My 96 neon always leaks fuel when I fill it up. It leaks for the first few minutes when I drive it and then it stops. Fuel always backs up in the filler neck when I hold the pumps lever all the way. I have to fill up holding the lever half way. Also, when I get home there is a strong smell of fuel. Any idea on what could cause this?

 

Anyone have any idea? 118 people looked at it so far and not one answer.

 

How does your filler neck look? Mine would drip fuel for a little bit after I pumped....I took a look at the filler neck and it was very rusty with holes, even though I have no rust on the rest of my car. I replaced it and there is no issue anymore...and it looks much nicer.

 

I had it replaced about 2 years ago. There is some rust on it but nothing major. Filler neck isn't wet or anything. I don't mind if it drips a bit when I fill up but the only problem is that it backs up in the filler neck and then spills out everywhere. I have to hold the pumps lever 1/4 to halfway to avoid it spilling out.

 

The mechanic must have screwed something up because it was fine before it was changed. I usually do my own work on the car but I was really busy that week and it had to be done.

 

Either the fill tube is restricted or the filler check valve or vent tube is plugged (dont remember how those are setup). When fuel goes in air needs to come out, if it doesn't it will overflow out the filler.

 

Alright thanks buddy. I'll take out the filler neck see if anything is blocked and then possibly drop the tank and change fuel pump since I got problems with it and check out the vent tube. It must be the the vent tube because It was working fine before it got replaced.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the vent setup should be on the filler tank, and hook to the top of the tank. I know the air comes back up to the top of the filler neck somehow. Its been so long since I have dropped a tank.

 

Yes that's right if i'm not mistaken. I actually never had to drop the tank on my neon this is the first time. Its been good had the car for 12 years and its got 238,000 km on her. Only problem now is this filler neck that the mechanic screwed up and my fuel gauge won't work. Other than that just had to change the oil and some minor maintenance but that's all. I've had to drop tanks many times on past cars though.