remove the vent guts easily !!!!

Frank M · June 4th, 2002, 08:12

Well after venting everytime I fuel my NB for the last 73k miles, I decided there has to be an easier way.

I pushed on the vent tab towards the outside of the filler and it fell on the ground.

It is white plastic with two o-rings and the vent tab mounts inside. I removed the inside black tab assembly by prying it out and saved it in case some day I want to restore the vent lock out tab.

I removed the one torx screw for the filler door and rubber gasket assembly, the metal clip for the flap lock and the entire fuel door with rubber gasket came out. That exposed where to reinsert the white plastic piece.

Hind sight says remove the filler door and gasket first to see where the vent goes. Even better is to remove the right rear tail light and bingo everything is right there !!

I now have an open vent all the time when the filler cap is off for refueling.

No violation of EPA code, one just needs to remember there is no air pocket in the tank when full so the best time to do this is before you are going to put 50 miles or so on the vehicle.

Ted_Grozier · June 4th, 2002, 11:30

Great news Frank - thanks!

TEXAS_TDI · June 6th, 2002, 08:34

UH-OH! Now you've done it! The EPA is gonna hang you from the nearest tree! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Frank M · June 11th, 2002, 14:50

well I filled up today, first time since I took out the vent guts.
WOWEEE, as the tank filled to the point where I usually have to vent, all I heard was a whistle sound as the air escaped out the open vent.

I was able to fill to the brim very easily.

This is the best thing since sliced bread.

I strongly recommend this to all venters.

GeWilli · June 12th, 2002, 06:19

hmmm

me thinks it is time for me to try this . . .

Hopefully i don't have to take as much crap off as you do on the NB [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Ted_Grozier · June 12th, 2002, 19:56

Did this tonight. Okay I'm going to have to contain my excitement for a sec to offer this serious caution: When you go messing with your fuel system you are so-to-speak playing with fire and if you screw up in any way or modify the factory design you are absolutely on your own and furthermore risk serious damage to person and/or property! If you have a gasoline-powered vehicle you must just stop reading now because 1. it's all the more dangerous and 2. this modification will render your evaporative emissions system useless.

For an A4 Golf (2002):

Open fuel filler door. Remove Torx screw. Unscrew fuel cap. Remove door and inner trim by carefully pulling out at screw hole; a tab near the hinge holds the forward edge in place. Pull rubber drip hose out of fender without fear or hesitation.

To the rear of the fuel filler you will see a black plastic "finger" approx 1" diameter (left as you look at the filler neck). At end of said finger there is a slot with a white tab. Use flat screwdriver to pry at this tab and remove white check valve assembly. Helps to push on vent "button" from inside filler neck. Discard black "vent guts" and reinstall (important!!) white valve body. Enjoy easy to-the-brim filling!

Thanks again Frank!

LagoonBlueTDI · June 13th, 2002, 20:15

What should we call this new mod...?

Ventectomy?

Ideas???

GeWilli · June 14th, 2002, 05:49

Whooo hooo Ted did it first [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] sounds like I can do this in the parking lot at lunch! Or at least this weekend . . ..

Thanks guys

and Ted - What evaporative emissions system? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Ted_Grozier · June 14th, 2002, 06:15

Yes I did it with tools I had in the spare tire well - if you carry a Torx driver you're set.

Evap is no big deal on diesels; this isn't hurting the environment one bit.

Herm TDI · June 15th, 2002, 00:20

The men in black suits from the Department of Environmental Protection....are watching us....they will round us up ..and one day hang us togeather ....from a gas pump

[ June 14, 2002, 12:24: Message edited by: Herm TDI ]

Ted_Grozier · June 15th, 2002, 00:31

Really this is no big deal, as diesel is so much less volatile than gasoline.

If you did this to a gas-powered car you would be venting hydrocarbons to the atmosphere at a terrible rate - with today's modern vehicles the fuel system is often the worst HC contributor - and you'd also be stupid, because defeating the vent does increase the chance of spillage, and spillage of gasoline is not to take lightly!

Diesel is less of a worry, just don't get it on your shoes! I think actually the "ventectomy" is safer as when I vented I usually had to peer into the filler to make sure the tab was engaged, with the attendant risk of fuel-in-eye. With ventectomy you can stand well aside.

Ted_Grozier · June 15th, 2002, 00:32

Actung!

To be absolutely clear: You must reinstall the white valve carrier or your tank could leak at the filler neck!

Remove only the black vent "guts" as described above.

GeWilli · June 15th, 2002, 11:49

couple notes to Ted's instructions.

Find that white tab. . . PUSH on it with a screw driver while pushing on the vent button. The white assembly comes out towards the rear.

Very simple the Rubber gasket, the door and the vent tube come out as one peice and go back in pretty easily.

took no time at all. I'll report on monday or tuesday about the improved filling without the guts!

BongoBrains · June 15th, 2002, 13:28

I did mine yesterday. Maybe took 5 minutes. I filled up afterwards, and loved not having to deal with the valve. This is a 'no brainer' mod for any other "venting-addicts" out there.

lrpavlo · June 15th, 2002, 13:53

Hmmm, I'm not finding this "white" tab to push on with the screw driver [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
Can I ask which way to push on the vent button? I'm guessing push it toward the rear of the car not the usual push in to vent??? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]