Fuel Tank - Tank Fill Procedure
Bulletin No. 82-10Article No. 82-10-12
Date: May 24, 1982
Subject: Slow Fuel Fill Rate
FORD
1981-1982 Escort/EXP
LINCOLN-MERCURY
1981-1982 Lynx/LN7
To provide information for analysis of customer concerns regarding slow fuel fill rate or incorrect usable capacity, the fuel fill/fuel tank system characteristics are summarized below:
Tank Fill Procedure
1. Insert the automatic shut-off dispensing nozzle (with nozzle retention spring) to maximum penetration into the filler pipe.
2. Set the latch dispensing nozzle lever in the maximum flow rate position and let run until the nozzle shuts off automatically. If the nozzle shuts off immediately, reset it at the second position and let run until it shuts off automatically.
3. Reset the latch dispensing nozzle at the minimum flow rate position and let run until the nozzle shuts off automatically.
4. Withdraw nozzle to just open restrictor door and set the latch dispensing nozzle lever in the minimum flow position. Run until the nozzle shuts off automatically.
Fuel System Design Capacity
1. Fuel system design capacity is the quantity of fuel from the maximum fill level (per procedure above) to the run dry level.
2. The fuel tank and filler pipe is capable of being filled to at least 97% of its design capacity when the vehicle is parked in any attitude or position on a 2% grade.
3. The first automatic shut-off of the gasoline pump should not occur until the tank is filled to 90% of design capacity.
4. The fuel tank is capable of accepting fuel without spillage or objectionable spit back when filled up to the first automatic shut-off at the following rates:
^ Standard configuration nozzle - 11 gallons per minute minimum.
^ California vapor recovery configuration nozzle - 8 gallons per minute minimum.
At self serve gas stations, the nozzles do not have latches to permit unattended filling. To duplicate the filling procedure when filling with a hand held nozzle, fill with the lever in the maximum open position or slightly less than maximum open position if using a high flow pump up to the first shut-off. Top off by squeezing the lever lightly. Continued "topping off" should be discouraged.
Nozzle position can have an effect on fill rates and premature shut-off. In general, inserting the nozzle as far as the nozzle and pipe will permit the best results. The spout of the nozzle should be allowed to rest on the threads of the filler pipe cap retainer. Lifting the nozzle from this position will usually cause the nozzle to shut off. Nozzle positions rotated clockwise and counterclockwise from the vertical position fill at the specified rates.
It is advised that the fuel gauge position be monitored during the fill procedure. An inaccurate gauge can prompt attempted overfilling of the tank, which leads to reports of slow fill or incorrect capacity.
Capacity and Identification of Standard/Extended Range Fuel Tanks:
The standard fuel tank capacity released for the 1981 model was 10.0 gallons; an 11.3 gallon tank was offered as an extended range option. Starting with the 1982 model vehicles, the 10.0 gallon capacity fuel tank was deleted, leaving the 11.3 gallon fuel tank as the only available tank capacity. The fuel tanks are identified with a daub of paint on the rear of the fuel tank, adjacent to the fill/vent hose nipples. (The other end of the fill/vent hoses are attached to the fill pipe). An orange daub signifies the 10.0 gallon fuel tank, and a black daub signifies the 11.3 fuel tank. Late in the 1981 model year the paint daub was replaced with embossed symbols 35mm high, located in the same vicinity as the paint daubs. Zero (0) signifies a 10.0 gallon tank and one (1) signifies the 11.3 gallon capacity.
Warranty Status: "Information Only"