Tank will only fill 3/4 of the way.

[Dirtman]

When hell froze over last week I had an issue filling up my truck, the pump kept shutting off way before it was completely full. I just ignored it since it was -15 and assumed ice or something blocked up the filler vent line.

Now its still doing it so obviously there's a real problem I cant blame on the weather. I've tried different gas stations but every time I go to fill it clicks off at almost exactly 70% full and then requires continuous resetting to get anymore fuel in. No CEL so no evap codes. The purge valve is coming on normally and vapor pressure reads good.

Im still assuming just a clogged filler vent line and plan to take it off this weekend to check/clean it but is there anything else I should check while I'm at it?

 

[Macneil87]

If you can get to your evap canister vent line, blow it out with compressed air and try it again. Chances are you’ll need a new canister though. Do you often continue to fill it after it clicks?


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[Dirtman]

Im in NJ so we dont normally pump our own gas lol. But no it never gets filled any further after the initial click. Obviously except for trying now when I know 100% it is not filled all the way, but even then I just tried a few times and gave up.

According to my shop manual the evap canister is near the spare tire so not too hard to get to. Is there any way they can be cleaned, fixed, restored? They aint cheap!!! I know Im jumping the gun since I haven't even crawled under the truck yet lol.

 

[Ranger850]

could it be the fuel gauge is just off a quarter tank? maybe it is full but not reading a full tank.

 

[Dirtman]

could it be the fuel gauge is just off a quarter tank? maybe it is full but not reading a full tank.

The initial fill up when it happened was on E with 330 miles on the tank (average mileage per tank) and it only took 11 gallons (17 gallon tank) so no way it was full. Unless the gauge broke and I magically got 30mpg at the same time lol. Im not that lucky!

 

[91stranger]

That's what I was wondering. How many gallons are being put in when you fill up? If you know you have a 19.5 gallon tank and you are putting 17-19 gallons then your gauge is not reading properly.

 

[adsm08]

I'd replace the vent valve, and make sure the line is free of obstructions.

You did not put 11 gallons through a partially clogged filler with no issues for it to then say "Oops, gallon 12 can't get past the blockage". It is easier to compress the vapor when there is less of it though, like in a nearly empty tank vs one that is 3/4 full.

 

[Dirtman]

Ill pull the whole canister & valve out Saturday morning and fiddle with it. The vent valve is only 20 bucks so at least that's not gonna kill me to replace. The stupid canister is $175!

Shouldn't the vent valve throw a code though?

 

[adsm08]

Ill pull the whole canister & valve out Saturday morning and fiddle with it. The vent valve is only 20 bucks so at least that's not gonna kill me to replace. The stupid canister is $175!

Shouldn't the vent valve throw a code though?

The vent valve won't always throw a code. The issue you are dealing with is probably a mechanical blockage, so no code unless the system can't equalize to atmosphere when it runs it's test. The time frame for that is much longer, and the volume much lower, than you need during fueling.

The only reason you should need to replace the canister itself is if liquid fuel comes out of it when you remove it.

 

[Macneil87]

I live in northern Ontario Canada and we have a fleet of f150 and super duties. The super duty vent lines run up under the box rails. They plug up with mud and all the mining mud they drive around in quite frequently. One particular truck we had to remove the factory vent line from the canister and I ran one up behind the tail light and put a screen on the end of the hose. Solved the problem. Unfortunately I haven’t run into an issue like this on my ranger or any of the other ones I’ve worked on so I’m using other experiences to help.

Any luck yet?


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[Dirtman]

You must be talking about the intake line on the dust separator because the vent side is sealed to the engine. The dust separator line lets air in when driving, nothing to do with refueling.

 

[Dirtman]

Been busy so took a while but I finally got around to taking everything apart. The canister vent solenoid is working fine, the dust seperator filter is not clogged, all the lines are fine. No fuel in the carbon canister.

The only "restriction" is a little bit while blowing through the carbon canister but its not much and i assume thats normal since its packed with carbon.

I also pulled the fill neck to check it, no issues there either.

So i just cleaned everything and re-installed it. Not sure where to go from here.

 

[Dirtman]

Ok so the issue is solved. The solution, take everything apart and then put it back together again.

Just went to fill up and it filled perfectly fine.

My only guess is, I must have unknowingly knocked a turd or something loose will taking it apart.