Sputtering after filling up with gas

COMATOS86

MEMBER
2013 FORD ESCAPE
2.0L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

I does it pretty often when I fuel up. I'll leave the station vehicle will start up fine but when I get on the road a stop at a light or sign in drive it starts to sputter. Even if I put it in park or natural. This is concerning. I had a code to replace the MAP sensor at the beginning of last year and replaced it but still sputtered. I am really wanting to fix this. I've also changed the spark plugs a year ago but not the coils.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I am pretty sure you have an issue with the purge valve. More then likely it is stuck open and so when you fill the tank fuel vapor is forced into the engine and it actually runs too rich and sputters like this.

The root cause of this is the canister most likely has fuel in it. This is only supposed to have vapor in it so we need to check this as well or it will just cause the new valve to fail in the future as well.

There are two ways that are commonly the cause of getting fuel in this. First is that when filling the tank you are topping off the tank and actually overfilling it. This will force fuel into the canister and not just vapor.

The second is the vent solenoid is failed and not allowing it to equalize the pressure and it can actually create a suction and it will pull fuel in when you are filling the tank.

Below is the process for both components. I would suggest starting with removing the purge valve and inspecting the inside of it for black dust. This is the actual charcoal that breaks down due to the fuel in the canister and it causing the valve to stick.

Let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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