Filling limitor for small, shallow liquid storage tanks

The limitor includes a tubular valve body that houses a poppet valve axially moveable between opened and closed positions by an external float. The poppet is protected from direct engagement with incoming pressurized liquid by an overhead deflector that diverts incoming liquid radially outwardly into an annular region around the deflector so that the liquid can pass through a port underlying and spaced below the poppet. This prevents premature closing of the valve. Preferably, the limitor is constructed from a main support tube that becomes attached to the tank and a valve subassembly that is threadably joined with the tube and projects down into the interior of the tank during use. Alternative embodiments are disclosed, including drop tube versions, for facilitating initial installation of the limitor on the top wall of a tank.