Scrap of foil dropped into fuel filler neck...

I had the "one in ten thousand" accident today. I was putting in a bottle of Techron (fuel system cleaner) and, as I always do, I carefully pierced the foil cap with a key and pulled it off. I do this to make sure it doesn't end up in the fuel tank.

Well, I flicked it off of my key, and the wind caught it and it made a loop-the-loop in the air before swishing directly into the tiny fuel filler opening and straight down the pipe. Nothing but net. Looked in with flashlight...can't see anything.

I've looked at the FSM pages to see whether there is a screen in the fuel filler neck/tube, and I can't find anything about it aside from the parts diagram for the fuel system.

I've also looked at the FSM pages to see where and how large the pump inlet screen is (if there is a screen). No information found.

So, does anyone know whether this little 1/4" to 3/8" semi-circular bit of foil is going to clog my fuel pump, or is there adequate screen area to keep it from impeding fuel flow? It's a bit cold to be dropping the tank for no reason, and I suspect the dealership would charge me an enormous fee to do it for me.

 

i thought all filler neck/tubes had a filter/screen before going to the tank. wow, what story, if anything, it wouldn't get sucked up by the fuel pump. it'll just stay in the tank and will not dissolve.

 

Excellent. After posting, I did find a diagram that at least allows me to estimate the pump screen size, and it is probably about 2" x 3". A 1/4" x 3/8" scrap, if it ever adheres to the screen, will only take up about 1% of the screen area.

I just better make sure I don't do that 99 more times.

 

you mean you haven't de-screened your fuel pump for maximum performance.. I feel a greater throttle response and get 1.2 mpg better..

no.. just kidding.

 

FPDSM sticky coming shortly.

 

I doubt it will affect much. It might restrict the flow of gas into the tank a bit though.