Can’t fuel up
03-22-2021, 01:38 PM
#1
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Can’t fuel up
A common issue for grand cherokees but I cannot seem to find the solution for my 2000 XJ. I can barely put gas in the tank. Gas immediately flows back and shuts the pump off. I have removed the filler beck and cleaned it as well as replaced the nasty old tubes that i thought were the issue. My Jeep isn’t throwing an evap code or anything like some do when they have this problem so I have yet to inspect the lines. I also do not know anything about the evap system so if something is wrong im sure id miss it haha. Any help is appreciated.
03-22-2021, 05:10 PM
#2
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Year: '96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
I cant remember if it was my XJ, or my wifes Durango... but it was happening to me and I just started to pull the pump spout out a little bit and it hasn't done it since that I can remember. Basically, just dont put the spout into the fill hole all the way and see if that helps.
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ijeeep (03-22-2021)
03-22-2021, 05:53 PM
#3
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I have tried every position of the nozzle thinking that was the issue too. No change. With the nozzle almost all the way out, i can sprinkle gas in really slowly on and off. Like 20 minutes to put in $10. It overflows regardless and cant keep a steady stream.
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ijeeep (03-23-2021)
03-23-2021, 02:00 PM
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Year: '96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
or the vent valve is not working. That'll make it harder for the fuel to flow down into the tank because all the air that the fuel is displacing has no where to go except out the filler neck. If the filler neck is getting full of fuel AND air, the fuel cant get out of the way and go down the filler neck (since the air is trying to come out also), so its stuck in the neck and causing the pump to shut off.
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03-23-2021, 03:16 PM
#8
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That seems to be my issue because there is no blockage and it should flow freely, but it feels like there is pressure pushing out or something and not letting fuel in, so that makes sense. So the valve is in the filler neck or at tank/pump?
03-23-2021, 05:02 PM
#9
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
There are two hoses that lead to the filler. One big one, the filler, and a small one, the vent. Make sure the vent is clear. You may need to remove the wheel well liner to access it.
03-24-2021, 03:00 AM
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
My 88 was doing this when I first got it. Easily 25 minutes to fill the tank.
Unfortunately I don't know what I did that fixed it. I pulled the tank down. Replaced the pump/sender because the sender was also dead. New soft vent lines for roll over and evap that go to the engine bay. New filler neck rubber. New filler neck breather rubber. New fuel send and return lines and filter. Reconditioned the plugs in the top of the tank where the evap lines go in. Also, was getting serious siphoning involving the hard breather line inside the tank so drilled a small hole through the evap hole. It seemed like that hard breather bent down inside so that the end would submerge around half a tank and filling would get way worse at that point. The hole I drilled just lets that pipe gather air from the top of the tank on the filler neck end of the tank. One or more of these things have it completely fixed and no external leaks. Best part is it's an Arizona unit so no trouble with the tank hanger bolts.
Unfortunately I don't know what I did that fixed it. I pulled the tank down. Replaced the pump/sender because the sender was also dead. New soft vent lines for roll over and evap that go to the engine bay. New filler neck rubber. New filler neck breather rubber. New fuel send and return lines and filter. Reconditioned the plugs in the top of the tank where the evap lines go in. Also, was getting serious siphoning involving the hard breather line inside the tank so drilled a small hole through the evap hole. It seemed like that hard breather bent down inside so that the end would submerge around half a tank and filling would get way worse at that point. The hole I drilled just lets that pipe gather air from the top of the tank on the filler neck end of the tank. One or more of these things have it completely fixed and no external leaks. Best part is it's an Arizona unit so no trouble with the tank hanger bolts.
03-24-2021, 09:05 AM
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Year: '96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
It sounds like the tank is going to come down anyway you look at it. While its down you might as well change everything that could be causing the issue......
03-24-2021, 11:39 AM
#14
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Make sure the charcoal evap can is not clogged, if clogged then you get symptoms like you have. I had a van that did that. found a spider nest built in the charcoal can breather. cleared out the web of that nest and problem solved. Also make sure the evap can is not flooded with fuel, that too can restrict breathing.
inspect the evap system all the way to the engine bay, a clog or pinched hose can cause the problem.
inspect the evap system all the way to the engine bay, a clog or pinched hose can cause the problem.
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RockyMtn96XJ (03-24-2021)
03-24-2021, 01:08 PM
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Thank you for the replies. Rubber hose went in fine. Ive dropped the tank a couple times already so whats one more haha. Ill be sure to go over all these options before reinstalling the tank.