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Gasoline spits back out of the filler neck when pumping gas: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing gasoline spits back out of the filler neck when pumping gas, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Saturated Vapor Canisteraddress soon

Regularly 'topping off' the gas tank after the pump clicks off can force liquid fuel into the EVAP charcoal canister. This destroys the charcoal pellets and blocks the air vent path, causing pressure to push fuel back up the neck.

Stuck Closed Vapor Canister Vent Valveaddress soon

This valve is supposed to open to let air and vapors escape the tank while you pump gas. If it fails in the closed position or gets clogged with dust and debris, the trapped air forces fuel back out.

Kinked Fuel Filler or Vent Hoseaddress soon

If the fuel tank or fuel pump was recently replaced, the filler hose or its parallel vent line may have been twisted, pinched, or kinked during reinstallation, physically blocking the flow of fuel or displaced air.

Defective Filler Neck Check Valveaddress soon

A mechanical flapper or check valve inside the filler neck (or at the tank inlet) prevents fuel from spilling during a rollover. If this valve jams shut, fuel cannot enter the tank and backs up immediately.

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