fuel fill problems

[docraymund]

Good day!

I was wondering if you could help me out my 2000 expy 4.6 cannot be filled more than 7 liters of gas at the pumps without shutting off the nozzle. If you try to put in some more, gasoline just flows out. It all started when I filled her up to the brim (for mileage estimation) but before that everything was fine. I also noticed that the fuel gauge is stuck to full position ever since. Is there an easy fix for this? Thanks.

 

[Thermo]

Doc, sounds like you have 2 issues here. First off the float inside the gas tank is stuck in the up position, therefore the only real fix is to drop the gas tank, free the level sensor and hope it doesn't stick again on you.

As for the fill issue, odds are you are looking at a problem with the vapor canister solenoid. This opens when you turn the truck off providing a vent path when filling the truck. If you got fluid into it, it is possible that the solenoid has failed on you, leading to it not opening when the truck is off. Granted, could also simply be some fuel sitting in that line. If you look behind the driver's side rear wheel, you will see a large black canister between the wheel and the rear bumper. This is the vapor canister. You will see the solenoid sticking out the front of the canister. replace that and see how things are then.

 

[KC Dave]

As for the fuel float, you can let it get down to half tank or so, and then give it a few good smacks on the bottom of the tank with a rubber mallet. (Just as you would to try and get a fuel pump to kick in and work)

 

[docraymund]

Thank you very much for the honest advise. I can live with a stuck fuel gauge
but not without fuel! I will try to check the solenoid and maybe give a feedback
on the result. Thanks again!

 

[docraymund]

Thanks Dave, by any chance do you know the exact location of the float?

 

[Thermo]

Doc, look at the underside of the tank. You will see that it is not flat. Near the back, you will see what is a half moon circle in the bottom. That is where the fuel pickup is. The fuel float is attached to the same piece. Smack that circle there and you will stand the best chance of freeing the fuel float.

If you are worried about running out of gas, atleast with my truck, if you drive 200 miles or so from the tank being full, that should put you at about half a tank, if not slightly under. So, you will have plenty of gas left.

 

[docraymund]

Thank you very much! I will try to do that. I looked under and located the breather tube connection I will try to blast it with compressed air at the station this weekend to see if it is clogged up. I located the canister and I think its ok. Thanks again for the advice definitely more heads are better than one!