2007 Other Toyota Models Fuel cell or auxiliary tank?

DAVYF

MEMBER
2007 TOYOTA
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
30,000 MILES

Let me state the issue first:

FJ Cruiser to be used as a pilot/escort vehicle. This job requires that the vehicle not have to stop for fuel during the daylight hours of escort. Unfortunately, the FJ has a ridiculously small 19-gallon tank (and it's supposed to be for off-roaders!).

Many FJ owners are going with the Man a Fre aux. Fuel tank that is installed snug up within the crush zone of the rear area of the vehicle. I feel that safety would be highly compromised in the event of a back-end accident. (Remember Pintos?)
The MAF system also plays havoc with the electrical sensors of the car, since the fuel sensor wigs out when it senses all the extra vapor space (from the connected aux tank. Lots of other bugs too.

Another option. Would it make sense to have a bladder-type fuel cell container installed inside the vehicle and connected down through to the existing fuel tank, to gravity-feed the tank as fuel is being consumed? Wouldn't the bladder design reduce the volume of extra vapor space? It would also eliminate the need to wire up and install extra gauges wouldn't it? And it wouldn't alter the vehicle's ability to withstand a rear-end impact.

Am I accurate here? Am I missing any factors that would make this more problematic than an aux. Tank system?

Thanks in advance!

David

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

For my money I would far prefer the under vehicle fuel tank, even if was located in the rear crush zone, I would far prefer it there than having the possibility of 100 odd liters of fuel escaping into the cabin, and I feel that this would not be tolerated by your local registration and motor vehicle safety board, her in Aust this would just not be allowed, How many modern cars have fuel tanks made of plastic at the rear of the car, just about every one! And they don't go bang in a rear end accident, if you utilized the sub tank technology of the 80 & 100 series cruisers, these don't have any problems with fuel cross over or feed, there is no way I would place a bladder in the car, a steel or alloy under car tank is for me the only way to go.

Mark (mhpautos)