Hello all-

My '97 Explorer is struggling to take on fuel at fuel fill.

Started all of a sudden...At gas station last week I inserted nozzle and attempted to fill tank as I normally do. It would not accept fuel at a fast pace. It keeps clicking the gas pump trigger off. I keep squeezing and it keep clicking of every 1-2 seconds!!

What can this be?
What steps can I take to analyze before I start replacing parts at random?

Thanks

 

Sounds like the vent solenoid may be stuck closed. The vent solenoid should be open when the engine is off to prevent what you are experiencing.

-Rod

 

I don't see any electrical connections near filler neck. Where would this solenoid be located ?

 

The solenoid/valve will not be at the filler neck. I think it's on the fuel tank. I'll need to do so looking through the service manual.

-Rod

 

Is this the valve that's under the spare tire?

Does anyone have install procedures and pictures of valve?

Thanks,
Carlos

 

So I did a bit more looking through the service manual this morning. There is a vent hose that is attached to the fuel tank, just a couple inches away from where the filler neck/tube connects to the fuel tank. I suspect this is the smaller hose that connects to the underside of the fuel fill tube and would normally be covered/protected when the fuel cap is installed. I'd now suggest starting by disconnecting that vent hose from the fuel tank, remove the fuel fill cap, then blow some regulated, low pressure hose from an air compressor through the tube from the tank end. That vent tube is likely restricted.

Has any body work been performed in that area recently that might have kinked or pinched the vent tube?

-Rod

 

Start with the filler neck/vent tube assembly and tank connections. Based on the symptom described this is where I would focus my efforts to begin with.

The one valve used on that particular tank is a Fuel Vapor Valve. It doesn't appear that it would prevent refilling of the tank.

Fuel tank layout...



Filler neck/vent tube assembly...



Hope this helps.

 

Thanks.....going to try blowing out the line from the bottom up. I'll be sure to prop open the fill door at filler neck in the event something is blown out

 

look at the rubber tube and see it is collapsed or pinched at some point.. SOMETHING had changed recently to plug the hose or collapse the small vent tube.

 

Blew air into the vent hose and all was clear, no restrictions.

Tested by trying to fill tank and SAME problem

So, what else can it be?

Is there a filter/screen inside the rubber hose between filler neck and gas tank?