Slow filling of fuel tank?

bendbile · 08-24-2010, 11:37 AM

I have an '04 V-10 and I cannot get fuel into it. Literally takes 20 minutes+ to fill up. To make matters worse, I live in Oregon where you cannot pump your own gas so I have to stand there and listen to a moron bitch about it.
I searched the forums and didn't find much info. Any easy fixes or what should I tell someone at a shop to do?

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-24-2010, 11:40 AM

Sounds like you have a plugged vent line. When the line can't vent, fuel backs up in the filler neck unless you 'trickle' the fuel in.

You may have to drop the tank to get to the filler and vent. And the vent may be blocked inside the tank.

Mike

Skywagon · 08-24-2010, 05:16 PM

Also, I've heard that in Oregon you can pump your own diesel. Might be just at truck stops, but I read somewhere that they can't prevent you from pumping your own diesel. Not gas, just diesel. Mostly it's not worth arguing about to someone making minimum wage doing something they don't want to do...
Bill

jage · 08-24-2010, 09:12 PM

Heck, I pump my own diesel all the time and only have to deal with the trickle or shut off for the last 8 gallons- I love going to Oregon because that's the one time I don't have to mess with it (although I keep my cap locked to prevent quick draw gasolining!)

Two questions:
One, has it always done this, is it a new issue, or new-to-you van?

Second, you've tried different service stations, right? The sensor on a pump is in a little hole at the front of the bottom of the nozzle and the hole gets crap in it over time causing it to shut off constantly. Got a little schooling in this pre-SMB when I was having problems at a pump. The clerk came out, whipped out a paper clip and dug junk out of the sensor hole... yeesh, when I stopped cowering from the expected explosion I realized what he'd done totally fixed the pump.

If you're getting it at the same place you might have a pump problem. If not, I'd second the air vent.

oclv · 09-15-2010, 04:15 PM

I had a similar issue with my 46 gallon tank. It was a Transferflow. They are located in Chico, CA which is in Northern California. I made an appointment with them and they took it down and did some adjustments (re leveled it, took a pinch out of a line, etc). Put it back in and it fills perfectly now. I'm not sure where you are in Oregon, but you might be able to make a 4 day weekend sometime and have them do the work. They were terrific to deal with.

**daveb** · 09-17-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oclv

I had a similar issue with my 46 gallon tank. It was a Transferflow. They are located in Chico, CA which is in Northern California. I made an appointment with them and they took it down and did some adjustments (re leveled it, took a pinch out of a line, etc). Put it back in and it fills perfectly now. I'm not sure where you are in Oregon, but you might be able to make a 4 day weekend sometime and have them do the work. They were terrific to deal with.

Wow, what did they charge you? Chico isn't far from my place.

Dave

deminimis · 01-05-2011, 10:57 AM

Here's the mod I did on my tank when I was a proud SMB owner (sorry, the pics are long gone, but you should get the idea): viewtopic.php?f=13&t=3057&p=25594&hilit=transfer+f low#p25594

I have little doubt that your problem is anything other than a venting issue.