Jeep refueling

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:13
ThreadID: 131324 Views:6482 Replies:9 FollowUps:19
This Thread has been Archived
I've discovered that my new Grand Cherokee does not permit refueling by way of a hi-flow hose. This is inconvenient when you can't get the Jeep with caravan in tow to a Lo-flow pump which happens quite often at suburban service stations.

Has anyone come up with a way to overcome this problem? I'm assuming that I can't just use a funnel but some kind of connector hose that is narrow at one end and wide at the other.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:24

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:24
AB, you're talking hi flow diesel I assume, the problem is the filler neck is too narrow to take the hiflow pump nozzle ?
Strange if so.

Yes, using a funnel you would be restricting the flow even more, but you could then use the hiflow pump on a half trigger to fill, just a pita for long term, and depeats the main purpose of going to hiflow pump.

I expect it might be worth taking the filler neck out, and having it modified, if you intend keeping the vehicle for a decent length of time (probable).
Taking the filler neck out may be a harder job than it sounds, but worth a look.
A good fabrication bloke would make easy work of taking out any restriction in place, or even make a new neck and welding on if needed.
AnswerID: 594712

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:46

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:46
Thanks Les.

Sorry I didn't explain it very well. Not only is the filler neck too narrow, the car has an automatic closure mechanism to eliminate the need for a filler cap. (Just a flap.)

(I did try a hi-flow nozzle and just won't put fuel in at all even on half trigger. It goes everywhere.)

I would have to take out the auto closure to modify it to widen and I assume this would have implications for warranty. But may be possible after warranty ends.

On my recent Big Lap I was stunned by how many vanners in WA were using Grand Cherokees (and happily half a dozen told me) so I thought someone may have come up with a clever way.

My need to use high flow pumps is simply to avoid having to try to get into the pumps for cars which is not possible at many service stations (on the east coast where I live).
0
FollowupID: 863265

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 22:38

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 22:38
Hmm, that is a bad 'feature' for sure, and I know what you mean about the servos and access, some as so tight where they are positioned on smaller blocks.

About the only thing I can suggest is letting Jeep know about this, they should be told or they won't know about the problem.
Ask them if modifying the fuel filler neck is ok to do to fix this issue for you.
If it is ok, then a 'cut & shut' using a suitable filler neck from a wrecker should be doable . . . IF you can get the Jeep filler neck out easy enough.

Or, use a funnel : /
0
FollowupID: 863273

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:47

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:47
Thanks Les - I'll certainly let Jeep know. AB
0
FollowupID: 863312

Reply By: Michael H9 - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:45

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:45
That's strange, my older model GC can take a high flow deisel pump. The inlet is exactly the same size as the high flow nozzle. That's a backward step by Jeep.
AnswerID: 594713

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:48

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:48
Yes Michael. Seems to be a problem caused by the new auto closure system to do without a filler cap. R
0
FollowupID: 863266

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:55

Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:55
Trust the car makers to complicate the most simple of things....an auto closure mechanism, fair dinkum, will the car go into limp mode if it doesn't close itself? Probably can't close it manually. They do their best to ruin a nice car. :-)
1
FollowupID: 863267

Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 00:36

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 00:36
Similar problem with the 2nd tank on my 40. The front (original) tank will take a high flow, however the aftermarket tank, even though the high-flow nozzle will fit in, gets blowback and shuts off straight away. It would take ages, and I mean ages, to fill it on the trickle method. I've driven straight out of servos with only hi-flow pumps. So far I've been able to find an alternative, but some day............
AnswerID: 594721

Follow Up By: Malcom M - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:57

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:57
Does your 2nd tank have an air bleed tube fitted?
If they left that off then you'd get the blow back.
maybe look at fitting a small tube between the tank and the top of the filler tube (but underneath the cap obviously). That'll give the displaced air somewhere to escape.
0
FollowupID: 863287

Follow Up By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 09:15

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 09:15
Malcom, thanks for the response. Yeah, it does have an air bleed attached, however it joins the feul feed below the cap, which is just large enough to get the hi-flow in. Suspect the sheer volume of liquid combined with the narrow gap to escape creates fairly instant blow back. Poor design of the fuel feed IMHO.

0
FollowupID: 863290

Follow Up By: mountainman - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:08

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:08
Ive got a 47trayback :-).
Made the fuel tank where all the later models have them, where the spare goes
.
The outlet on the tank needs to be non restrictive, as I used a 40mm pipe elbow but high flow needs more as the elbow restricts the high flow going into the tank.
soo a new elbow out of rhs and just a 40mm filler should work
when I get around to pulling it out and modify it again
0
FollowupID: 863301

Reply By: vk1dx - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:40

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:40
We don't tow a van but we had a similar problem a few years ago. We can't take the hi flow either so we quickly decided not to let the fuel level down too far. We stopped more often to get fuel.

Yes - not the same but maybe that approach may help. Fill up to the top and get it more often.

One good light on the horizon though is that we have noticed in recent years that there are a lot more lo flow pumps around.

When completely empty it takes ages to fill up with a total load of 255 litres and a slow flow pump. Those waiting have to be patient. And them - they are.

Phil
AnswerID: 594727

Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:44

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 07:44
I see quite a lot of fuel outlets have a Trucks Only sign at their high flow pumps!

AnswerID: 594728

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 08:16

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 08:16
Me too !
And most times I see the lanes empty there, it is frustrating, as fast flow filling is great with the 186lt capacity in the tanks.
Most servos would have no problems with a large 4wd and caravan going through those sections marked trucks only, as it's probable the reason for these special lanes is difficult access on normal pumps with articulation.
0
FollowupID: 863288

Follow Up By: Gronk - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 09:40

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 09:40
Never had anyone say something when I have filled up there. If they did, I'd say I had a truck !!

Because that lane only has hi flow diesel, they put a sign up to stop moron car drivers pulling in expecting to see a petrol bowser.
0
FollowupID: 863291

Reply By: Member - bill f (QLD) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 10:07

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 10:07
Saw on one of the forums where to get around this problem he used 2 pieces of plastic hose. One a tight fit to the fast flow fuel nozzle, the other a tight fit inside it but small enough to fit the fuel filler. Glue together. Could be made 3 stage if needed to get inside the filler. Keep as short as possible would be best.
May not give as fast a fill but at least you can use the truck bays. Bill
AnswerID: 594731

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:45

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:45
Many thanks Bill - that's the sort of solution that I was thinking about. Clever idea to glue two sections together. I'll look into it. Much appreciated. AB
0
FollowupID: 863311

Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 13:44

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 13:44
.
Haven't experienced one of these fuel fillers but a search online revealed all. Not just Jeep but Ford too.

Seems they have a 'gate', two actually, that the filler nozzle must push open to fill. Whats more, these gates require some effort to open.

So Astro, it may be that the hi-flow nozzle you tried did not reach to the second gate, hence the fuel "going everywhere".

Too bad if you needed to pour from a jerry can! Did see a device marketed in USA, a plastic nozzle, stiff enough to open the gates, that could be attached to a jerry can but it would not be suitable for attachment to a hi-flow nozzle.

Be aware also that attaching any sort of extension to a fuel pump nozzle is sure to interfere with the auto shutoff mechanism resulting in either no flow or no shutoff with disastrous outcome.



Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 594733

Follow Up By: Slow one - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:25

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:25
Alan,
my PX Ford Ranger is very happy with a high flow pump, so I don't know which Ford they are talking about.

I regularly use high flow diesel pumps.
1
FollowupID: 863302

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:44

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 14:44
.
Hey Slowie, this was one. Did see some other references too but I wouldn't recognise one Ford from another.
In fact, I thought they only came in black. lol
Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

1
FollowupID: 863304

Follow Up By: Slow one - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:09

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:09
Alan, I had to laugh when I opened the link it started with a GMH ad. I wouldn't have a clue as to what that vehicle is either.

You can get different colours this year they are making them in off white also, if you pay a little extra they can mix 50 shades of grey for you.

They have really jumped the opposition with this one.
2
FollowupID: 863306

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:21

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:21
You can get them in other than black now?
Henry must be turning in his grave. lol
Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

2
FollowupID: 863307

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:53

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:53
Thanks Allan

You may be correct that the nozzle didn't reach the second gate but it was so narrow it didn't even get through the first one!!!

I'm pretty sure the tiny nozzle of a jerry can will fit and that's what gave me the idea of a tube wide at one end tapering down. But will be a slow fill.

I've just done a Big Lap with a diesel Pajero and can't imagine that I would have survived having to use lo-flow pumps everywhere.

In fact I changed from a petrol Pajero to diesel some years ago partly as I often could not get the caravan into petrol pumps while I watched diesel wagons with caravans filling up in the truck bays.

Regards

Astro Boy
0
FollowupID: 863313

Reply By: Member - Rodney J2 - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 15:00

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 15:00
Hi,
My 2014 Grand Cherokee came supplied with funnel for emergency refuelling, you will find it in the spare wheel well. It will open the second gate in the fuel filler and allow fuel to enter all be it slowly. Have also found it handy to put water into Caravan tanks from a jerrican.
AnswerID: 594736

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:59

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:59
Wow Thanks Rodney

I'll have a look in the morning. (I'm free camping at present and the back of the Jeep currently has a road bike, set of golf clubs and a big blow-up kayak so can't unload in the dark!!!)

Much appreciated

Astro Boy (also a Rodney in real life)
0
FollowupID: 863314

Follow Up By: Member - nrb1748 (VIC) - Thursday, Jan 14, 2016 at 10:39

Thursday, Jan 14, 2016 at 10:39
Correct.

When I'm travelling (because of the load being carried in the rear) I make sure the emergency funnel is carried somewhere for easy access rather than have to access the spare wheel area.

Regards

nrb1748
nrb1748

Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 863443

Reply By: Slow one - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:57

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 17:57
Ole mate,
I think you are stuck with the fuel filler only being low flow, so it maybe better to look at it from another angle.

You maybe able to fit a larger aftermarket fuel tank that is high flow friendly or look at how you fuel.

You could look ahead on google street view at servos to pick one that suits or drop your van and refuel. I have a similar van to you and a vehicle that is longer, I can't remember having any real problems anywhere. One thing is, some rural servos only have high flow so, it would be best to research before you get there.

Just for a laugh, I know of one triple tanker driver that was to lazy to drop his back trailer and re hook up, then tow it in and drop the fuel. He towed his front trailer in and emptied it and then re-hooked the rear trailers behind it. Next drop was down a hill and into a refuelling bay. Well, that ended up with a big jackknife as the rear trailers pushed the front one onto the fuel farm tanks.

It would have been easier to do it right the first time. If you are not sure drop your van it doesn't take long.

Happy travels.
AnswerID: 594738

Follow Up By: Astro Boy - Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 22:15

Monday, Jan 11, 2016 at 22:15
Hey that's an idea. An extra fuel tank. I had thought of that on my recent trip around Oz in a Pajero which did not have a good range (and I carried five jerry cans of spare fuel for the Kimberleys). But the Jeep uses much less fuel so I had not thought of it so far (as I've only done 6,000 km from Sydney to Portland so far). I'll investigate this - it may be a solution.

Using street view is a good idea (probably better than driving around checking out servos which I've been doing) but often on a Big Lap you don't get a choice of servos in remote places.

Funny story about this - some years ago I pulled into a caravan park in country NSW and asked the Chinese gentleman behind the counter if he had a spot for the night where I didn't need to unhitch. He said "yes, you pay $20 cash, you park where you like, you no see me, I no see you". I handed over $20 and said "I'll refuel first" and he said "only place for you is truck depot in back street - you no get into the one in main street". And he was right. With his directions I found the truck depot. I was very grateful.

I had not thought of dropping off the van to refuel - I guess I can do that if necessary. But after five years of using truck bays (with no-one ever commenting that this was not allowed despite all the signs) I'm feeling a bit deprived.

Tx for your help.

AB
2
FollowupID: 863318

Sponsored Links