Refueling The Rx300

[Misa]

Hi to all!

This is my first post.

Have 02 rx300 with 29K on it. Car runs perfect. Bought it when it had 8K year a go. Prior to me buying the car, it was sitting for 2 years outside. Had some problems related to that- tires, brakes,some gunk in the fuel tank. Than there was that refueling issue. When pumping gas the pump just clicks off after 1 gallon. Second after I would hear wusssh sound from somewhere under need the gas tank, and the refueling can continue. Last week I was in Vermont and the subzero temps. just made the problem worse. It took me 15 minutes to fill up and the pump would just click off after every 0.2 Gallon. Now I know there is Charcoal canister down there, vent lines and fuel tank vent valve. I just have no clue where to begin. I know I can get the vent valve for $30 but have no idea if that is the problem. I need some help with this one. Now CELs.

Any help is appreciated.Roman

[smooth1]

well, if it's running fine and not stalling, then I would think you just have a restricted vent hose, or intake relief valve may be getting stuck. If you had a fuel pump or shrader valve issue then it would be accompanied by engine stalling, and vacuume in the tank when you released the gas cap.

[GDixon]

Here is a link to a similar problem. There are several conjectures about the cause but no solution.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ic=23469&hl

[smooth1]

Second after I would hear wusssh sound from somewhere under need the gas tank, and the refueling can continue. Last week I was in Vermont and the subzero temps. just made the problem worse.

I think this is a different problem here.

[Misa]

It must be something else. I have tried several pumps in more than one state and the problem is the same on all of them. Same sound comes out like pressure is relieved from the tank prior to the tank accepting the fuel.

[Misa]

well, if it's running fine and not stalling, then I would think you just have a restricted vent hose, or intake relief valve may be getting stuck. If you had a fuel pump or shrader valve issue then it would be accompanied by engine stalling, and vacuume in the tank when you released the gas cap.

I do have vacuum in the tank when I release the gas cap. It makes the hissing sound for at least 3-4 seconds. The history of the car goes like this. The prior owner had died when the car had 8K miles on it. It was left outside for 1,5 years with 5 gallons of fuel in it. When I purchased it and filled it up it would stall left and right. I got most of the fuel out and filled it up with some gasoline cleaning products 1-2 gallons. (octane booster, gas dry, gas preservative etc.) after that the car died only once. When started again it runs like a dream till now. 33K today. There was always problem with the fill up. In the summer it is less pain as the wussh sound comes out of the charcoal canister the pump will work till it fills up. When the temperature goes down to 20-10-0F it is a nightmare. max 0.5 gallon at a time before it clicks off. Then I have to wait and put 0.5 gallon more. so on so on. 15 minutes at the pump just kills me.

THNX Roman

[Grumpa72]

Don't these tanks have a vent line that allows you to put gas in, thus displacing the air in the tank. The air has to go somewhere and is contaminated with gas fumes so it is forced into a charcoal or similar canister to keep from polluting. I would suspect that you have a blockage there related to the age. Gunk, animal junk or something else may be the problem. This may require someone with a lift that will allow you to work under the car and trace the vent lines.

[Grumpa72]

oops, double entry - same post

[smooth1]

well, if it's running fine and not stalling, then I would think you just have a restricted vent hose, or intake relief valve may be getting stuck. If you had a fuel pump or shrader valve issue then it would be accompanied by engine stalling, and vacuume in the tank when you released the gas cap.

I do have vacuum in the tank when I release the gas cap. It makes the hissing sound for at least 3-4 seconds. The history of the car goes like this. The prior owner had died when the car had 8K miles on it. It was left outside for 1,5 years with 5 gallons of fuel in it. When I purchased it and filled it up it would stall left and right. I got most of the fuel out and filled it up with some gasoline cleaning products 1-2 gallons. (octane booster, gas dry, gas preservative etc.) after that the car died only once. When started again it runs like a dream till now. 33K today. There was always problem with the fill up. In the summer it is less pain as the wussh sound comes out of the charcoal canister the pump will work till it fills up. When the temperature goes down to 20-10-0F it is a nightmare. max 0.5 gallon at a time before it clicks off. Then I have to wait and put 0.5 gallon more. so on so on. 15 minutes at the pump just kills me.

THNX Roman

I would suspect the vent line. The auto pump shutoff at most stations is controlled by a line which vents pressure in the tank near the fill hole. When the gasoline level in the tank reaches the vent line opening near the top of the fuel tank, it blocks it off, air stops travelling up the vent line, and the gasoline nozzle senses the pressure change and signals the pump to shut off. If your vent line is clogged, you may get a premature shut off at the gas station.