Fuel Filler Hose
Most of us don't stop to think about it when we smell fumes coming from the vicinity of our gas tank on our car or truck. We take it for granted that it is simply exhaust fumes and something to be expected. Unfortunately, we could have a broken or cracked fuel filler hose which could be dangerous to our vehicle, others around us and even to the environment. Although you may not notice that the fuel filler hose is leaking when you fill your gas tank, sometimes it is leaking badly enough that you will actually see fuel dripping on the ground as you fill the tank. The filler hose is located in between the cap on your gas tank and the tank itself. Because fumes are potentially dangerous you will want to replace a faulty fuel filler hose as quickly as possible.
Types of Fuel Filler Hoses
Although the fuel filler hose is located in the same place in all cars, that is to say leading between the gas cap and the filler neck or the tank, they do come in an assortment of sizes. They are also rated by temperature, usually in a range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +212 degrees Fahrenheit. Some are rated for cars and trucks while others are rated for recreational vehicles. Others still are manufactured for auxiliary tanks. You will need both the circumference of the hose as well as the length. Also, some hoses are meant to be straight lengths while others have a slight bend. Keep in mind that some vehicles take replacement hoses that are wire reinforced while others are not. And finally, some can be used with a variety of fuel types such as leaded, unleaded, diesel and marine gasoline but this may not always be the case.
Changing the Fuel Filler Hose
Once you have determined that the fuel filler hose needs to be replaced, it is imperative to find the correct replacement part for your particular vehicle. This may be listed in the documentation/manual that originally came with your vehicle, but if not, you can generally find the part number at an auto supply store or with an online search. Again, the size and length are of utmost importance so make absolutely sure you have the right hose and any new clamps which may be necessary. If you are unsure how to proceed, you will probably find an online instruction guide to follow. There are also video tutorials specifically detailing how to install a replacement hose various popular vehicles. Some of the installation takes place just under the gas cap while the other area to be concerned with will be under the car near where the neck leads into the gas tank. You simply need a few basic tools and perhaps some form of jack or lift to be able to work under the vehicle. But the process isn’t very complicated and can be completed quite quickly.
Some people have noted that when replacing a leaking or cracked fuel filler hose their mileage improves. However, it is more important to replace a fuel filler hose as a protection against certain hazards such as leaking gas and escaping fumes. Of course when you are filling your tank and gas is leaking, you will be wasting money as well. Because it is a simple repair, even a layperson can accomplish the replacement quite easily while saving money that would be spent on labor. To find the fuel filler hose that fits your vehicle, just do a search based on the year, make and model.
