Yup, thats where the rust starts. When I changed mine the entire tube was rusted and the sensor was destroyed.

If the SG is like SF(looks the same to me but I dont know much about SG's), then you will need to get the fuel filler pipe and the sensor(I think it is called a roll-over sensor but im not 100% on that). If I remember correctly the parts were about 140$. Grab some new bolts too.

Replacing the tube and the sensor should get rid of the CEL.

 

Ouch, $140 is hard to swallow when I'm only 17 with a part time job lol.

 

If you can smell gas by your back tire then it needs to be done pronto.

--When the leak gets really bad it will actually throw 2 CEL's. 1 for a very small evap leak, and 1 for a small evap leak haha. That is what mine did anyway. When I started getting the second code I realized I could smell gas by the back tire so I changed it with the quickness.

 

I'll have to go see if I can smell gas by the back tire, I usually don't sniff around over there lol

 

I couldn't smell any gas. I really want to make sure this is the problem before I go and replace it all.

 

It may be rusted, but there may not be a leak where you're looking. That doesn't look that bad in the pictures. Try pressurizing the system and listening for leaks or look for wet spots(leaks) right after filling. Don't replace a part until you know it's defective.

 

Change it

You can spray the area with a rust stopper such as Duplicolor Rust Fix® Rust Converter. It will chemically change the rust. Try 2 coats, let dry 24 hours and spray on rustoleum style paint. This may buy you another year if it plugs your leak. It worked on my 2001 Forester.

 

I've seen worse. Much worse.

 

not to hijack the thread but my '03 Forester has exactly the same problem . The filler neck is rusted like yours , it doesn't smell gas but I have 2 CEL (p1443 & p0442) .
My biggest problem for now is I can't refill correctly, because nozzle keeps trying to click off. So I guess the valve on the filler neck is stuck .
Any advice on that problem ?
Thanks

 

Whoa, how do I access this area to see if it is rusted?

 

you'd better to remove the right rear wheel , then there 's a platic cover just under the filler neck hole . that's 3 srews to remove (on a 2003) .

 

Thanx, definitely tomorrow with the phosphoric spray... :Banane35: