Gas Tank Air Intake: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Gas tank air intake is one of the problems that many drivers may encounter. This issue not only disrupts the engine's performance but can also damage various parts of the fuel system. In this article from our series of general car repair articles, we will thoroughly examine the causes and symptoms of gas tank air intake, as well as the solutions to this problem.

What are the causes of gas tank air intake in a car?

The presence of air in the gas tank can have various reasons, the most important of which are:

Cracks in the gas tank: Even the smallest crack in the gas tank can allow air to penetrate into the tank. These cracks can occur due to impact, corrosion, or wear and tear.

Fuel transfer path blockage: Deposits and contaminants that accumulate over time in the fuel transfer path can cause blockages and create voids in the system. This void allows air to enter the system instead of gasoline.

Issues with the gas tank breather: The breather is responsible for preventing air from entering the tank and directing gasoline vapors outside. Blockage or malfunction of the breather can easily allow air to enter the tank.

Leaks in fuel transfer pipes: Any leaks in the fuel transfer pipes can allow air to enter the system.

Faulty fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for pumping gasoline to the engine with the proper pressure. A faulty fuel pump can cause a decrease in fuel pressure and create voids in the system.

Injector malfunctions: Injectors are responsible for injecting fuel into the engine cylinder. Injector malfunctions can cause fuel leaks and create voids in the system.

Factors exacerbating gas tank air intake:

Low-quality gasoline: Using low-quality gasoline can increase the formation of deposits in the fuel system, leading to a higher likelihood of blockages in the fuel transfer path.

Failure to replace the fuel filter on time: The fuel filter is responsible for purifying gasoline. Failure to replace the fuel filter on time can lead to the accumulation of contaminants and blockage of the fuel path.

Impact on the gas tank: Impact on the gas tank can cause cracks or loosen connections.

Symptoms of gas tank air intake in a car

The main symptoms of gas tank air intake include:

Gas spitting out during refueling: One of the clearest signs. When filling the tank, gasoline spits back out of the tank opening.

Failure to start or ignition issues in the car: The presence of air in the fuel system can disrupt the engine's performance and even prevent the car from starting.

Sputtering and shaking while driving: Engine performance fluctuations due to air presence in the fuel.

Increased fuel consumption: Air in the fuel leads to reduced engine efficiency and increased fuel consumption.

Car stalling while driving: Especially during uphill climbs or sudden accelerations.

Hearing a whistling sound from the fuel tank area: This sound is due to the creation of voids in the fuel system.

Decrease in engine power: Air in the fuel reduces engine power and vehicle acceleration.

Smell of gasoline around the car: In some cases, the smell of gasoline may be detected around the car, indicating fuel leaks or issues in the fuel system.

Gas Tank Air Intake

Take gas tank air intake consequences seriously!

The presence of air in the gas tank can have serious consequences for the car, including:

Engine performance disruption: The presence of air in the fuel-air mixture prevents complete combustion. As a result, the car's engine may sputter, lose power, and even fail to start.

Increased fuel consumption: Due to incomplete combustion, the engine needs more fuel to produce the same amount of power, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Reduced lifespan of engine components: Incomplete combustion can lead to the formation of carbon deposits in the engine, damaging components such as spark plugs, valves, and pistons.

Damage to the fuel pump: The fuel pump is designed to pump gasoline. Pumping air puts excessive pressure on the pump and can cause premature failure.

Damage to injectors: Air in the fuel can cause injector clogging and reduce fuel injection accuracy.

Increase in pollution: Incomplete combustion leads to increased emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Catalytic converter damage: The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing vehicle emissions. Increased pollutants due to incomplete combustion can damage the catalytic converter.

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How to remove air from the car's gas tank?

The precise method of removing air from the gas tank may vary slightly depending on the type of car and the cause of the air intake. However, generally, there are several common methods for removing air from the gas tank:

Repeated and complete refueling:

Fill the gas tank as much as possible.

Repeat this process several times. With each refueling, some of the air is expelled from the tank.

Start the car and idle:

After complete refueling, start the car and idle for a few minutes. This helps the fuel pump expel air from the system.

Opening fuel line connections (with the help of a specialist):

This method should be performed by a skilled mechanic. In this method, some fuel line connections are opened to vent the air from the system.

Must read: When is the best time to replace car filters?

Preventive measures for gas tank air intake

To prevent this problem, you can take the following measures:

Use high-quality gasoline: High-quality gasoline produces fewer deposits and reduces the likelihood of blockages in the fuel transfer path.

Timely replacement of the fuel filter: Replace the fuel filter according to the replacement schedule to prevent blockages.

Periodic inspection of the fuel system: Periodically have your car's fuel system inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Protect the gas tank: Prevent damage to the gas tank. Impact on the tank can cause cracks.

Pay attention to the quality of fueling: Use reputable gas pumps and avoid refueling from open tanks.

Proper car maintenance: By properly maintaining your car, you can prevent technical issues that lead to gas tank air intake.

Pay attention to early signs: If you notice signs such as reduced acceleration, increased fuel consumption, or unusual engine noises, promptly consult a mechanic.

Learn more: Repairing and replacing the car's fuel pump and filter, from causes of failure to costs

When should you visit a mechanic?

If despite performing DIY methods, the issue of gas tank air intake persists, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can diagnose and resolve the problem using specialized equipment.

Final words

Gas tank air intake can cause serious problems for your car. By familiarizing yourself with the causes, symptoms, and solutions to this problem, you can take timely action and prevent more serious issues from occurring.

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