Condition: Comments of fuel odor and rear quarter panel staining in the area of the fuel filler door may be received on 1989-91 F-cars. This condition has occasionally been noted after the vehicles fuel tank has been over filled, but does not occur after every refilling.
Cause: Inadvertent cross threading of fuel filler cap may provide false indication (clicking/racheting sound) that the cap has been properly installed. During proper installation, the cap will rotate freely for at least 2 (two) complete revolutions prior to sealing of the cap contacting filler neck seal surface. Additional rotation of the cap will generate a clicking/racheting sound.
Correction: Replace existing fuel filler cap with new cap, P/N 10164142. The lead and thread characteristics of the new cap have been modified to minimize potential for cross threading.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Labor Operation Number: L1 020
Labor Time: .2 Hours
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.