Cracked Fuel filler neck and P0455

[ericg75]

I think I found the main cause or at least a big contributor to the P0455 code I 'm getting on my 1999 Explorer. The insert on the fuel filler neck has some pretty large cracks in it. First question, I that insert is plastic, does anybody know for sure? Second, has anyone had success in repairing cracks like that or is this a lost cause? A new fuel filler neck from local dealer is north of $300 so I want to explore all options.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Lots of epoxy

For $300 you can buy a lot of epoxy! I'd certainly give it a try.

 

[Carguy3J]

You can probably get one at the junkyard, but it is a lot of work to change.
I had a small crack on mine as well, and I used some QuickSteel epoxy putty. I got it form either Walmart or Autozone, don't remember. Seems to hold up ok. Just be careful to not put too much in the wrong spot and prevent the cap from seating/sealing.
You could prob. also use JB Weld. Just mix a little thick, and again, be careful to keep it from going where you don't want it.

 

[ericg75]

You can probably get one at the junkyard, but it is a lot of work to change.
I had a small crack on mine as well, and I used some QuickSteel epoxy putty. I got it form either Walmart or Autozone, don't remember. Seems to hold up ok. Just be careful to not put too much in the wrong spot and prevent the cap from seating/sealing.
You could prob. also use JB Weld. Just mix a little thick, and again, be careful to keep it from going where you don't want it.

Did the cracks in yours cause a check engine light?

 

[Carguy3J]

Did the cracks in yours cause a check engine light?

No, it was much smaller, and closer to the outside lip of the filler.

 

[cencom14]

I have been having a CEL with code P0455 on my 2000 XLT as well. I inspected my fuel filler tube and found a crack in the white plastic insert. I used some white QuickSteel epoxy putty to fill the crack. I did it in two steps. The first application of the epoxy I filled the crack flush to the surface. I let that cure then the second application I applied a thin skim coat of the putty. I was careful not to use enough putty that would occlude the cap from going back on. I removed the battery cable for approx 20 minutes to clear the code and then took it out for a ride. So far no CEL is on! Hopefully this fixes the problem. $5 for the putty was a lot better than the $430 I was quoted to replace the fuel filler neck. I will update if things change but so far so good...

Dave

 

[backfrmcolorado]

epoxy sooner or later will probly fail i some form or way. might be a good temp fix but id go to the scrap yard and try to get a good used on. might take more time to excange everything compared to the epoxy but im my opinion it a new used neck is yur best bet.

 

[jasbrown5452]

I also have the CEL from a caused by a crack in the filler neck. What are the long term problems that might arise from just letting it be. My mechanic told me to cover the CEL with some black electricians tape if it was really bothering me.

 

[ericg75]

My explorer would not pass emissions inspection with that code coming up. Not sure what long term problems you may have. I found a used filler neck on ebay for $75 that fixed the problem. Took about 1-2 hours to change.

 

[Bigbl5]

I know i'm digging up an old thread, but I just wanted to add that this thread helped solve my CEL problem. I had a really small crack that was maybe 4mm long right at the top of the neck. I used a plastic weld epoxy to fill it in. Worked like a charm. CEL light is gone. $5.00 is much cheaper than a new neck. But, if you needed a new neck, I found that 1A Auto has the best price- $99.

 

[brad19999]

I had the same problem....Mine had a chunk out of it and I glued the piece back in place with plastic weld and it held until goober from the local station jerked the nozzle out and broke it again.
Note: The truck passed inspection with the repair and the following year with the busted filler neck. I found out later that the cel was getting triggered by my filling the truck with the engine running

 

[waskly]

the neck is very easy to change, its 1 hose, worm bolt, and 3 on top around the filler neck.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If your truck has been a northern rust belt truck for it's life, the piping is probably ready to rust through. I've seen a lot of them lately. 1A Auto has a good one for $100 as mentioned above.

I reviewed it and illustrated the procedure the change it out, here: