The only other rashional thing I can think of is to replace the filler neck (tube?) that leads into the fuel tank, in case it is kinked or something is blocking it from the previous owner or something.

I can't really comment on the cause, since I just bought my '01 S-model last week, but I noticed the same thing. Seems like when the gas pump nozzle shuts off, there is like a funnel-effect where the fuel is pooled in the filler neck, then drains down into the tank. I was thinking maybe there was something blocking/kinking the filler neck, restricting the release of air from the tank as the fuel is going in...?

 

The only other rashional thing I can think of is to replace the filler neck (tube?) that leads into the fuel tank, in case it is kinked or something is blocking it from the previous owner or something.

If this really is something broken, than that is the most likely culprit.

Personally, I wouldn't trust the fuel gauge as an accurate indication of how full the tank is. A better method would be to fill the tank, run it till the engine dies of fuel starvation, drop in a known amount of gas from a container, drive a short distance to a gas station and fill again. How much fuel did it take to fill up? Is it within 2-3 gallons of what Subaru claims as the tank size? If so, then you don't have a problem.

If you don't want to run it dry, then run it until the fuel low light comes on, get to a gas station ASAP and fill. When the light comes on in our '02, it takes ~13.85 gallons to fill.

 

Here's my 2 cents worth - take it for worth that much!

I am guessing one of two things - the filler hose kinked is possible - but I just don't think so - otherwise it would start spitting back when filled quickly, no matter how much gas in the tank.

Or, the vent line - through the carbon cannister up front has a problem. Line kinked, cannister needs replacement, one of numerous little valves in there not opening. While filling, the air being displaced should be venting through the cannister. It could easily pressurize the tank will filling, and then spit back out the filler neck when it gets close to full.

You could try removing the vent hose to the gas tank and filling - assuming the restriction is not downstream of that, it should show if it is working.

 

Thanks for your replies thus far everyone.......the carbon cannister thing sounds like a good possibility the way you explained it.......is this a regular maintenance item to be replaced at certain intervals? Any idea on what the cost might be? Any other ideas to consider?

 

The canister is not a "regular" maintenance item, but occassionaly may need to be replaced - or may go for 200,000 miles. No idea on the price or labor.

 

I'm attaching a file that describes how the system works. Hope it helps.

 

Damn, Peaty, is there anything you don't have info/pictures/writeups on? WOW!!

 

I have problems filling up at certain gas stations b/c of the pump system they use. You cannot assume that all pumps will work the same, b/c they don't. Some gas stations I have to stand w/ my hand on the pump nozzle b/c it shuts off every .5 gallons, some it shuts of a couple gallons before I know it is full, and some work perfectly.

Pump technology needs to be updated to latest standards in order to work in conjuction w/ the latest car gas tank technology/design. Some gas stations are just lazy and don't update the pumps b/c it is damn expensive...all they are checked on is the quality of the gas not that they are up to the lastest pump technology, unfortunately.

Okay, done rambling...

But that doesn't mean that you can't get it checked out.

 

@sirwilliam I hear ya william.....problem is I specifically went to gas stations & used nozzels that I know are up to date & your able to 'trickle' the fuel in very slowly (I did that to test things) but the problem is now more consistant than it was B4, so I am leaning towards that there is actually a problem with the car, not the pumps anymore. I just hope it won't be astronomical to fix.

 

I'm attaching a file that describes how the system works. Hope it helps.

That's an awesome & very well detailed link you have provided me Peaty......I will print this off so I have some ammo when I go to the dealer to try & solve the problem. Thank you!

One question, the very first picture on that link.......what is that exactly.....the fuel tank itself?

 

I hear ya william.....problem is I specifically went to gas stations & used nozzels that I know are up to date & your able to 'trickle' the fuel in very slowly (I did that to test things) but the problem is now more consistant than it was B4, so I am leaning towards that there is actually a problem with the car, not the pumps anymore. I just hope it won't be astronomical to fix.

If you have a warranty than you shouldn't pay a dime for it...if it is FUBAR'd than there is nothing that you could have done to cause that to happen.

 

@sirwilliam Nope, the only factory warranty remaining on the vehicle is the 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain. We declined the extended warranty as the car was in such good shape, 1 owner with all service & maintenance history.

I think (by the sounds of this document Peaty has given me) the problem is in the ORVR (On Board Refueling Vapor Recovery) system somewhere.

Although it mentions When refueling: "As fuel fills the tank during re-fueling, the air inside the tank is displaced carrying fuel vapors with it. This large increase in pressure opens the 'valve vent' allowing fuel vapors into the canister. It continues....

The continued filling of the tank pushes the remaining air & fuel vapors through the canister. The charcoal element of the canister absorbs the fuel vapors & directs fuel vapor-free air to the atmosphere through the drain valve & air filter.

Fair to say the problem can be narrowed down to either the charcoal canister or I wonder if the 'valve vent' is getting stuck occasionally based on the quote from above?

Another point.....there have been no lights on the dash come on & nothing performance wise is being effected......I'm guessing no trouble codes would then be stored in the cars computer to assist a tech?

 

One question, the very first picture on that link.......what is that exactly.....the fuel tank itself?

That is the plastic evap tank in question. It's right by the right rear (LHD) sway bar bushing. Here is a pic where you can see just a little bit of the end where the hoses are sticking out of it. You could check the conditon of the hoses, maybe one is kinked or something like that. Many moons ago there was a problem with the Impreza's fuel filler. I'm trying to remember what it was though. You might want to do a quick search on NASIOC and see what you come up with.

 

@Peaty Your awesome Peaty! Thanks.

I think it's fair to say the problem can be narrowed down to either the charcoal canister or I wonder if the 'valve vent' is getting stuck occasionally based on the quote from above?

Another point.....there have been no lights on the dash come on & nothing performance wise is being effected......I'm guessing no trouble codes would then be stored in the cars computer to assist a tech?

 

My slow fueling fix

I've had the infamous "slow fueling" problem for years, and always thought it was just another Subie thing. But when I finally threw a P1443 code and began to learn about the EVAP venting system, I did stumble across a simple fix for the fueling aggravation - at least on my 05 XS.
Under the passenger side rear corner there is an EVAP cannister. On the rear of the cannister there is a large rubber U-shaped vent hose which "vents" up inside the rear fender. As other posts have said, this vent is a haven for spider webs which clog the system. The fix is to simply slide off the U-shaped rubber vent hose from the back of the cannister and BLOW HARD into that hose. If you're as luckly as me, you'll hear a WHOOSH and the resriction will be gone. Reconnect the hose and you should be good to go!

 

Congratulations!!!!
You are good.
I have also problem with filling up gas. But I blow many lines and can not herr the desirable WHOOSH!

 

I just replaced my fuel filler neck and the valve at the top of the neck. I did so for two reasons. One, they were fairly rusty and I had a small fuel leak. Two because I have not been able to fuel my 03 XS. It takes about 20 minutes to get 12 gallons of fuel in it. I guess my next step is to attack the evap canister.

 

@Jonzimm91 Was your planned attack successful or did you come across a more viable flank?
I too am tired of feathering fuel into my fxt.

 

@chimichanda welcome to the forum from Oregon!

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