Capless fuel tanks... is the idea as dumb as it seems?

[Jstpssng]

I just took over a 2017 (?) Chevy pickup with this. The first time that I bought fuel I thought "What a way to let dust into the tank." I've had it about 4 weeks and it starts hard, like the fuel pump is going; a couple of times I didn't think that it was going to start. (the first time would have meant a 12 mile walk to phone coverage... in the pouring rain.) Has anybody had any problems with these, such as dirt or water in the tank?

 

[4570Man]

It looks like a solution in search of a problem to me. Don’t they at least have a rubber seal on the door that goes over it?

 

[radios1]

the flapper valve is supposed to seal it..

 

[ray66v]

I have looked at a few of them, as I have worked on the vehicles.

Some have very little protection against dust, and winter road grime. So, it accumulates on the filler valve, to drop in the tank when the fuel nozzle is inserted.

And, some have a kind of cover on the inside of the fuel door, that covers up, and protects the filler valve.

My Wife's CRV is in the latter category. Their system seems to work okay.

As I expected, the aftermarket world is offering some options. Google, "cap less filler covers".

 

[nikerret]

We have several of the on rural patrol vehicles. Somehow, we haven’t had many issues. However, when we do, it’s completely f’d. Our gravel has very fine dust and it gets in everywhere. Stupid idea, but not the doom and gloom we all expected. I still prefer a screw cap.

 

[Dan the roofer]

Works fine on my 2017 Sierra.

 

[LouNY]

My 15 RAM eco-diesel had no fuel cap from the factory, I added one the first week I had it.

 

[KennyG]

My 2013 car and 2017 truck are capless. It's great, no problems and easy fueling. No cap banging against the side of car.

 

[ruffdog]

I have mostly heard that they are problem free.

 

[Copperhead]

Yeah, living on dusty gravel roads, I am not fond of the idea of capless fuel tanks. Like has been stated, a solution in search of a problem. Yet another good reason not to upgrade any of my vehicles for a while. What you do you expect from OEM's who have R&D people who have never used a pickup truck except for basic transportation in the city.

 

[5030]

My Ford came capless. A quick trip to Autozone and 10 bucks later, I had a locking cap. I don't care for the capless crap either.

 

[LouNY]

My pickup that came capless would have had considerable dust in the filler neck and I have to believe that much of that would have made it past the second flap and into the tank.
With dirt roads, fields and field roads it sees considerable dust. I actually rinse out the fuel fill area when ever I add DEF to the truck as usually a little bit slops and I routinely rinse it after filling. To me having an uncapped fill port is just asking for dirt and garbage to have access to the tank.

 

[shooterdon]

Both my F150's are capless. No issues so far.

 

[crazyal]

Because the extra 10 seconds it takes to remove the cap is too long to wait?

 

[ruffdog]

The biggest problem with the capless filler is when people try to add fuel from a can or fuel additives. These vehicles need the adapter/funnel that gets the fuel/additive down past the 2nd check valve. If you don't, you may damage the evac system and you will get a check engine light. If you are adding sta-bil, heet, octane booster, or other additives, read the manual. You may have the adapter stored near the spare tire or you may have to get one from the dealer.

 

[oosik]

Well - - Schazbutt - the Taco Wagon came with a screw in cap on a tether. It also has a manual activated 4WD shift lever. Some of the old ways are still better.

 

[shovelmike]

2014 Ford Focus capless, I live on dusty gravel roads, 92,000 miles and no problems.

 

[Ortimber]

I’m going on 5 years with my Ram 3500 and no fuel cap. Fuel filters come out clean as a whistle every 15K miles. I was concerned early on, not so much now.

 

[deserteagle71]

My Ford came capless. A quick trip to Autozone and 10 bucks later, I had a locking cap. I don't care for the capless crap either.

No way to add a locking cap to any of the newest Ford trucks that I know of. Lots of discussion on the Ford forums about that and apparently no one makes anything that will fit. I'd love to have one - I drive a lot of dirt roads and have to make sure I blow the dust away from the fill each time I gas up.

If you've found something that works on the new trucks, share that information!

 

[Ford850]

My 2013 F150 is capless. I was very skeptical when I got it, but even it the dirt, dust, etc, the outer door seals 100% and keeps the inside area spotless. Much cleaner than the old style doors with caps inside. I'm completely sold on them and spoiled. Nothing worse that trying to fuel the old style vehicles with caps when I jamb the fuel nozzle into the cap that's still screwed in place.