2005 Legacy GT LImited - 58,000 miles

 

 

 

Left the car in the driveway while we were gone on a week vacation. Very hot here, over 100 every day. Came home and after a few days, had to fill up. Almost wouldn't take fuel. Kept clicking off and fuel would accumulate in the neck. I tried several other pumps at various stations with same result. Have to fill sloooooowwwwwly. Hard to tell when it is full as it clicks off constantly. Here is what I have checked.

 

Evap canister- removed and it appears perfect, no fuel and no clogs.

Filler neck- removed and checked. Appears fine.

All the lines I could get to seemed fine. As there are numerous ECU controlled valves, I assume it shouldn't be that as the ignition is off when filling up.

 

On a diagram, I found a vent valve that should open when tank pressure goes up when fueling. I am not sure if this is in the tank. If this is stuck closed, it could cause this problem. D

 

Does anyone have ideas and/or know where to find the vent valve? I'm afraid it is in the tank. The vent valve goes to the evap can.

 

I am looking for any thoughts.

That is your problem, the vent valve. Not sure if it is on the tank or under the hood. Also possible you have a clogged vent line.

could the car have been vandalized/damaged by someone trying to siphon fuel?

 

or maybe it's a spider infestation; http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/03/spider-infestation-recall-web-mazda6-mazda/1#.UGUS7FHUQ1I

http://opposedforces.com/parts is your freind

This is an Endwrench article I have. I cannot attach pdfs. So here is a copy of the text:

 

Vehicle Won’t Take Fuel

 

Here are some tips to aid diagnosis if you encounter a Subaru that won’t

accept fuel through the filler neck or causes the gas nozzle to shut off

prematurely during refueling:

• Check the vehicle for

obvious problems first, such

as crushed or kinked hoses,

misrouted hoses or broken

components.

• If nothing abnormal is found,

attempt to refuel the vehicle

to confirm the customer’s

complaint.

• While at the pump, remove

the Fuel Tank hose from

the canister. Remember, there

are three hoses at

the canister: one for Purge

(usually the smallest in

diameter), one for the Fuel

Tank and one for the Drain to

atmosphere after passing

through the charcoal canister.

• If the vehicle will refuel

normally after removing the

canister Fuel Tank hose, the

problem is most likely between the canister and the vent hose in the

rear frame rail.

• If the vehicle still won’t refuel after removing the canister Fuel Tank

hose, the problem is most likely between that hose and the tank.

• Gain access to the pressure control solenoid valve hose connections to

further isolate the problem.

Hose obstructions that appear as small as spider webs can cause refueling

problems. Clearing out the debris should correct the problem.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Sam

So far, all lines appear to be clear. Have an ugly feeling the vent valve is in the tank. Haven't seen it on any exploded views of the tank area. A mechanic friend checked for any TSB or recall and nothing. He checked everything he could and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Has never thrown a CEL. Doesn't look like any system that is ECU controlled. Solenoid valves, purge, etc. Anyone know for sure where the vent valve is located? Have read that it is spring loaded and opens when pressure in the tank, such as when filling, goes up, the pressure overcomes the spring pressure and lets air/fumes vent to the evap can. Any way to pressurize the tank to force the vent valve open?

So far, all lines appear to be clear. Have an ugly feeling the vent valve is in the tank. Haven't seen it on any exploded views of the tank area. A mechanic friend checked for any TSB or recall and nothing. He checked everything he could and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Has never thrown a CEL. Doesn't look like any system that is ECU controlled. Solenoid valves, purge, etc. Anyone know for sure where the vent valve is located? Have read that it is spring loaded and opens when pressure in the tank, such as when filling, goes up, the pressure overcomes the spring pressure and lets air/fumes vent to the evap can. Any way to pressurize the tank to force the vent valve open?

 

I THINK it's on top of the tank. but it may vary with years/models. maybe dig around at opposedforces.com

 

also, maybe some SeaFoam in a tankful of fuel would loosen a stuck valve?

Lucky

I think it is on top also. That poses an ugly situation. Can't just drop the tank and have a look. Just filled up and still slow. I could hear it vent back through the filler neck. Have to go so slow. Hard to get it completely full as the higher the level, the quicker the nozzle shuts off. Fuel just backs up in the neck. Has to be the vent. Is this valve replaceable or does this entail a tank replacement? YUCK!

my 2008 wrx started having this problem about a week ago, it did it for a second time tuesday night and left me stuck 45 mins to an hour from the house. I ended up having to call my family, and we where able to stick a coat hanger down the filler neck, and got 2-3 gallons end, I'm going to have to try the recommend stuff. thanks, also any one know how much the purge vavle will cost. sorry to high jack I'm a newbie.