Mine rusted out, fuel spilling out when I fueled up the other day. Had a couple of holes in the top side of the filler tube & vent tube. BTW Ford is pretty proud of that piece, best price I found was $130 so I went the aftermarket route for $75.

If you see a puddle when you fuel up take a look at the filler neck LOL

 

I have to do that repair on a couple of work trucks before too much longer, but I think I'm going to go the 5 dollar, "wrap it in fiberglass" route

 

As a preventative measure can I inspect that piece without removing it? If it's a common problem I'd like to be a step ahead of that one.

 

Maybe a place for "rubberized" undercoating, if used before it's too late?

Pop

 

Spray it the one (or a rusty one) with several coats of cold galvanizing spray?

I would think a rubberized coating might develop a void and then promote rust, especially in a fenderwell area.

 

I suppose.

You guys in wetter and colder climes have to be concerned about completely different things than those of us in warmer and drier places.

Pop

 

Yep you could inspect it, probably need a flashlight & a mirror to get a good look at the top side of the deal. I'd pay close attention to where the vent tube is welded to the filler tube, that was where mine was in the worst shape being the way it sets that spot looks like it holds the mud, water, salt or whatever finds it's way up there.

I doubt it's a very common problem but in areas that salt the roads it might not be a bad idea to take it off & wire brush & paint the thing every few years. Only 3 sheet metal screws & 3 hose clamps to take it off so I may throw a little paint on mine every 3 or 4 years (If I Can Remember) lol that's a big IF.