Having issues putting in gas, dealership is insane
08-01-2018, 06:10 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: 06-07-2011
Location: SE Mich
Posts: 2,180
If there's no CEL, the Tech is probably right.
The fuel limiter valve (maybe misnamed) is like a spring-loaded ping pong ball at the opening where the filler pipe enters the tank. If it sticks, fuel can't enter the tank. It's real purpose is to prevent slosh out - and uncontrolled fuel vapors.
In a dealership, that does mean tank replacement. It is part of the tank. An independent that wants to put some time into it may be able to solve this with some type of solvent. That valve shouldn't stick in any normal conditions, but something like that might work.
My previous position was in Supplier Quality for Fuel Systems at GM - 2012-2013 ish. I have held the piece in my hands for other platforms.
I hope to have at least educated you, if not saved you money.
The fuel limiter valve (maybe misnamed) is like a spring-loaded ping pong ball at the opening where the filler pipe enters the tank. If it sticks, fuel can't enter the tank. It's real purpose is to prevent slosh out - and uncontrolled fuel vapors.
In a dealership, that does mean tank replacement. It is part of the tank. An independent that wants to put some time into it may be able to solve this with some type of solvent. That valve shouldn't stick in any normal conditions, but something like that might work.
My previous position was in Supplier Quality for Fuel Systems at GM - 2012-2013 ish. I have held the piece in my hands for other platforms.
I hope to have at least educated you, if not saved you money.
08-01-2018, 08:48 PM
#12
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,669
If it is a full tank replacement
New tank MSRP $600 + 2.3 hours labor incl. transferring all of the bits. Still nothing like $2500, I'm sure a tank could be found for a lot less.
New tank MSRP $600 + 2.3 hours labor incl. transferring all of the bits. Still nothing like $2500, I'm sure a tank could be found for a lot less.
08-02-2018, 10:37 AM
#16
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-26-2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
I may try the vent solenoid or "purge valve" just to see if that's the problem, the part is only $50 and worth a shot.
About the CEL....There is one, however my bluetooth reader couldn't come up with anything and the local mechanic I took it to said it came up as an oxegen sensor. Apparently the code for the purge valve is a P0449 and that is not showing up.
So if what Blue SS said is correct I may have a decent job on my hands. I'm more than capable of doing the work, I have dropped gas tanks before, just debating now whether or not to try the purge valve first to see if that might solve the issue.
Thing is, this is my mother in law's car, she has severe dementia and we needed an excuse to take the car away from her anyway. We will probably end up selling the car, and if it needs a new gas tank I may just sell it as-is.
[edit] is there any way rigging something to bypass the spring-loaded ping pong ball? Like shoving a hose down the filler neck attached to a funnel? If that could work I wouldn't even bother.
About the CEL....There is one, however my bluetooth reader couldn't come up with anything and the local mechanic I took it to said it came up as an oxegen sensor. Apparently the code for the purge valve is a P0449 and that is not showing up.
So if what Blue SS said is correct I may have a decent job on my hands. I'm more than capable of doing the work, I have dropped gas tanks before, just debating now whether or not to try the purge valve first to see if that might solve the issue.
Thing is, this is my mother in law's car, she has severe dementia and we needed an excuse to take the car away from her anyway. We will probably end up selling the car, and if it needs a new gas tank I may just sell it as-is.
[edit] is there any way rigging something to bypass the spring-loaded ping pong ball? Like shoving a hose down the filler neck attached to a funnel? If that could work I wouldn't even bother.
08-02-2018, 11:19 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: 08-03-2010
Location: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Posts: 3,564
Thing is, this is my mother in law's car, she has severe dementia and we needed an excuse to take the car away from her anyway. We will probably end up selling the car, and if it needs a new gas tank I may just sell it as-is.
[edit] is there any way rigging something to bypass the spring-loaded ping pong ball? Like shoving a hose down the filler neck attached to a funnel? If that could work I wouldn't even bother.
I really don't think there is away to jury rig a solution for the "ping pong ball".
08-02-2018, 12:31 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-26-2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
08-02-2018, 07:09 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: 06-07-2011
Location: SE Mich
Posts: 2,180
If you drop the tank, it's right in the neck, where the filler pipe comes in. I don't know the length of the HHR tank neck, nut most are short enough so you can see it, and maybe poke at it, and move it around. As I said yesterday, a solvent might work. Try something like Techron or Lucas fuel injector cleaner if you to try a DIY. Sticking is weird, and it should be "cleanable". If you do find that the spring is binding, so that it cannot function properly, you are done.
You might not even need to drain the tank, if it's not real full. But yeah, it's part of the tank, so the dealer is going to quote you a new one and has reason (because of buildup) to suggest a new pump/sender unit.
I work in Warranty, and I know this; dealers do not want returns for the same repair.
YOU can do as you like. One change at a time, since you seem to have some time available. Good luck!
You might not even need to drain the tank, if it's not real full. But yeah, it's part of the tank, so the dealer is going to quote you a new one and has reason (because of buildup) to suggest a new pump/sender unit.
I work in Warranty, and I know this; dealers do not want returns for the same repair.
YOU can do as you like. One change at a time, since you seem to have some time available. Good luck!