 SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | [Help] 1998 Dodge Intrepid: busted fuel tank inlet check valve? Hi all,
Today while trying to refill my gas tank - and I know I was low - the gas would not go in, but backed up into the fuel filler inlet tube. Huh?
Took it home. pulled off the filler tube, gas was inside it, and putting my finger just inside the gas tank revealed what felt like some kind of inlet check valve. Reading the Dodge service manual, I see:
said by Dodge :INLET CHECK VALVE
All vehicles have an inlet check valve on the inside of the fuel tank at the filler inlet.
The valve prevents fuel from splashing back on customer during vehicle refueling. The valve is a non-serviceable item. Are there any possibilities that don't involve replacing my gas tank?
Steve
--
Stephen J. Friedl | Unix Wizard | Security Consultant | Orange County, California USA | my web site |
|
 TA63ST215WPremium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
kudos:2
 ·TekSavvy DSL
 ·Cogeco Cable
| Re: [Help] 1998 Dodge Intrepid: busted fuel tank inlet check val Hammer and prybar?
A screwdriver to pop it open?
Don't discount the possibility that other items from the evaporative emissions system could be responsible. If the air/fuel vapors in the tank can't get out, then filling is going to be a bear.
--
The talented hawk speaks French. |
|
SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | reply to Steve
Hmmm. Looking a bit closer, that inlet check valve in the tank seems to be moving OK, it doesn't give the impression of being clogged at all, not enough to cause any kind of backup on an empty tank.
This vehicle's fuel filler tube is just one piece, no separate overflow/vent as part of the filler mechanism, though there is some separate vent-like stuff elsewhere that I can't see and don't understand.
This wasn't having any problems filling prior to today, so it doesn't suggest to me that it's a thing that got gradually bad.
Steve
--
Stephen J. Friedl | Unix Wizard | Security Consultant | Orange County, California USA | my web site |
|
TA63ST215WPremium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
kudos:2 Reviews:
·TekSavvy DSL
·Cogeco Cable
| I found this poking around on Google.
»www.justanswer.com/chrysler/1p2m···ate.html
--
The talented hawk speaks French. |
|
SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | reply to Steve
Update: I put it all back together and took it to the filling station; I now have a full tank, though the fill kept cutting off unless I pumped it slowly.
This suggests I have some kind of venting issue, and it probably requires the tank be dropped to really inspect properly. I'm going to make an appointment with my mechanic unless anything else jumps out at me.
Steve
--
Stephen J. Friedl | Unix Wizard | Security Consultant | Orange County, California USA | my web site |
|
Beezel
join:2008-12-15
Las Vegas, NV | reply to Steve
That's why I like cars (like my VW) that have a panel that you can remove in the floor so you can access the top of the tank. |
|
SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | Yah, it would be nice if I could. Pulling out the rear seat does let me access the wiring harness, but not the vents and the rest.
When I describe my problem to my mechanic, are there tests they can do rather than just replace everything? I would imagine there are some kinds of pressure tests, but I dunno.
I assume it's better for my mechanic to bring it in with less fuel in my tank than more? |
|
 mph300Two Thirds The Way There
join:2000-11-09 | said by Steve:I assume it's better for my mechanic to bring it in with less fuel in my tank than more?
Yes, in the situation where tank removal is probable, it is best to bring it in with the least amount of gas.
Mike
--
CH3NO2-Fuel me UP-Let's race! |
|
SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | reply to Steve
Update: I've been able to fill the tank twice now after the incident that prompted this thread, and the fuel flow is about what it's always been: mostly flows well, but sometimes cuts off early.
I'm uneasy writing this off to a one-time event, though if it's working now I may just ignore it: I won't have the car much longer.
Strange.
Steve
--
Stephen J. Friedl | Unix Wizard | Security Consultant | Orange County, California USA | my web site |
|
Reviews:
 ·T-Mobile US
| reply to Steve
Have you tried a different gas station? My work installed new pumps for air emissions and for some vehicles they would click off every few seconds. The recommended plan was to not to put the pump in all the way which got things usable until they were able to dial in the settings.
--
This Space for Rent... |
|
SteveI know your IP addressConsultant
join:2001-03-10
Yorba Linda, CA
kudos:5 | reply to Steve
Update: this issue has still not recurred, so I'm really getting to think that the inlet check valve had actually gotten physically stuck in the closed position, and I freed it when I disconnected the filler hose and stuck my finger in there to knock it loose.
The time it got stuck, there was no fuel flowing - I could see it backed up - so it's not like this could happen again and I wouldn't notice. I figure it's just one of those things, and maybe all I'd need to do next time is rap a bit on the gas tank near the inlet.
I appreciate the guidance from everybody here.
Steve
--
Stephen J. Friedl | Unix Wizard | Security Consultant | Orange County, California USA | my web site |
|
