Fuel filler screen
 

If one were to remove the strainer looking spark arrester screen from the gasoline filler, would fuel splash out and onto the paint if you were driving on a rough road with a full tank of fuel? Or, is it OK to run with the screen removed without worry of fuel splashing out? This assumes the fuel cap is on, obviously.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I have had my filter/arrester out for the past month no problem with gas splashing out. I took my out to clean it and have not got around to putting it back yet.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I suspect todays fuels are clean enough to not use it but I like the flame arrester part.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

Mine hasn't been in for years.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I like to have it installed.

When I add gas, I use the screen to help to stop filling at the level of the bottom of the screen.

One time, I kept adding gas to the "top" of the tank. The cold gas then expanded with the hot (100 degree's) day and spilled out of the gas tank and flowed into the engine compartment via the hood space !!!!!

Yikes.....

Marc

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I think it helps keep the fuel nozzle away from the gas gauge/float rod. Maybe?

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I drove my truck for at least 5 years without the screen. I never noticed any problem in function - but I never had a car fire either.

Joe K

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I've seen a repro gas cap with a small hole in the top center of the cap. This cap will likely allow gas to splash out.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

On my coupe I have not had the gas tank spark arrester installed since 1977. My gas cap (for whatever reason) has a 1/64-inch hole drilled in the center. I have driven the car in Idaho, Washington and - the litmus test of rough-road driving - California freeways, including use as a daily driver for several years. Even with the gas tank completely full (as in to the very top of the tank, but not to the top of the filler neck) I have never experienced fuel splashing out of the tank.

Just lucky, I guess.

Others may have had different experience.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

When I add gas I point the fuel nozzle to the front or rear. If I point it straight down, it burps up and shuts the nozzle off. The screen, like the engine pans, is part of a complete Model A.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

The only to get gas in an A with a screen where I am is to pour it in with a can.Every station in town has the new fast pumps.When you squeeze the trigger the initial burst is explosive.The head pressure is so much that you have to squeeze hard to overcome it.After the initial blast you can moderate it.With the screen in place the blast of the first squeeze goes straight up under the visor.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

Mine's not there either and I don't have problems adding fuel as I usually only put $10 in at a time. I think it's only been 3/4's full once in 3 years.
Paul in CT

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I try to keep mine full in case they drop the "big one", and I need to head for the hills.:D:p

Actually, I keep it full to help keep out moisture, plus I'll be ready to go for a long drive.:)

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

I have had two Model A's over the years and neither one had the screen, and I never missed it. I have no problem filling the tank full, nor fuel spilling out here in California.

Re: Fuel filler screen
 

Excellent info. Thank you!!!

Like Tom, I prefer a full tank whenever a car is parked for the day. I consider 1/2 tank to be "empty". The only time I ever let the A get below 1/2 tank was when it had to be emptied to change the shutoff valve and for a few tankfulls to please Mark Maron when he demanded that I run it down to about 1/4 tank before filling a few times to get an idea of mileage on the new carb. He still has no idea how stressful that was!

I know what you mean, Marc. Did that once. Luckily, no permanent damage. The new fuel with the alcohol in it is not kind to the 40 year old lacquer. It buffed out OK though. Whew!

Keith- I usually wiggle the screen out before filling. It's just such a pain to wiggle it out, grab with a paper towell to keep fuel from dripping on paint, then replace after filling. Thinking it would be MUCH simpler to just leave it out, thus the reason for asking this question.

Thanks again to all for adding your experiences. That screen is coming out ASAP!