Can't add gas, fuel flap door is stuck

[jeepin48]

So I went to fill up with fuel (diesel) and I could not poke the nozzle in past the flapper door. I tried to persuade it a few times and used a flat head to help the mechanism and nothing would budge it. Finally I added a tinny bit of diesel on top of it in case it was frozen and I could thaw it and that didn't work. I drove 5 minutes to another gas station and tried it and it worked perfect. I dont think it was frozen as it had a door and screw cap and was only in the 20's for temp.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so any tips on freeing the jammed fuel door / flap?

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[Oil_Burner]

Most likely the nozzle that you were trying to use at the first station was the wrong size, probably the size used for unleaded. The diesel Gladiator filler is designed to prevent insertion of the unleaded nozzle for the obvious problems it creates.

I would suggest if you plan to fuel at the first station regularly, try a different pump first. If the problem is still present, ask them if they are using the wrong nozzle.

 

[Levi.Butler]

Most likely the nozzle that you were trying to use at the first station was the wrong size, probably the size used for unleaded. The diesel Gladiator filler is designed to prevent insertion of the unleaded nozzle for the obvious problems it creates.

I would suggest if you plan to fuel at the first station regularly, try a different pump first. If the problem is still present, ask them if they are using the wrong nozzle.

I thought that at first... but he said he couldn't get it to move with a flathead. That doesn't make sense.

 

[jeepin48]

Most likely the nozzle that you were trying to use at the first station was the wrong size, probably the size used for unleaded. The diesel Gladiator filler is designed to prevent insertion of the unleaded nozzle for the obvious problems it creates.

I would suggest if you plan to fuel at the first station regularly, try a different pump first. If the problem is still present, ask them if they are using the wrong nozzle.

That is an excellent point!

I did verify that I was using the the diesel pump and that it fit into the 1st section and was touching the flap door. I did not think they designed the mechanism to only operate with say the larger diesel nozzle. I am going to go back to the same pump and see if it fits. Around here I see smaller and larger nozzles.

 

[Oil_Burner]

I know this isn't a factor in your problem, but the monster diesel fillers that are used in the semi lanes at truck stops won't work to fill our trucks. They are almost the size of the fuel cap opening. They deliver fuel very fast and are intended for the large tanks on the sides of semi trucks. My motorhome will used them, but it struggles to accept fuel at the rate these pumps can deliver diesel.

 

[Oil_Burner]

It just occurred to me that one way to tell if they used the wrong nozzle is to compare both nozzles at the same pump. If the unleaded and diesel nozzle are the same size (diameter), they messed up.

 

[msrebel]

This has happened to me twice now, and I thought I was the problem. At one station I go to regularly, the diesel nozzle on one side of the island works fine for me and the other won't fit! I didn't compare the gas and diesel nozzle size, but I will the next time I go.

 

[jeepin48]

As a summary I believe there are a few different fuel nozzles sizes

Gas - Will not fit in JT diesel. It is too small will not trip the latch in the door.
Auto Diesel - Medium size and will fit just right and it is what you want
Truck Diesel - Too big and will not fit
4th Stupid ass gas station - that puts a Gas nozzle at the auto diesel pump. This is what I discovered as a problem. It will not trip the latch on the fuel spring flip cap. You will have to use your funnel to make it work.

 

[CaptNkllm]

It’s the diameter of the nozzle.. it has to hit all 3 ears at the same time or the flap doesn’t release.. first fill up I had to go through this..

 

[aceisback]

Any pics to help better understand this issue? Is it really widespread? Is it particular stations, say Love's, Flying J, Pilot, AMPM, Sinclair? Just trying to understand how big a problem this is. Like is it regional or is it something that someone doing a lot of traveling is going to encounter?
Not being a naysayer, I haven't even purchased my Gladiator yet, but when I retire in December I do plan on racking up a lot of miles and seeing a lot of places. Want to be prepared.

 

[jeepin48]

Any pics to help better understand this issue? Is it really widespread? Is it particular stations, say Love's, Flying J, Pilot, AMPM, Sinclair? Just trying to understand how big a problem this is. Like is it regional or is it something that someone doing a lot of traveling is going to encounter?
Not being a naysayer, I haven't even purchased my Gladiator yet, but when I retire in December I do plan on racking up a lot of miles and seeing a lot of places. Want to be prepared.

It is not wide spread and probably not based on store brand. Chances are you will never have an issue but if you do hopefully reading this post will help lower your blood pressure via knowledge. If you come across the problem just try another pump or another station or get out the funnel which is stupid. DONT force it in.

 

[869 KPH]

Any pics to help better understand this issue? Is it really widespread? Is it particular stations, say Love's, Flying J, Pilot, AMPM, Sinclair? Just trying to understand how big a problem this is. Like is it regional or is it something that someone doing a lot of traveling is going to encounter?
Not being a naysayer, I haven't even purchased my Gladiator yet, but when I retire in December I do plan on racking up a lot of miles and seeing a lot of places. Want to be prepared.

Surprised no one here has mentioned the magic funnel yet - apparently the EcoDiesel comes with one under the back seat that can force the fuel door open for you if you absolutely must in a pinch.

 

[VBDiesel]

It just happened to me...pita

 

[Rocksalt]

Jerp fuel saving device

 

[Challenger85]

So much innuendo in here I could use but I’ll resist.

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