Blocked Tank Breather

[Bailes1992]

Looking to see if anyone has any tips for solving this issue without dropping the tank.

A few weeks ago I was topping up with diesel and I always add some kind of additive with every tank. This time it was Stabil Diesel which I've been using for a few months. Unfortunately this time the seal that sits inside of the bottle lid had stuck to the top of the bottle and when I went to dose the tank it fell into the filler and I wasn't fast enough to catch it.

All was well for a few weeks but now when filling up the tank isn't breathing and it's 'clicking-full' all the time. The only way to fill up is to hold the fuel nozzle just on the edge of the filler neck and let the fuel 'fall-in'.

I'll live with it until the weather warms up a bit, but I suspect I'm going to have to drop the tank and clean out the filler neck, but didn't know if anyone else may have some tips to try clear it out?

 

[Kira]

Anyone with a constructive response would have to know the hardware "at the end" of your filler neck.

For example, there is said to be a "white plastic flap-valve" at the tank end of the filler in my wee truck. It can jam closed and impede fuel flow. I think the flap-valve closes off the vent air flow (in my application).
Never have I seen a photo of the filler posted. This is odd as occasionally photos of fuel pump and sender units are.

So, you're saying the little cushioned disc is what's lousing you up? If it floats about a full tank, I suppose it could lodge anywhere.
You may not have such a valve. You might want to ask a service writer at a dealership as this may be familiar to them.
Prodding with a stiff wire might not be wise
I though your car was new and still under warranty.

I am aware that diesel is a different animal than petrol, but is the constant addition of aftermarket stuff needed?

 

[KrisZ]

Not sure if diesel filler necks have the ant-siphon device, but if they do, the seal may have gotten stuck on that and is now reducing the fuel flow.

I would get a stiff piece of wire, like from a coat hanger, with a little J hook at the end and try to fish out the seal. Or push it down into the tank.

Maybe fill up all the way to the top of the filler neck and do the wire thing? The seal, once loose, should float up.

 

[Bailes1992]

Sorry guys, should have added more information.

The filler neck has no flap or valve in it. It's a single pipe from a large filler 'hole' to the tank with a second smaller pipe running parallel that terminates at the top of the filler 'hole'.

I'm suspecting the seal has found it's way into the breather pipe.

 

[Trav]

Is this the smaller pipe that runs along the side of the filler neck? #2

 

[Nukeman7]

Can you find the opening of the breather pipe where it is clamped to the small hose? I'm not familiar with diesel set ups, but I would try using compressed air to dislodge the obstruction with backpressure into the tank through the breather pipe tubing.

 

[Bailes1992]

Is this the smaller pipe that runs along the side of the filler neck? #2

View attachment 253428

That be it!

I can't find an easy way to fire compressed air down there.

 

[Trav]

I have not worked on one of these so I can only go by my experiences with other vehicles. I believe you can disconnect that pipe at the tank without dropping the tank, once it is disconnected you will be able to blow it back with an air gun holding the flap if it has one open.
Alternatively pull the filler neck out. There may be an access panel under the rear seat or in the back of the car