Continued fueling issues, and possible solution

[StateOfMind]

So 6-8 months back, I replaced my 32 gal fuel tank, filler neck with newer style, carbon canister and small fuel vapor filter up near the top of filler. Full parts cannon approach to the dreaded .1 gallon at a squeeze fueling issue. I had already run a borescope down the filler hose, and was easily able to push open the rollover valve, but I still replaced everything. It was great up till about a month ago, then the problem started happening again.

Before you type that I should never top off, I don't. I am, however, saddled with California CARB fuel filler nozzles, and all the complications that go with. I have been bouncing an idea in my head for awhile, and I think it just might work.

If a guy were to hypothetically 3d print a nylon fuel filler spacer, that sits on the filler neck, with breather holes all the way around, and then the nozzle would press against this, then all the fume buildup that shuts the pump down could vent. I say hypothetically, because I am not the type to purposefully defeat any CARB related system put in place by my great ********* state of California.

Any thoughts on the efficacy of such a spacer? I chose nylon as it is quite strong, and is very resistant to gasoline even long term.

On a completely different, unrelated note: I am currently making a donut shaped object d'art that has nothing to do with the previous rant. Rough texture is from the glass fiber that is reinforcing the nylon filament

 

[Wild one]

So 6-8 months back, I replaced my 32 gal fuel tank, filler neck with newer style, carbon canister and small fuel vapor filter up near the top of filler. Full parts cannon approach to the dreaded .1 gallon at a squeeze fueling issue. I had already run a borescope down the filler hose, and was easily able to push open the rollover valve, but I still replaced everything. It was great up till about a month ago, then the problem started happening again.

Before you type that I should never top off, I don't. I am, however, saddled with California CARB fuel filler nozzles, and all the complications that go with. I have been bouncing an idea in my head for awhile, and I think it just might work.

If a guy were to hypothetically 3d print a nylon fuel filler spacer, that sits on the filler neck, with breather holes all the way around, and then the nozzle would press against this, then all the fume buildup that shuts the pump down could vent. I say hypothetically, because I am not the type to purposefully defeat any CARB related system put in place by my great ********* state of California.

Any thoughts on the efficacy of such a spacer? I chose nylon as it is quite strong, and is very resistant to gasoline even long term.

On a completely different, unrelated note: I am currently making a donut shaped object d'art that has nothing to do with the previous rant. Rough texture is from the glass fiber that is reinforcing the nylon filament
View attachment 576732

If you have the capability of printing such a thing,it's definitely worth a try.If you do,keep everybody updated on how it pans out,as you just might sell a couple if it works.

 

[StateOfMind]

I would not sell widget like this, as this great state just levied multi million dollar fines against a couple diesel "delete" sellers. I would, however, provide a few out for test purposes. I've got a second one printing now.

 

[StateOfMind]

So I won't be able to test until later this week, as I just filled up, and it was my frustration during then that drove me to complete this thought experiment.
I do see a potential drawback, and that is if it is too free flowing, it most likely will not trigger the pump to shut off.
Thoughts?

 

[StateOfMind]

Update after fueling up this weekend. I was concerned that too many breather holes would lead to over filling issue, so I remodeled it with just 2 holes. The pump shut off maybe 4 times while pumping 23 gallons, an improvement of 600-700%, while still stopping the pump before spilling. I'm printing another with 4 holes, just trying to find the sweet spot.

I would like to have more feedback, testers that are willing to use ( purely for building a data set, NOT for defeating whatever fuel standards your state has)

I'm also refining the overall design, and will print a few in PPA-CF filament, which is an industrial grade filament. It's pricy, at $150 for a spool, but that should make more than enough for test purposes.
I'll update with more findings in a week

 

[squid8892]

I'm more than willing to be a tester. Let me know.

 

[jws123]

Mine is giving me issues and I have no desire to replace my fuel tank Thanks for the Idea I am going to print one.

 

[StateOfMind]

Mine is giving me issues and I have no desire to replace my fuel tank Thanks for the Idea I am going to print one.

Be sure to post pics and share your results

 

[JJEH]

What is this fueling issue you speak of? The nozzle shutting down when you run it at full speed?
If it's that, mine goes perfectly smooth when the nozzle is in a vertical 0-degree angle to the ground, not fully inserted and on level 1, not full speed.

 

[BenchTest]

You are effectively bypassing the grounding circuit of fuel delivery by putting a nylon (or anything non-metallic) spacer in line. The tip of the nozzle is grounded to the nozzle body which is grounded to the hose swivel, which is grounded to the hose, which is grounded to the dispenser (internal static wire braid within hose), and back to the outlet casting of said dispensers, and back to the building via a dedicated earth ground. Your onboard fueling system of your vehicle is also installed in a manner to prevent static build up/discharge commonly associated with the delivery/swirling motion of delivered product.

 

[BenchTest]

If a guy were to hypothetically 3d print a nylon fuel filler spacer, that sits on the filler neck, with breather holes all the way around, and then the nozzle would press against this, then all the fume buildup that shuts the pump down could vent. I say hypothetically, because I am not the type to purposefully defeat any CARB related system put in place by my great ********* state of California.

Just to clarify, it's the actual liquid that is causing the delivery to cease. When the filler neck fills with fuel, the fuel covers a venturi orifice (ever notice the small hole in the underside of the nozzle spout?) and the air exchange that was taking place ceases, tripping the valve, causing the shutoff.

Again, not trying to be a know-it-all, just sharing info.

 

[StateOfMind]

Just to clarify, it's the actual liquid that is causing the delivery to cease. When the filler neck fills with fuel, the fuel covers a venturi orifice (ever notice the small hole in the underside of the nozzle spout?) and the air exchange that was taking place ceases, tripping the valve, causing the shutoff.

Again, not trying to be a know-it-all, just sharing info.

I am familiar with the venturi inlet, and it's function. Obviously there is more effecting the vacuum

@BenchTest- very solid point, and one I hadn't given thought to. Before further tests, I will run a ground from end to end.