justinsbg

Hey guys, this is the first time I've had to ask for any help on a car, and it's somewhat of a pain in the butt. I've got a customer's 2004 Honda Pilot EX in the shop. They are complaining about the gas nozzel shutting off after about 2 gallons is pumped into the tank. They don't even bother filling up the tank because it's so much of a hassle. The ORVR valve (fuel tank vapor recirculation valve) has been replaced. All the lines are clear from the filler neck to the tank. Also, all the lines are clear leading back to the charcoal canister. The canister is not full of fuel, and the CVS valve (canister vent shut valve) is not stuck closed. The gas tank is out of the car now while I'm checking things. The only thing I see so far is there is a "fuel tank recirculation valve" (Honda calls it a 1 way valve) that runs from the ORVR valve to the recirculation tube that is open to either vacuum or pressure. From the exploded diagram of the fuel system it looks as if that valve is not supposed to allow vapor in through the filler neck side, and it does. What I'm trying to figure out is what that would have to do with the refueling process, and if that could cause this problem? Honda does not explain at all about how these vapor recovery items are supposed to work.The only other thing that looks like it could cause this problem is the "vapor recirculation float" that is in the tank. During refueling, vapor passes through the float through the ORVR valve. If the float was sticking pressure would build up in the tank causing the nozzel to shut off. The only issue with that is....that float is apart of the tank which costs about $800 from Honda. We've got 1-way valve coming for tomorrow. What I intend on doing is replacing the valve, put everything back together, take it to the gas station, and try to fill it up. If that doesn't work then my only other thought is that he'll need a gas tank. A very time consuming process that will be, but I don't know what else to do. IF ANYONE HAS ANY HELPFUL INPUT I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSES. Thanks for reading. Before anyone asks, they have tried taking the car to different gas stations.

markspan6243

shouldnt you know whats wrong mr. ASE Certified Honda/Acura Specialist, Electrical specialist?

justinsbg

Wow..I have never claimed to know everything about everything. If you've been in the car repair business any length of time, you would know never to say you have all the answers, or say you immediately know how to fix every car that comes into your shop. That's why there are so many aftermarket help lines and things of that nature. Cars are very complex and are only getting more complex with each new year. That is not a problem we've run into on 2003-2004 Pilots. That being said; I was going to update later today after work but I saw your response and couldn't wait until then. I replaced the 1-way valve (it was about $14 form Honda). In my checking, I also found a vent hose that was kinked and partially collapsing from where the dealership had been working on it and couldn't figure it out. After I fixed those 2 problems and put the vehicle back together, I took it to the gas station and put 8 gallons in it with no trouble. I learned a lot about how the vapor recovery system works on that year model Pilot. It is a little different than later models. Anyway, the car is fixed and the customer is happy..that's all that matters. I've helped numerous people fix their broken cars on this website and this is the kind of response I get....

DaiJekBok

Don't let one douchebag ruin your day.

Glad you got it sorted out and thanks for posting the fix.

CoolBreezeRacer

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot that's doing the same thing just not as bad. I can get to about 3/4 tank before it starts shutting off the nozzle. I called a Honda dealership today for the 1-way valve and they had no idea what I was talking about. Do you have a part number for it? and can you share your installation instructions?

Also, the front O2 sensor needs replacing. Should I just change both?

Aaron Wagner

Hey guys. Just wondering if anyone got a part number. I'm having the same issue and want to avoid taking it to the dealer. I've torn the filler neck and vent tubes apart several times with no luck. There's a small connection between the smaller vent tube coming from the filler neck and the small vent tube coming from the tank. From the neck side, the tube can be removed, from the tank side it seems to be a hard connection. (by that i mean it doesn't appear that the tube can be removed) Is the perhaps the valve needing replacement?