Author Topic: can't fill gas tank  (Read 28682 times)

Offline K10mac

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can't fill gas tank
« on: February 03, 2012, 12:28:57 am »
'75 K10 Scottsdale, right side tank.  When I try to fill my tank, gas spills back out the filler hole.  I've tried different angles, but can't get gas in unless I fill very slow.  California has those dang filler fume collectors that make a seal against tank filler.  I've tried to pull the rubber collector back in order to leave an air gap, but no help.  Does anyone have this problem?  The angle of the fuel filler hose is very slight from filler area to tank on this truck.  Don't know if this has something to do with the problem.  Any suggestions?

Offline zieg85

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2012, 06:14:13 am »
Welcome from NW Indiana.  The link below is a thread covering your question.


http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,16646.0.html
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline bake74

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2012, 06:56:04 am »
     K10mac welcome from Sac., CA.  I have the same problem, I have had my filler tube and vent hose off 3 times, dropped my tank once and cleaned and checked everything and I still have the same problems with my 74 k10 step side.
     I have to fill about 2/3 the speed it will go, and I have to hold the nozzle handle to the left and slightly up and not all the way into the tube to make sure the vapor rim does not seal completely. 
     The handles(bent different) in CA. then other states (emissions I guess), I have been all over the the 9 states next to us in my 74 and only have the problem in CA.
     So after all my tearing apart and looking and looking and trying different things, this is what I came up with.  The handles in CA. are bent a little different than other states ( I have no problem filling up in other states),  at least my filler tube on my truck makes a sharp bend right after it goes in and than narrows down ( I hold the nozzle of the fuel pump so it points in the direction of the bend, have to go slow or else it will back up and spill out).
     My solution, "one of these days" I am going to get another fill tube for our trucks, Then I am going to remake one that has the bend but does not have the narrowing of the neck(or at least so extreme).  Now I might have to do something to the gas tank also, just have not got to that point yet.
     Just wanted to let you know I have been through all this several times, you need to check your vent tube still just to make sure it is clear, but if it is then look at your filler tube closely and you will see what I mean.
« Last Edit: February 03, 2012, 06:58:17 am by bake74 »
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline gto109

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2012, 08:24:02 am »
just curious, but would a wide mouth set up for a diesel work or is it still the same?
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85 Scottsdale k-10 305 700r4,
86 Trans Am 305 350th
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Offline bake74

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2012, 09:04:26 am »
just curious, but would a wide mouth set up for a diesel work or is it still the same?

     That was the idea I had how to fix mine ( drive f350 diesel for work ), just not high on priority list right now, still getting suspension parts collected and re-assy for my k10 step side I am building.  Some time when the weather warms up I am going to have to take some time off work to be able to work on my truck.  It is killing me not being able to work on it.
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline 87454westernhauler

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2012, 10:06:11 am »
most of my trucks have that issue. just pull the nuzzle about half way out and put it a half speed. that usualy  will work for me.
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Offline 1979C20

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2012, 11:53:32 pm »
There is one single pump at one gas station that does that to me. The fix I foubd is, put the nozzle all the was in and then pull it back out like an inch. I dont hold the handle while.its filling, I just pull the lever and set the lock. Since I started that it works fine.
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Offline K10mac

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2012, 01:29:52 am »
Thanks for the help.  I'm going to check the vent tube.  Seems like Chevy put the filler hole to far down on the body causing almost 0 angle for the filler tube from the body to the gas tank.  Seems like a filler hole higher on the body would work, but to much body work for me.  Maybe I can mess with the location of vent tube.  It seems to vent inside the filler hole so when California vapor hose seals at fill up the the vent is sealed also.  In the mean time, my new paint job is suffering

Offline bake74

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2012, 06:08:15 am »
     K10mac, do you live in Northern or Southern CA.?
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline Blazin

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2012, 07:10:03 am »
Over the years I have had several C ? K trucks that had this problem. I found the nozzle upside down on slow speed worked pretty good. I use diesel filler necks when ever I replace them in a gas truck. I do it for the fact that if you need to put gas in out of a gas can its much easier.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline 87454westernhauler

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2012, 09:42:19 am »
i have notuced that on the later models inn the 80s that they fill alot beter than my older 70s trucks. My 85 and 87 can have filler all the way in on full blast and dont have any issues. but my 80, 79 and 74 have to be played with to get gas in.
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79 gmc c20 350 th350
78 k1500 4x4 350 th350

Offline beastie_3

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2012, 03:39:05 pm »
Weird. I have no problems filling my 79 K10, but I have to baby the nozzle on my 2010 Silverado.

Offline sbx22

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Re: can't fill gas tank
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2012, 09:37:18 pm »
Yep, I have the same problem. I'm in Northern California. For me, I put it all the way in so it creates a suction. Then I just set it. You have to put some muscle into it when you take it out and I usually rotate it then the suction breaks off. It works for me :)