Very slow gas fill up on 1936 Ford

[Joe Shell]

Filled up my gas tank on 1936 Ford Cabriolet this morning. It only took just over 2 gallons to fill it to the brim of the fill tube. Problem is, the filler tube drains into the tank very slowly. I can only pump a couple of tenths of a gallon, then have to stop while the gas gurgles down. Of course I get spills on the fender and the situation get worse as the tank gets closer to full.

Also the gas gauge reads 7/8 when the tank is filled to the brim.

Anyone have any ideas why the slow fill up and how to adjust the gas gauge? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,


Joe

[19Fordy]

Here's some good reading on the fill up problem plus solutions. Suggest that you determine what your gas guage reads when the tank is near empty as that is more important. Some folks bend the float arm on the sending unit for better accuracy. It's patience and trial and error. I am not familiar with the 1936 fuel tank sending unit, but if it has a hollow brass float, it may have incurred a pin hole or crack that is allowing gas inside the float thereby giving a false reading.
Each thread is different so read them all.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...+gas+tank+fill
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...+gas+tank+fill
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...+gas+tank+fill
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...+gas+tank+fill

[Joe Shell]

Thanks Fordy. Good info.

[V12Bill]

I don't have a 36, but I seem to recall that the 35 and 36 tanks had a vent in the top of the tank and used a non vented cap. If the vent tube is crushed or has dirt or critters in it, it will not fill very fast.

[Joe Shell]

Thanks V12Bill, will check that.&i

[Mike B]

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You might try pulling back that "cover" on the pump nozzle that seals the filler neck.

[G.M.]

If you jam the gas nozzle way down in the filler neck they all blow gas back. Don't put the nozzle in deep and turn the curve of the nozzle in different directions. Most of mine work best with the nozzle curved toward the front. G.M.

[Clem Clement]

My 39 peeekup has the same problem. I have to add gas very slowly.

[gmc1941]

One of the main problems is the high volume of gas coming out if the nozzle. Most of the older vehicles have few offsets in the fill line, which also doesn't help. I've had to fine a station with a slower fill. Which keeps the gas off the fender.

[jon laing]

I have the same problem filling and gauge my 1939 ford . Sounds like a common problem. Jon L.

[Don]

Wonder if a guy had a tapered hose,maybe the end from a funnel used for an aautomatic
Transmission to slip over th gas nozzle,might hav mod pressure but it might not fill up th whole neck ,letting out the more air?????

[G.M.]

I was thinking the same thing a few years ago but never tried it. I don't have much of a problem if I only put about 1/2 of the nozzle in and turn the handle so the open end of the nozzle is facing forward. There are some nozzles with a rubber boot over the filler neck that have a vacume drawing the fumes I think these work also. G.M. .

[B-O-B]

A couple of weeks ago they were talking about the EPA having all the stations get rid of the nozzles with the rubber cover. C R S as I don't remember why .

[Tom Morookian]

The real issue with 36's is the size and turns in the filler pipe. The "pump" can push 3 or 4 gallons per minute and the gravity flow rat thru the filler is more like 1.5 gallons/minute.

Even if your tank is properly vented you can't go faster than 1.5.

Get a chunk of wood about 4 inches long by 2 inches. Cut a 30 degree angle along the long edge. I wedge that between the handle so I don't have to stand there holding it at a slow flow rate.

Now it's a smaller PIA.

[TagMan]

"Get a chunk of wood about 4 inches long by 2 inches. Cut a 30 degree angle along the long edge. I wedge that between the handle so I don't have to stand there holding it at a slow flow rate."

That'd be illegal in NYS - of course what ISN'T illegal in NYS ????????

[Joe Shell]

Thanks to all for your comments/suggestions. Glad to hear this is a common problem and not something wrong with my car. Spoke to a friend today who told me he has the identical situation with his 35 Cabriolet. He told me he turns the gas nozzle 180 degrees from the normal position and it is easier to fill his tan without spillage.


Joe