Not likely.
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Based upon the EPA rule below I would say yes it is still a problem:
.
Does anyone know if the dual tank = one fuel gauge is a factory setup?
In Toyodiy there's also a switch designed to fit into one of the bottom row of four horizontal slots... it's called "Switch Assembly, Fuel Control". I wonder if this was a more rudimentary way of selecting the rear tank.
The authorities here relax by crushing non compliant privately imported vehicles onto a small cube
Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this
exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines and emission control
systems.
View attachment 1876396 Sorry to ask but my redneck curiosity is overwhelming and I need to know what kind of critter is hanging around the gear shift?
Hello,
Welcome to the madness.
The switch with the red circle on the right is not factory. Extra spotlights maybe?
On pre-1999 models, the second/sub tank gauge is on the dash pod.
On post-1999 models, the gauge is on the main instrument cluster.
Somehow the previous owner connected both tanks to your fuel gauge. I would like to see the setup.
A factory rear AC unit is an option for 75 Series Troopies.
Your front grille is post-1995. You may want to replace it with a model year correct one.
Based upon the EPA rule below I would say yes it is still a problem:
3.1" Vehicles at Least 21 Years Old
A vehicle is exempted
if it has been 21 years or more since its original production year
and it is in its
original unmodified condition. Vehicles in any condition may be excluded if they
were manufactured prior to the year in which EPA's regulations for the class of vehicle took
effect. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this
exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines and emission control
systems. Upon entry, the importer must file an EPA Form 3520-1 with Customs and declare
code "E" on the form.
Absolutely correct. You may not get caught, but why risk it?
It's OK to import a vehicle with the original petrol (gasoline) engine to the USA (i.e. it will meet all Federal NHTSA, EPA, and Customs requirements), you just won't likely be able to register it once you get it here (because it won't conform to State and Local emissions requirements) . The solution is obvious, especially if you want a diesel anyway--import it with the original petrol engine, then do your motor swap before you register it.
This is the "why risk it?" part. Yes, there are lots of non-compliant cars in the USA, brought in through nefarious means in some cases, and mere ignorance in others, and not all of them will be seized and destroyed by the Federal authorities, but there are also lots of Federally compliant cars available overseas, so there's no need to gamble.
It's perfectly legal to import a gasoline/petrol powered Landcruiser, so long as it's over 25 years old (technically, 21 years for the Environmental Protection Agency, but 25 years for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so by default, 25 years). It's legal, that is, in the eyes of the USA Federal government. But the USA is a Republic of independent states, and each state sets the regulations for the licensing/registering of motor vehicles, not the Federal government (i.e. no one has "USA" license plates here). So while it's legal to import, depending on your local jurisdiction, you may have difficulty registering it for use (see California, for example). One answer would be to legally import it, then (legally) modify it to comply with local/state requirements prior to registration/licensing.
However, there IS an option to import a vehicle with a non-original engine:
The important bit is the "equivalent or newer EPA certified engines and emission control". If you're importing, say, a Landcruiser into which someone has swapped a 1FZ petrol motor, you could (possibly) get it in legally, since there are EPA certified versions of this motor. There would undoubtedly be more paperwork involved, and honestly, why bother when you could just swap in a commonly available and EPA certified 1FZ once you get it here?
Re: the "one guage, two tanks" question, I have seen Australian Troopies modified this way, but I doubt what I saw was factory, FWIW.
Thanks for all the feedback on importation. I actually have a side-business importing restored FJ40's into the US and am somewhat familiar with the EPA and DOT rules. I wasn't aware of the engine swap prohibition... though honestly hadn't looked into it. While I'd love to put a 1HZ into this truck at some point, its a ways down the line. The 3F is working plenty well.
They were talking about an engine swap if the 3F would not pass his local emission inspection. It being a gas engine with very little emission equipment and all.
Yes, the 3F is a great engine.
Yes, I know. Which is why I said don't even consider it since the 3F is a legal import into the US with no issues.
But this one is a 3F with no cats, air injection or EGR. Hence the potential registration challenges.
Your front grille is post-1995. You may want to replace it with a model year correct one.
Juan