348 filler cap springing open | FerrariChat

348 filler cap springing open

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jonathannealeuk, Feb 27, 2006.

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  1. jonathannealeuk

    May 6, 2005
    24
    Falkirk, Scotland
    Full Name:
    Jonathan Neale
    Hi guys,

    The filler cap on my 348 GTS jumps open when I am driving. I always make sure the little cylinder bar that holds it closed is fully extended when I am closing the cap but it still vibrates open.

    How do I get to the mechanism - is it through the rear wheel arch? Is the bar held from retracting by a spring or some other means?

    As always, any help appreciated!

    Jonathan
     
  2. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,613
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    Try checking the connection of the fuel door button next to the shift gate. Remove the two screws holding the shift gate down and then lift up the console. Make sure the connection for the button is all the way in.
     
  3. NYCFERRARIS

    NYCFERRARIS Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2004
    1,011
    if it is the same as on teh mondial T... there is a little electro switch that moves that bar that you see in when power is applied... it is crazy expensive and a pain to R/R. anyway I removed the nut that holds it to the body..this nut is accessible from outside the body in the fuel filler compartmetn it is a thin nut...then the only thing left is to reach all teh way in from the engine bay and remove teh electric connector and then the nut that holds the back-up cable to the "plunger' this must all be done pretty much blind sice it is cramped in there. I think the plunger mechanism can be reapired easily but what I did was simply ( please don't laugh, just got a piece of black (same as paint color) cardboard and jamed in in there to hold teh door closed...works great and only I know it is there and saves a lot of hassle and cost of new plunger.) If you find a repair or source for plunger please share...
     
  4. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2002
    5,966
    Milton, Wash.
    Full Name:
    Jeff B.
    #4 Miltonian, Feb 27, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I wonder if perhaps the manual cable release for the fuel filler door isn't pushed in all the way? I checked on my 348, and when you pull out the handle in the engine compartment, it doesn't retract all the way by itself, you have to push it fully home. If it's part way out, the plunger does not extend all the way to keep the door shut, even though the electrical mechanism is working fine.

    It won't work properly if the handle is part way out like this - push it in!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. NYCFERRARIS

    NYCFERRARIS Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2004
    1,011
    the other end of that cable is directly bolted tothe back of the plunger..the whole set-up is weird...never understood why it can't simply be a cable manual cable release like the 308, hey if we can shift a 5 speed gear box I think we can open our own fuel door!.. and the part cost so much for what it actually is.. a very simple little electro magnetic plunger..wonder if they can be rebuilt or another source for these.
     
  6. jonathannealeuk

    May 6, 2005
    24
    Falkirk, Scotland
    Full Name:
    Jonathan Neale
    Thanks guys,

    I will check the electrical connections but I don't think it is that as the button operates the plunger OK, it just doesn't return it properly.

    The cardboard idea sounds like a neat trick. I'll give that a go if all else fails!

    Jonathan
     
  7. GeorgW

    GeorgW Karting

    Jan 31, 2004
    103
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Georg
    Hello,

    I had the same problem with my ´93 348 ts: during driving sometimes the fuel door opens itself. I checked the cable and all electric connections but without success.

    In my case only mechanical re-adjusting of the door itself and the plastic plate (which connects to the plunger) solved the problem, never apeared again.

    Regards, Georg
     
  8. MDshore348

    MDshore348 Formula 3

    Dec 24, 2004
    2,460
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Darron
    try adjusting the doors mount. two screws slide it for fine tuning so the plunger works properly. mine did that too , until i adjusted the door mount.
     
  9. jonathannealeuk

    May 6, 2005
    24
    Falkirk, Scotland
    Full Name:
    Jonathan Neale
    Thanks for the foor mount tup. I will try that as well.

    cheers

    Jonathan
     
  10. NYCFERRARIS

    NYCFERRARIS Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2004
    1,011
    Hi I also did the door adjustment...you have to get it just right...too loose and at the first bump, it will pop open...too tight ( just when you think it fits right) the plunger does not reliably fully retract (even with the emergency cable pull) and the door is stuck closed and you need to get a thin blade ( protect the paint) and pop it open.
     

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