Help! I'm being siphoned!!!
 

I went to get gas tonight & that was when I realized someone must be siphoning from my tank!
Even in 4 wheel I KNOW I get more that 130 miles/30 gallons! I ALWAYS set the trip odometer to 000 when I fill up plus I write it down in a log & it was up to a measly 130! I think I have an idea of who may be doing it but can't prove it. Anyhow, he is over here visiting the neighbors every day so he must take a few gallons/visit.
I know that not every model lists a locking gas cap. I'm going to call around tomorrow & if I find a universal locking cap I want to make sure it's not going to be a problem to use it. Anyone have any experience or problems with these caps? Should I wait till Monday & get a dealer cap? I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks again!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

I would highly recommend a locking cap for a situation like that. Also if you have a vido camera I would set it up and see if I could catch the P.O.S. stealing your gas, then see how high you can kick his a**.

Just make sure the locking gas cap is specifically made for the '97 F-150. If it isn't, there's a chance that it will leak and your check engine light will come on.

BTW, let us know if the locking cap doesn't work. I'm sure we could get a few volunteers to come over and rough-up the guy for you!

I had a locking cap once, many, many years ago... the thieves broke off the top of the cap and just pushed the locking part down the fill tube and into my tank! They got their fuel and I was left with a big hunk of metal rolling around in my fuel tank.

Eventualy it rendered my fuel gauge inoperable and I got real good at gauging my remaining fuel by the sound of that thing banging into the sides of the tank.

Just a thought, don't know if they've changed the design of those things lately.

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'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com

I tried to siphon gas out of my truck when changing over to the Superchip (wanted to get the lower octane out) and was unable to do so. There's something in there about 18 inches past the filler neck blocking entry to the tank. What's the trick to siphoning, anyhow?

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2000 F150 Harley-Davidson: Superchip, K&N FIPK
Hard Tonneau, Hidden Hitch, 2-Meter Rig (KG0UK)
'99 FLHRCI, '95 XLH

Hey,I can understand why somebody would be siphoning from my fueltank.

But in your country with the cheap gas!!!! https://www.f150online.com/f150board/icons/icon9.gif

Ssssstttttttttttt,nobody knows yet there is no lock on it.

Sssssssstttttttttttttttttttt.

Please tell me,do shovies have them???


[This message has been edited by F150Europe (edited 01-14-2001).]

THe trick to siphoning is EXACT timing, LOL. Believe me I've gotten a mouthful of gas, a bit of motor oil and even some coolant in my mouth at various times... nota lot of fun https://www.f150online.com/f150board/smile.gif. However I've also had very successful syphones, but the different between a good siphon and a bad siphon is about .0001 seconds.



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Matt Adams
Littleton, CO
1994 Ford Explorer, highly modified ( http://bart.is-s.com/~explorers/madams/ )
2000 F-150 XLT Supercab 5.4L Auto w/ 3" dual exhaust, rhino lining, custom stereo, off-road and tow packages, and much much more! (no page yet)

Security 101= ASAP: gas cap lock, wheel locks, spare lock.

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

Here is a stupid suggestion! hehe https://www.f150online.com/f150board/wink.gif

Unplug your pipe from the cas cap (inside fender), tuck away the real pipe and plug it so no dirt can get in and fumes can get out.

Next put another pipe to the filler cap (like oem) and then insert the other end of the pipe into a container filled with water hidden under the truck. https://www.f150online.com/f150board/smile.gif

The way things are going here, we will end up with windshield washer fluid theft https://www.f150online.com/f150board/frown.gif

I have a locking gas cap on my Lightning that I bought from the dealership. I think it was maybe 30 bucks or so and seems pretty sturdy. Its worth a shot.

DUCK

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November 18, 1999 We will not forget.
The fallen 12 will live in our hearts forever.
Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire 1999

CowLady... I had the same problem a few weeks back... Stant makes on that will fit our trucks. You can buy them at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Murrays (I know you don't have them out there), and I suspect Pep Boys too. Thieves got me on my thirs tank of gas back in December... 70 miles on 1/2 tank is a bit low for me. Won't be getting me again, that's for sure.

As for the trick to siphoning, you really shouldn't be able to... there is an anti-siphon shield that clips onto the end of the filler neck inside the tank that is supposed to prevent this. Apparently, they managed to get mine anyhow... I need to take a walk back through the plant and find out for sure, though... I worked on that line for a year, but never in that area, so I'm not positive.... I'll post some more info as soon as I find out...
-Joe-

Rule Number One: Use clear hoses to siphon.

Rule Number Two: Make sure when you're siphoning from an RV, that it's the gas tank and not the waste tank.


[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited 01-15-2001).]

I wish Ford still had the locking fuel door like I had on one of my cars many years ago you pushed a button in the glove box to open the door.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I've had too much going on to check on the cap but things should be quieter now & I'll get on it. I've been keeping the outside light on all night & if they go near the truck they will be in full view - maybe that will help too.
On a silly note I wish I could spread Super Glue on the gas cap & when I'd go out in the morning, find them STUCK to it! https://www.f150online.com/f150board/smile.gif Boy would that be interesting! Maybe I'd let them run along side the truck as I drove to go buy acetone to free them! Don't worry - I'd drive slow! https://www.f150online.com/f150board/wink.gif LOL!
Thanks again - I'll let you know what I find out!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

Cowlady make them runalong side the truck as you take the long way to the police station. Preferably a way that involves a freeway. https://www.f150online.com/f150board/biggrin.gif

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1997 F-150 Lariat
Ext Cab Short Box
4x4 Off Road Package
3.55 Gears
265/75 R16 Uniroyal Laredo M/Ts

My 2 cents worth

If you're gonna stroke it, POWERSTROKE IT!!!