Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Gas backing up when fueling

hey all,
I've just started having a problem when I fuel up my car. The pump stopped every 3 seconds as if the tank were full (although it was almost empty) and the gas started overflowing a bit. Later on I used a gas can and slowly poured 5 gallons in. If I poured it too fast then the gas would back up. Then I would slow down and it would go in fine. Anyone know what might cause this and how I could fix it? I think it must be something with the vent to my tank but I dunno...
Thanks in advance,
Zack

Take it in, gas is really something you don't want to monkey around with. If vehicle has a slow to fill fuel tank condition or frequent fuel filler nozzle shut-off, it may need a new fuel pipe flapper valve due to a sticking valve. Certain 98 Contour and Mystique as well as Certain 99 Cougars have been having these problems and might be under recall or replaced for free at Ford.

Damn... that was concise.. :):)

But: to make you feel better about it:

You aren't the only one!!! Mine will do that, too.. (And has been, for quite a while, now..) I find that it happens more often, for me at least, when the tank is emptier, than when more full.

If I let it run almost down, to "E", then I get that damn problem so much that I can't fill my own tank... I have to continually insert and remove the fuel pump nozzle in to the tank, and I "guess" that either relieves whatever backpressure there was, or "un-sticks" the valve, if that be the problem..


Get it checked out..


HTH

Ray

98 and newer contours are covered under a 100,000 mile 10 year warranty for this, take it to your dealer, have them run an OASIS on it, and it will show up. They replace the fuel filler safety valve, which sticks, and causes gas to overflow.

Yep. Fuel flapper valve needs to be replaced. Mine was doing the same thing 2 months ago. Take it to the dealer, it is a recall item and should cost you NOTHING.

Mine doesn't actually spill gas, but just keep shutting off the pump as though it's full, when I knew it was far from full.

And it only happens at some gas stations. I often just go to a different one and it doesn't happen. I wonder the root of the problem the same?

Yes Ann this is usually what happens. This flapper valve was made with plastic that swells (then sticks closed)from certain alcohols that are present in most gasolines at one time or another. Not sure what designer was thinking??? This little flapper is located at the end of the filler pipe as it enters the tank. It also reminds me of the plastic toys that came in a box of Cracker Jacks.

Paul