Fuel Tank problem?

I have a problem with our 97 Astro van, actually 2 problems, the first one is the fuel gauge is broken and always reads as if the tank is empty, I have an idead how to fix that but it hasnt been a high priority to fix it since we can just use the trip odometer and we know the gas mileage so we have had a approx idea of how much gas is in the tank.

The big problem we are having now is, the tank doesnt seem to fill up with gas, by our figuring the tank should be empty but when we go to the gas station to fill up, we can only put in about 6 gallons before the nozzle clicks off, then I can only put in tiny amounts of fuel every few seconds. I have taken the filler neck apart but I cant see any obstructions in it, it just doesnt make any sense to me why the first few gallons go in fine, but then it seems like the neck fills up and slowly drains into the tank. Why would it be doing this? I am in a rush becuase I have to go right now, but I will check back later tonight, maybe some of you have had this problem before or have some idea as to what is going on. Thanks for your time, hope you can help! :)

just a guess are you sure the tank isn't full?? this is a weird one on me unless the tank it's self is bent but if it is plastic it woudn't be bent it'd be broke.....have you also tryed putting it in slowly????

You should check to make sure that your breather tube is not jammed with something. On the filler side of your tank you will have a big tube where the gas goes to the tank and a smaller tube that will let air flow back out of the tank when you fill it. If that smaller tube is jammed it will make as if the tank is full and not let you fill the tank properly. I have seen bugs and spiders jam that smaller tube. If you can access the tube, disconnect it and open your gas cap, then blow air through the smaller tube to make sure it is not plugged. Don't use too high of a pressure or you will burst the tube when you blow air through it. Hope that helps!

That may be valid on older models, but the '95-up models have no separate vent tube, IIRC.

There is also a flame arrestor/anti-surge/anti-siphon fill tube inside the filler neck:

http://72.19.213.157/files/FuelFillTube.jpg

The flapper/check valve at the end of the tube may have been damaged by a siphoning attempt, or the tube itself may be damaged.

You may have to remove the screws in the fuel filler trim, remove the support bracket bolt, remove the two band clamps from the rubber section of filler hose, and pull out the filler neck assembly for inspection.