When I put fuel in my tanks the fuel goes down the filler tube so slowly that within about five seconds it backs up and shuts off the gas pump nozzle. I have to wait five seconds or so before I can actuate the nozzle and proceed. While waiting I can hear the fuel slowly going down the filler tube into the tank. I then actuate the pump, I hear the fuel back up, the pump stops, I hear the fuel drain into tank and I pump again. It takes what seems forever to fill both tanks.

My truck is a 1981 F150 Custom and came out of the factory meeting California emission regulations in force for that year. The problem I am having did not happen when I fueled the truck in southern California where the fuel pump nozzles have a vapor recovery system. Since leaving California I have had this problem.

Does anyone know if there is some sort of baffle in the filler pipe that perhaps does not actuate when not using a vapor recovery type nozzle. If so where is it in the filler pipe. If I disconnect the pipe can I get to the baffle and bust it out?

If the problem is not some sort of baffle does anyone have any thoughts on why the fuels is backing up so quickly during fueling and if so what do I need to do to correct it?

Thanks,

Mick

 

Check through this forum, there are a number of posts regarding similar problems and how to check the filler tube and vent line for wear, damage, plug's, etc.

Mine is an '82 F-250 4x4 that originially was sold in California and eventually made it's way to Colorado, and I have the same problem depending on which gas station I use. After trying all the suggestions listed in various posts, I did some research and found out that California has EPA "standards" for gas stations relating to "gallons per minute pumped" and "pressure ratings" that are allowed at the nozzle tip, so all gas stations "output" at the nozzle is consistent across the state as part of the clean air program. I can find no such standards for Colorado gas stations and you might notice, the slower the gallons roll by on the display as you pump, the less time and chances you get the gas backing up and shooting out on you!

I talked to a regional manager for one of the large gas station chains and he told me their concept was to pump gas as quickly as is safely possible. Also, depending on how empty the underground gas storage tank is at the gas station will effect the rate of flow from the pump on day to day basis. Hope this helps...

Another Mick...Mickey...Mike...Michael

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide the detail that you provided in your response to my problem. Most people that I have talked to about this problem say I am crazy. Although I did not know about the specifics of the California rule regarding “gallons per minute pumped” it sure makes sense. I have noticed that pumps here in Texas and other states that I have taken the truck to pump at a rate greater than what is pumped in a California station. I have also noticed just as you said that the slower the gallons roll by on the display as I pump, the less time and chances the gas backs up. I also noticed a difference on the same pump from day to day will falls in line with what you said regarding amount of fuel in underground tank.

I will check for the other posts on the forum that you refer to although I did not have success in finding anything useful with a previous search. Perhaps I need to look harder. I really want to find a fix to this problem as the amount of time it takes to fuel is making me nuts.

There may indeed be a problem with the filler tube or vent line although I am very much still leaning to some sort of baffle in the filler tube. When the fuel backs up and the pumps shuts off I can hear the fuel slowly gurgling as it passes down the filler tube. It very much sound like there is something in there restricting the flow. Also, I have inserted a flexable plastic rod down both filler tubes and I can feel it hit something part way down. I just hate to rip it apart and found out that I am wrong and there is no baffle. My next step will be to review the forums postings again and see what I can find.

In the meantime, where you had the same problem I’ve got to ask did you ever resolve it. or are you just living with it? Have you considered the possibility that there is some sort of baffle in the filler tube or did your investigaton conclude that there is not anything there?

Again, thanks for you response.
Mick

 

In the filler neck ( Thing that looks like a big radiator hose) between the tank and the hole you fill up through, there should be a black plastic tube about 3/4 inch diameter that lets air in as you pump.


If the tank has ever been changed or dropped to clean etc, chances are someone left that out or pinched it when putting the tank back in. It is a pain to get in right.

It kind of sqeezes in a notch in the outside nozzle port and a groove in teh tank side. The idea is that gas goes into the tank around the bottom and air can escape through this tube takiing up the top portion of the fille neck.

Here is a picture of mine when it was out......
http://www.marketswing.com/Temporary...0placement.jpg

http://www.marketswing.com/Temporary...ent%20Tube.jpg

Good Luck,

Lee

 

I've got the same problem with my '81 F150. What I've found...first off...don't put the pump tube all the way into the filler hole. only drop it in about an inch or two. Second, use the slow lock notch on the pump handle. You'll have to manually top it off, but it should work.

I've checked my tank filler tube for kinks(none) checked the vent(it breathes well) and to no avail.

I used to work at a gas station as a young fella, and we actually kept a block of 4x4 around, cut at an angle on one end, to have certain Ford's(regulars) drive up on, as the change of angle on the rear wheel allowed for faster filling. A few seconds of aggrivations, as opposed to a few minutes worth. It seemed that the change of angle allowed for the gas to flow down/air to escape via the breather tube, a bit better. Some things to try, anyways.