using rubber tubing for a filler neck (GASOLINE) instead of the $$ OEM part?? Safe?

[DZink24]

my Neon's gas tank filler neck is extremely rusted. i have begun the search for inexpensive ones online, but i got to thinking today when i was starting to remove the old one- could i just go to a hardware store and buy the correct length of rubber tubing, and use that? or will that be a serious safety issue as far as fire and explosions are concerned? i noticed that there was a ground cable screwed to the car frame, so i assume it is there to prevent sparks. i would assume that a steel or aluminum tube will be no better or worse for sparks than a rubber one would be.

 

[Wayne M.]

I would really search out the proper filler tube. If one can't be had, you'll really have to make sure the rubber is indeed neoprene or some other material compatible with gasoline or the rubber will disentigrate. If you must go this route, you must be sure about grounding or you'll be looking for a whole new vehicle! I remember back in the mid '90's when the ford contour came out. There was a recall out about those cars going up in flames as the filler was removed from the neck. I believe there was a grounding problem and a static spark was the cause.

 

[DZink24]

i've been leaning towards the OEM part. . i didn't realize there is another tube inside the filler neck for breathing. they are readily availiable on line, and in stores. now to just find the most economical place. .

 

[Wayne M.]

It's been real tough getting mopar parts for me. There was always 1 or 2 guys I always dealt with for over 20 years, and walking into almost any dealer would get you a decent price. Since the big shake up and realignment, all deals are off. My primary guy threw his towel in and retired, and the other moved to another dealer and forgot his friends. I haven't seen a decent mopar parts guy around here since.

 

[JLEONARD]

Boats use hose so if you get the correct hose type for gasoline you will be safe.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Dorman part #577-921 for a 2001-2005 Neon..... not sure what year yours is, but most likely, they make it... . This is the pic from the Orielly website... . http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...8&keyword=fuel+filler+hose&pt=02540&ppt=C0025



NAPA should have a cross reference, as should Autozone. It may be available online directly from Dorman, too.



Otherwise, try using some Gates fuel filler hose, such as: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...odel=Neon&vi=1430758&keyword=fuel+filler+hose



Regular rubber hose is made up of so much synthetic rubber it's pathetic... . Gasoline, and especially Ethanol, which comprises up to 10% of most gasolines in urban areas, destroys this synthetic rubber extremely fast, so in two-three years, you'll be doing it again. I have to do that regularly when installing steel beds, and have learned the designated fuel filler hose is the best way to go, if you don't want problems. The price of fuel these days, you can't afford to be losing any!!



And since they just called me, I asked, and Orielly's in Sanger currently has this Spectra brand available today from one of their hubs: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...9&keyword=fuel+filler+hose&pt=02540&ppt=C0025

 

[DZink24]

thanks for all the replies! last week i went to an AA and they actually had the part in stock. the $ was 1/2 of what the dealer was asking. i was so shocked when the manager said he had one in the back, i didn't even think about it, i silently put 2 bills on the counter and got an add'l 10% off. . $155 after tax. . and no stresses over ordering online and "wondering" if i would get the right part. bolted right up without much of an issue, although it did take a few days for the CEL to clear. (hopefully it stays off)