Is this a problem?

mikep · Oct 25, 2004

The little hinged metal flapper that is in the fuel filler neck is missing. Just noticed it at the fillin' station when I wanted to pour in some Techron. I'm not sure how long it's been missing but it can't be more than 2 weeks or so.

Aside from me worrying that the darn thing is sloshing around in the tank could there be any real problems caused by that thing being gone? The cap is of course still there and always on nice and tight.

eljefino · Oct 25, 2004

There's an outside chance you might fail state inspection without it! But I doubt they look anymore with great regularity.

They're concerned about you removing the unleaded restrictor hole; that whatzamajig might count as part of it. Of course they haven't sold leaded gas in a decade but the statute might still be on your state's books.

seotaji · Oct 25, 2004

are you sure you ever had a spring loaded flap?

i noticed that mine was missing until i realized it never came with one

TheLoneRanger · Oct 25, 2004

quote:

Aside from me worrying that the darn thing is sloshing around in the tank could there be any real problems caused by that thing being gone?

Not to worry. The metal disc will fall to the lowest part of the tank, and stay there. The fuel pickup has a screen to filter out any large debris.

Chris142 · Oct 25, 2004

They are still failing cars for that in Ca! Geez I have not seen leaded gas in years!

labman · Oct 25, 2004

I love the way I have to jump up and runout in the garage to check my car when I am on this site. Knowing I haven't paid that much attention, I had to check my 02 Cavalier. Sure enough, it has one. The one for my non cat 77 LUV disappeared along with the restrictor back when leaded was cheaper than no lead.

mikep · Oct 25, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by labman:
I love the way I have to jump up and runout in the garage to check my car when I am on this site.

I know what you mean!

Thanks for the responses gang. Given that there is a possibility the car may fail inspection now would it be a good idea to have the dealer fix it while the car is still under warranty? I guess they'd have to replace the entire fill neck

? Not sure I like the sound of them doing that to what is otherwise a perfectly fine automobile but if I don't have it fixed and end up failing inspection when I'm due in two years the repair bill could be on my tab rather than the dealers.

mikep · Oct 25, 2004

OK, now you all are really getting me crazy! I'm starting to wonder if there ever was one of those things on my car

. I'm fairly certain one used to be there but now I can't say with 100% certainty. LOL Oh man, if my mind is this far gone now what will I be like at 50?

Hey Crossbow.....

Schmoe · Oct 25, 2004

I can't believe they would fail you for that in California. If it's what I think it is, it's just either for overflow or vapor capture. That's just a flap, the actual hole itself is the restrictor for unleaded fuel. That part should be welded on to the tank fill neck itself and can't be removed unless via mechanical means. I wouldn't sweat it one bit. No way that would get sucked in to the fuel pump inlet.

Steve S · Oct 26, 2004

In Calif. the car will fail the test. I have used a hammer in flap type thing I picked up at an auto parts store " less $$$ than an oem part" if that is a problem in your state. No problem with the part that is in the tank

michaelc80 · Oct 26, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by mikep:

quote:

Originally posted by labman:
I love the way I have to jump up and runout in the garage to check my car when I am on this site.

Click to expand...

I know what you mean!

Thanks for the responses gang. Given that there is a possibility the car may fail inspection now would it be a good idea to have the dealer fix it while the car is still under warranty? I guess they'd have to replace the entire fill neck

? Not sure I like the sound of them doing that to what is otherwise a perfectly fine automobile but if I don't have it fixed and end up failing inspection when I'm due in two years the repair bill could be on my tab rather than the dealers.

If the car is under warranty then by all means get it fixed. No question.

Whimsey · Oct 26, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by mikep:
LOL Oh man, if my mind is this far gone now what will I be like at 50?

Just take a good look at me next time we go out for a burger and beer,

. That covers some of getting to 50, there's more but I forgot

.

Whimsey

mikep · Oct 26, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by Whimsey:
Just take a good look at me next time we go out for a burger and beer,

. That covers some of getting to 50, there's more but I forgot

.

Whimsey

crossbow · Oct 26, 2004

Mike,

I'm almost sure the car doesn't have one. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to pour in the FP right before I fill up the tank.

Ah...just went outside and checked. If I get a gas cap cel I'mma gonna kill ya

.

There is no filler neck flap on my 04 Mazda 6s MTX.

Whimsey · Oct 26, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by labman:
I love the way I have to jump up and runout in the garage to check my car when I am on this site. Knowing I haven't paid that much attention, I had to check my 02 Cavalier. Sure enough, it has one. The one for my non cat 77 LUV disappeared along with the restrictor back when leaded was cheaper than no lead.

I know what you mean, I went outside last night in my slippers and checked my 3 vehicles and they all had the metal flapper. All Fords, one 1996 and two 2002's. Good Lord I need a life

. Mikep why don't you just call the service dept and see if your model has that metal flap. And tell them your's doesn't have one. If it broke off you don't want it wedging at the base of the fill tube and blocking you from adding gas

. Plus as you say NJ will most likely fail you when they do the gas cap test if your vehicle is supposed to have one. I'm pretty sure that is part of the pollution control system and safety system if you flip the vehicle over. It'll keep the gas from pouring out anyway. It'll just be a slow trickle

.

Whimsey

Points · Oct 26, 2004

My new Vibe does not have one. It only has 5000 miles so far. I thought it was weird.

mikep · Oct 26, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by crossbow:
Mike,

I'm almost sure the car doesn't have one. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to pour in the FP right before I fill up the tank.

Ah...just went outside and checked. If I get a gas cap cel I'mma gonna kill ya

.

There is no filler neck flap on my 04 Mazda 6s MTX.

Oh man, I need a vacation.

Is this a problem?

Similar threads