Echo 2004 gas cap & 'filler neck guard' problem

[echo_blair]

Hi - I have a 2004 Echo hatchback and I absolutely LOVE the car. I've had almost zero problems with it since I bought it new.

Two problems (the other I'll post separately)... gas tank problem:

The other day while driving the car sputtered like it was going to stall, but didn't, then seemed to self-correct - but the Check Engine light came on. Then at the gas station, when I opened the gas cap, it hissed and air came rushing out of it. As it turns out, the little metal flap the covers the hole inside the filler neck is gone (broke off or whatever). Also, now when I go to put gas in it, the pump clicks off every few seconds as though the pump thinks the car is full.

I'm assuming the problem is with this metal 'filler neck guard'... Toyota says the part is $20 and $160 for labor. My question is, has this ever happened to anyone else here before? Does it all make any sense? Do I have any other options (like, for instance, a gas cap that has an extended piece in the middle of it that would seal the filler neck without having to replace that silver piece)? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[jambo101]

Never heard of that metal flap falling into the tank, but even if it did it wouldnt affect your fillup speed as it would just sit on the bottom of the tank it also wouldnt pass the filter in the tank,
Whats probably more likely happening is your vent tube on the filler neck has probably become plugged with something, usually a small flake of rust, the dealer will blow it out with compressed air and charge you $200 or you could get a private mechanic to do it for very little charge if no no charge at all.
Heres a pic of your filler neck,the small tube attached is the vent tube, if its plugged up the pressure in the tank will rise and shut off the pump