So recently I started to get check gas inlet messages. They got worst and the check engine light came on. SUV started idling really bad the day light came on. Took it go firestone and it seems purge valve went bad. They replaced it and SUV ran fine for a few days and than light came back on, but SUV wasn't idling hard.

I cleaned the capless Gass cap area, but no luck clearing it and the inlet message. Took it back to firestone and they did a smoke test and found a leak in the system around where the hose connects to the tank. They replaced the oring and that lasted a day before it failed. Engine lights back on.

I want to try and fix it myself since they said dealer has too look at it and other shops are asking telling me it will be around 300 to drop the tank and what ever they have to fix will be extra.

So wanted to see if it's somthing I can fix myself, but I'm having two issues. First issue, is I have looked at every diagram I can find and I can't seem to find a part number for the connection the vent hose makes to the tank. Second, can I get access to the top of the tank without dropping the whole thing? If I can't where can I go to learn how to drop it, because I don't see how to under the SUV.

 

If you never dropped a gasoline tank before, you may not have the tools and equip to handle the job.

If the tank has any fuel at all in it , it can get pretty heavy, approx 15 lbs per gal.
Gasoline today is not what it was years back. It is not good to get on your hands or clothes. If breathing the fumes was OK they would not be making sure to capture them from going to the surrounding air. Also , the supporting bolts and straps can be pretty rusted and the job just grows and grows.
It has been up there for more than 12 years. You might consider having a shop with the tools and equip handle the job.

 

I understand I don't have all the tools for it. I have access to a auto hobby shop on base that will have a lift I can rent and a friend that has just about every tool you can think of. My big question is, do I have to drop the tank to access the part and how to find the correct part. Below is a photo of model gas tank. From what Firestone said, it looks like that small valve next to the fuel pump is leaking. I know the ford has a access hatch to the fuel pump from inside the car, I'm wondering if I could also change that vent, if I got the part number without dropping the tank.



2010-2012 Ford escape fuel tank. Taking from a sale on E-bay, just using it as a example