't have spare people laying around.

I gotta make a hoist for mine to remove it this summer.

1. Four saw horses taller than the frame, and tall enough for the box sides to clear the wheels
2. Two jacks, one for each side
3. Lift the front of the box
4. slide the 2x4 under, on top of two of the four saw horses
5. Repeat for rear of box
6. Start engine
7. Drive truck out from under box.
8. Box installation is reverse of removal.

 

[Curious Hound]

Some people don't have spare people laying around.

Of course not. Your spare people should be making sandwiches and mowing the lawn, not laying around

 

[97RangerXLT]

Some people don't have spare people laying around.

I gotta make a hoist for mine to remove it this summer.

go get one from the basement.

AJ