2009 escape. About gas filler

[Steve C]

On our Escape it has a gas filler you do not have to remove a gas cap.
It just has a like a doggie door, my question. When I fill up and remove the gas nozzle it dripples and the fuel seems to just go past the closed flapper
so won't water do the same rain, washing car, snow melting. I don't want water in my gas tank or any thing else. Can you remove it and put a regular cap on? Thanks

[Four_Eyes]

I'm not familiar with the 09. But when I was shopping for a used Escape, the one of the common problems I saw was rust in the fuel filler cavity (inside the fuel door). It's gotta be an inherent design flaw. Either that or it was intentional to keep fluid from flowing out and down the side. The consequence is, water (or any liquid) will pool inside that cavity.....and in the case of water, cause rust.

I don't see why the regular cap won't fit your 09. You should be able to get one from a parts supplier or from the dealer parts counter. I've seen the one you describe, but as an aftermarket product.

[JFUSION21]

well the filler door has a sealed piece on it that keeps water and snow out, from what I've seen so far it actually works, I was a bit worried about that myself. If you are really concerned you can buy a keyed locking cap for the filler that would also keep out the elements, it looks very different than a typical cap, so it is unique to this vehicle and available from Ford. So far I like the capless design, one less step to fiddle with and it appears to keep unwanted water and dirt out with the rubber seal setup. I've driven through hard rain and snow conditions and never seen any moisture inside the rubber seal yet. Perhaps it might be more prone to seepage as the seal gets older and more brittle, brand new it is very pliable so it seals pretty well.

[09XCAPE]

^^^^ same here...time will tell

I will check out the "locking" cap thing from Ford though. More concerned about gas theft as gas prices rise again than water getting in system

[Four_Eyes]

I found out something interesting about my 05 Escape XLT. I bought it used so I've very new to it.

I still have to get the whole story from the guys at the Ford dealer parts counter. I'm getting the story second hand.....I asked my wife to order a locking gas cap and they told her I can't get one.

The parts guy looked up my VIN. Apparently, on my particular Escape, I can't use a locking gas cap, even one from Ford. Something about a return line or vacuum that a locking gas cap won't address and will lead to CEL coming on.

I'm going there tommorrow to get the story.

Hopefully, you can get a locking gas cap for your Escape. I wanted one for mine for the same reasons.....prevent fuel theft and vandalism.