MIL on January 23, 2024, 05:16:32 pm So the 'Service Engine Soon' light has been lit on my '99 TK Ford for a few months. I thought it was some reminder to get an oil change or some pending not very important item. I was expecting a 'Malfunction Indicator Light' most usually a 'Check Engine' light, but John Van (Caravan Club Tech Talk) pointed out that for a '99, it WAS the MIL. My attached ScanGauge read it as a P0455, and I reset the light. Took a whole 30 seconds. That error is a 'EVAP system can't be pressurized' gasoline vapor leak'. My 24 year old locking gas cap has been difficult the last few times I've gotten gas, but I cleaned and inspected the rubber washer seal, (lubed) and lubed the lock with graphite. No apparent leak, unless in the last two months I managed to put it on without sealing it well. So I'm waiting to see if it comes back. No I haven't dropped the tank yet. The generator still starts at about 3/8 tank, I don't usually let the tank get that low and if I do, I don't remember to test the genset. So that 6" piece of fuel hose could be the culprit. Rat activity is very high this year, but no obvious evidence in the engine compartment, but the hoses involved could be anywhere front to back. Waiting for a recurrence of the MIL. RonB Glad I could break the silence. 1 Likes
Re: MIL on Reply #1 – January 23, 2024, 06:55:11 pm A P0455 is a large vacuum leak in the vapor recovery system. If the cap doesn't cure it, suspect the vapor recovery hoses on top of the fuel tank, they can be badly rotted and leaking by this time. The leak could also be under the doghouse or on any of the flexible connections on one of the vapor recovery lines, running between the engine and fuel tank or at the carbon canister. There are a lot of potential places.The generator fuel line can sometimes be replaced by partially lowering the tank but the emission hoses require dropping the tank to the ground to access. It would be a good time to replace the fuel pump.An auto shop would hook a smoke machine to the emission system to pinpoint a leak. I bought one several years ago to find a vapor recovery leak that eluded my best attempts to find. A smoke machine vaporizes mineral oil and injectes it, under low pressure into the intake and vapor recovery systems. After waiting a few minutes, use a flashlight and start looking for smoke streaming out of something. The Cherokee's leak was quickly found, a slightly cracked fitting that visually looked fine. The machine paid for itself the first time it was used, costing less than an hour of shop time.Amazon.com: AutoLine Pro Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector EVAP Vacuum...Larry 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: MIL on Reply #2 – January 24, 2024, 12:56:53 am Hi Larry; If it isn't the fuel cap, the smoker will be a purchase. I sold one of my cars so only six left, but there are enough rats to cover all of them. The neighbors don't do much of anything to control them, but actually this Friday is scheduled for a pest elimination day on their date palm tree. (commercial tree treatment) I haven't smelled any gas fumes, but mileage has dropped recently to 9.5 from a reliable 9.9 to 10.1 (23 year average). Remote 'borescope' color hi def camera also at the ready. Just a 35 gallon tank. I have armored cable covers for the hoses if I have to drop the tank. RonB
Re: MIL on Reply #3 – January 24, 2024, 12:37:46 pm One bright spot, a 36-gallon tank is a lot lighter than a 55-gallon tank.Larry 1 Likes
Re: MIL on Reply #4 – January 24, 2024, 11:14:38 pm Quote from: Larry W - January 24, 2024, 12:37:46 pmOne bright spot, a 36-gallon tank is a lot lighter than a 55-gallon tank.LarryIs it possible to replace the 36 gallon tank with a 55 gallon tank? 36 gallon reduces your travel flexibility a lot, and I know I'd be unhappy to have so little gasoline. 1 Likes
Re: MIL on Reply #5 – January 25, 2024, 02:27:30 am Hi Eric; No I'm at the max on weight GVWR of 11,500# for a E350 chassis. The added weight of the tank, and gasoline would put me over. I still have a range of 330 miles with some reserve. In addition I have to take a break driving every 250-300 miles, so it's OK. RonB
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