Fuel Filler Tube Coating Flaking Off Into Fuel Tank
 

Can others please take a look inside their fuel filler tube? I've noticed that large pieces of the black coating are coming off, and they are not coming out—they are going down for a swim in the fuel tank. I can also see where the edges of another large piece is ready to start dislodging itself for a bobsled ride on premium fuel.


Can't say I'm pleased about this, and I've pulled a fuel tank or two in the past; not something that's very much fun. These coating pieces are either slowly dissipating in the fuel (which I doubt), clinging to some other element within the fuel tank, or starting to clog the fuel filter. The question is whether over an extended period of time much larger pieces dislodge and take the plunge?

WARNING: Please do not try to take photographs with a flash if you are going to post yours pics too as fuel flumes are present. In fact, unscrew and remove the fuel cap and let the flumes rise out for at least a minute before looking inside the tube with any light. Thanks.

I don't see anything to be concerned about. The gas tank filler necks were designed in such a way, that they take in to account the abuse of constant filling.. I'm just surprised they did away with the filler flip cover, the small particles of metal are not going to do anything, the fuel filter will capture most if not all of it. On routine maintenance your supposed to change your fuel filter at which time the concern metal particles will be removed...

It's not metal particles—it's literally, at present, a 1/2 x 1/2 inch square of black coating lining that's dislodged and gone down the tube. I'll try to take a better photograph as the current one blurs as the raised portion of the next piece that is starting to dislodge.

o sh*t, now that u mentioned it, i noticed mine is peeling and chipping too :mad:
there's a section at the top thats peeling, you can see it in the pictures.

click the pics for a bigger view

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9103/dsc01345.th.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2424/dsc01344cq.th.jpg
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4...c01343f.th.jpg

Lining chips might as well be paint chips, the filter will catch most if not all, if you feel concerned take it to the dealer for a fuel filter replacement.... if it's just informational purpose's for all to look at? I gotcha.

Instead of ramming the filler into the neck, try doing it with some care. Unless that's a picture of Arnold's eye in Terminator, of course.

Is it possible that these paint chips (or whatever they are) are the cause of the mysterious last LED or two in the fuel guage not lighting?????

Stop ramming the tube into the hole so hard.

That's what she said.

You're SO bad ! ;)

That's a definite no. That's for another discussion.

Not worried about it being under warranty. More concerned that it might become a long term problem. There is no reason to have coating the fuel filler tube versus simply having it plated. Also, I am going to try to peel off the piece that is starting to come loose and see whether if placed in fuel it actually dissolves over time. (On the warranty issue I am not impressed with the Nissan dealership where we purchased the Z and would have a concern if they did. I'm looking at other Nissan dealerships, but would have preferred that the Z have been part of the Infinity line versus the Nissan line.)

My wife and I are careful, but this does not preclude dealerships who fuel up your Z when you purchase it, and it's a bunch of nonsense to have to kid-glove a fuel filler. Plus, there are States where you are not allowed to fuel your own vehicle.This coating/lining is exposed in all the wrong places, and over time others will probably have the time symptoms if they are not already experiencing them now.

Good points. A pump jockey is gonna grind that filler right in there with no regard to the vehicle.

Uh oh, Your wife drives the car too? Well, that explains the problem right there. :stirthepot: