Fuel - Pump Nozzle Shut Off During Refueling
Group 16Fuel Tank and Lines
Bulletin Number
16 01 92 (3553)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 1992
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Refuelling
MODEL:
E36
Situation:
The fuel pump nozzle may shut off during the refueling process before the tank reaches its maximum capacity.
Causes:
If the gas station pump delivers fuel at a fast rate the fuel may splash back in the vehicle's filler pipe. This may be caused by fuel pump nozzles which, because of their shape, can be pushed far into the filler pipe (customers may experience the problem only at certain gas stations). In this case, the customer should be advised not to push the pump nozzle too far into the vehicle's filler pipe. Because ihis may occur with a particular fuel pump nozzle design it cannot be corrected by replacement of components, i.e., fuel filler pipe, fuel tank, etc.
Another possible cause may be a restricted ventilation hose between the fuel tank and filler neck. If positioned incorrectly, the cross-section is decreased (restricted) and consequently the air which is pushed out by the incoming fuel cannot escape quickly enough. The fuel then splashes back in the filler pipe, leading to the above situation.
Correction:
Assure correct routing of the fuel tank ventilation hoses as follows:
- The ventilation hose (23 mm diameter) may be positioned either too far forward or too far back in the guide tube in the body causing the hose to collapse or kink (hose restriction).
- The ventilation hoses may be twisted where they exit from the guide tube in the body or at the upper fuel tank connections.
Note:
A visual check is the only way to verify the correct routing of the tank ventilation hose on vehicles with the refueling complaint. A tank vent hose with a cross-section restricted to half its normal diameter can be blown through with compressed air yet may still cause refueling problems.
Procedure:
Visual Check
Check point "B" (see illustration). After removing the right side rear wheel well cover, route hoses correctly as shown to eliminate any restriction of the 23 mm ventilation hose. Reposition hoses by hand as necessary.
To check area "A" (see illustration), the fuel tank must be lowered slightly after loosening the retaining straps so that the 90~ angle in the hose can be felt/seen (using a flash light and mirror) through the right side access cover under the rear seat. The cross-section of the ventilation hose should be round throughout the entire length (no restrictions). The three plastic hoses should be positioned if possible above the ventilation hose.
If the ventilation hose is collapsed or restricted due to a kink or sharp bend in area "A", it should be replaced by a new hose, P/N 16 13 1 181 554. As outlined above, make sure the three plastic hoses are positioned above the ventilation hose during installation of the new hose.
Warranty
Information:
Parts and labor reimbursable under the terms and conditions of the BMW 4 Year/50,000 Mile Limited Warranty.
Defect Code:
16 13 00 29 00
Check tank ventilation Check and replace
hoses & reposition tank ventilation hoses
if necessary
Labor Operation:
Main Work 00 50 369 00 50 370
Associated Work 00 50 943 00 50 944
Labor Allowance:
Main Work 7 FRU 13 FRU
Associated Work 6 FRU 11 FRU
NOTE:
The following explanations will spell out the correct use of the work times.
Main Work:
Use this time when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.
OR
Associated Work
Use this time when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.
Under no circumstances should both work times be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment.