Gas tank building excessive pressure & fuel smell. Dangerous for sure! Why does this happen? (2 Viewers)

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You bet. I'm hoping this is the issue for some folks because it is ridiculously easy to access and replace for the early 100s and a lot cheaper than a lot of the other stuff
It totally makes sense to me that there could be a failing valve messing with the system pressure. I can't imagine it being designed in a way that fuel boils out of the tank at 100F without something in the system failing.
 
People nowadays forget what a vacuum guage even is. Undo the vac house from the VSV on the manifold on the manifold side of the green test port. Hook up a vac guage, check that there is vacuum on the line. Then cycle the VSV in Techstream. You should see vacuum, then none every time you turn it on and off. Make sure you are seeing good vacuum. That is the most basic function of the whole system - it's basically a controlled vac leak that sucks up fumes. If you aren't getting enough vacuum at the canister, you'll never relieve the vapor pressure at the tank. If the VSV cycles ( it will click), but the vacuum isn't there, or is very low, replace the VSV on the manifold. Don't worry about the VSV on the canister if you are having went issues but no codes. The one on the canister is there for emissions self test. Worry about that one of you are getting codes.
 
People nowadays forget what a vacuum guage even is. Undo the vac house from the VSV on the manifold on the manifold side of the green test port. Hook up a vac guage, check that there is vacuum on the line. Then cycle the VSV in Techstream. You should see vacuum, then none every time you turn it on and off. Make sure you are seeing good vacuum. That is the most basic function of the whole system - it's basically a controlled vac leak that sucks up fumes. If you aren't getting enough vacuum at the canister, you'll never relieve the vapor pressure at the tank. If the VSV cycles ( it will click), but the vacuum isn't there, or is very low, replace the VSV on the manifold. Don't worry about the VSV on the canister if you are having went issues but no codes. The one on the canister is there for emissions self test. Worry about that one of you are getting codes.

I had this test done per FSM and it passed with flying colors and the issue still happened a month later. No codes ever for me. Has ever happened on black top and only off road, in heat on a rocky incline trail.
 
Anyone with the 40 gal LongRange Automotive fuel tank experience this issue?
 
I've been dealing with this problem for years now. I have an 07'. This is the first time I've been able to find any info on it. I've been to a handful of mechanics and nobody can diagnose the problem. Once the fuel starts boiling I can't shut the rig off or I won't be able to start it back up until the fuel cool. I live in Vegas and as soon as the summer temps get rolling I start having issues. I wasn't out long at all yesterday and I had to get a LYFT home from lunch because my rig wouldn't start. Right now it's 115 degrees out and I can't even run a couple errands without worrying about it. I've changed the fuel cap and charcoal canister without any improvement. I'm going to give my mechanic this thread and see if he can run a few tests with some more focus this time. I love my rig, but this is so frustrating.
You likely have mupile issue to address.

Many if not all 06-07 have weak fuel pumps. The fuel pressure and/or flow, tends to be low in the low speed of the variable speed fuel pump. Heat wires or a hot fuel pump, and the resistance goes up, so pump gets reduced AMPs. This may be why you can't start after heat soak.

A weak fuel pump yields reduced fuel pressure in fuel rail. This can reduce fuel delivered by fuel injector. This may create a lean running condition. The ECU will correct to a point.

You're are likely running a hot (engine water temp). This may in part, be do to lean fuel air mixture. But the coolant systems needs to be at spec also. This includes cleaning all 3 radiator fins.

Monitoring your fuel trims, engine water temp and CAT temps in real time while driving under condition you outlined failure happens. Will be very valuable.

So I just looked over all my vacuum hoses in the engine bay and all of them are in great shape except for the two that were under the engine cover (another reason to remove it) It's these two:

View attachment 2370792
Above: I believe this is part number 2382950070 anyone confirm?

View attachment 2370793
Above: Can't find this part? Anyone know?
The first vac line going to front of intake manifold. Is always cracky. If never removed, I'll bet it is still tight (not lose, no vacuum leak)
The one going from it over to CC or fender well often loose (vac leak)
The second you're pointing to, is also often lose (vac leak)
1. Your IR temp gun is ok for gathering data but unless you can use it many times per drive per day as well as watch it change as you drive, then it's not really telling you anything. This problem's #1 cause is time, #2 is time spent at low RPM/idle. Because it's heatsoak over time of course all of the points you measure will be within a few degrees at any given time.

2. I have a new fuel pump, new FPR, new fuel damper, new filter, replaced tons of lines, rebuilt my charcoal canister, new radiator, new thermostat, new coolant hoses, new COPs, new plugs, new exhaust, etc etc.

I have done the heat shield mod.

I have used all types of fuel.

I can tell you right now that moving my return line up on to the firewall is the only thing that I did that had a measurable effect on the fuel temperature.


mmPyJyl.jpg


OEM fuel pressure regulator: Amazon.com: Genuine Toyota Parts - Regulator Assy, Fuel (23280-50050): Automotive
OEM fuel pump: Amazon.com: Denso 951-0003 Fuel Pump: Automotive
OEM fuel filter: Amazon.com: WIX Filters - 33875 Fuel (Complete In-Line) Filter, Pack of 1: Automotive
OEM fuel pulse damper: Amazon.com: Toyota 23270-50011 Fuel Pressure Pulsation Damper Assembly: Automotive


Replaced the heatshield with black slightly larger so it fits over without cutting and looks a lil better: https://amzn.to/3iYSgfg

vy5qrJq.jpg


Just got back from wheeling this weekend again over 10k feet and fuel temperature was noticeably lower on the highway up and it took longer to heat up than I was expecting. Maximum temperature was about 5-10F lower than I expected based on conditions. The highest I saw was 120F during the hottest part of the day (88F) and it was 110-113F for most of the day before that (70-80F ambient).

2g9J8Vm.jpg
Waht was this temp? "The highest I saw was 120F during the hottest part"
During this days test drive, did you monitor:
Engine water temp?
FT's?
CAT temps?
RPMs?
Fuel temps? If I recall you have this!
Be some good data points?

Would be happy to let you check out my rig. I'm in C Springs area. Just drove back today from denver car temp outside read 91 to 99 degrees. I hit 203 on my engine coolant temp per bluedriver but this was with car full of family/gear and was in 4th gear going up that hill just south of lone tree, once we created hill the 203 temp dropped within 10 seconds to 190 so I assume the system did something to correct. Again 87 octane and no ethanol fuel and was full tank. Normally would have at least been venting when got home and hearing that sound of pressure against gas cap but was silent and no gas fumes expelling either. Attaching screenshots at end of drive from bluedriver and the record it saved too. Fuel trim/O2 sensor data should be in there.

View attachment 2370860
You're running to hot and temp swing to fast. Come by and I'll give a look at why! Just PM, or text or call first with ETA!
 
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Has anyone tried replacing the evap valve I posted to solve this?
95 degrees and fluctuating elevation from 5k to 11k on and off all weekend. Popped the gas cap a few times and not even a hiss of pressure being released.
I even "topped up" the tank to see if I could duplicate others issues.
I replaced the purge valve on my '99 four years ago to try and combat this vapor issue. It is an expensive little part and it didn't change the amount of vapor release or pressure in the tank. In an weird turn of events, last week a P0441 triggered my CEL (first time I've ever had an emissions code). I replaced the purge valve with the original valve. Now I wait to see what happens.

Anyone with the 40 gal LongRange Automotive fuel tank experience this issue?
I installed the LRA 40 gallon earlier this year and haven't made it to the high country yet to test. However, I do have a pretty substantial pressure release from the cap when I go to fill up when its hot outside (+90°). The rollover valve (77380-26010) and tube assembly (77018-60060) were replaced when I installed the tank. The LRA tank sits closer to the driver side cat than the factory tank, so I have some concern about heat soak. I might try some adhesive backed insulation material on the tank near the cat if there is a problem.
 
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Waht was this temp? "The highest I saw was 120F during the hottest part"
Fuel temperature reached 120 maximum.
During this days test drive, did you monitor:
Engine water temp?
FT's?
CAT temps?
RPMs?
Fuel temps? If I recall you have this!
Be some good data points?
Water temp 188-194F
FT less than .5%
CAT temps between 800F and 1300F depending on load and conditions
RPM under 2000 for most of the day
I listed all of my fuel temps maybe go back and look again?


Like I understand it sounds great and poetic to say that as long as the truck is in good condition then you won't have this problem. Just not true. It's a defect with the vehicle.
 
Fuel temperature reached 120 maximum.

Water temp 188-194F
FT less than .5%
CAT temps between 800F and 1300F depending on load and conditions
RPM under 2000 for most of the day
I listed all of my fuel temps maybe go back and look again?

Like I understand it sounds great and poetic to say that as long as the truck is in good condition then you won't have this problem. Just not true. It's a defect with the vehicle.
Good info, thanks!

Amazing, you ascended from 5k to 10K ASL, and keep under 2K RPM most of the day.

You're engine temps are running a little hot IMHO, but not excessive. You should be able to get 184 to 189F only touching 194F briefly in most demanding conditions.

Prodom ME! I did go back and read, an see you stated all those temps are fuel.
Would you mind (posting here) giving some color: at what "point" in fuel system you take temp and with "what devices/parts/gauges/etc" that you're reading fuel temps from and with?

IIRC, you've been doing fuel related modification. Putting your mods in signture line, would be nice. So all can see at a glance, your speaking of a non stock vehicle.

@J1000 You said:
"Like I understand it sounds great and poetic to say that as long as the truck is in good condition then you won't have this problem. Just not true. It's a defect with the vehicle."

So you "somehow know" all 100 series boil fuel to a dangerous point. That NO EVAP system is working properly. That it is a Toyota design problem, they've not uncovered, put out a TSB on or corrected. That all 100 series come off factory floor at zero miles, with this very dangerous issue from day one. Please explain how you know this?




What I do know:
From ~17 years of 100 series ownership, driving nothing but in those years, driving in Denver, Las Vegas, NM, TX , AZ, UT, CA, OK, cross country & all over the Colo rocky mountains, working on and inspecting so many I lost count:
Fuel boiling, has not been the issue in most. Fact I've only one client to date, come to me to correct this issue. Which correcting basics and get engine temp down to 184-189F (touch 190F) as note in post #2. Of which I have very recent Bluedriver logs of, during 6 hrs driving. Correcting basics, did correct fuel boiling issue to clients satisfaction, without any modification or touch even one EVAP valve or VSV.

I will say, as I think back in hindsight. I have seen signs, in 3 of the many 100's, fuel boiling. That being gas cap fuel door area gunky. In each case they had issue with engine coolant temp.
 
Like I understand it sounds great and poetic to say that as long as the truck is in good condition then you won't have this problem. Just not true. It's a defect with the vehicle.

I don't believe it is a defect in design, its a defect in the fuel for the vehicle design. The 100 was designed for gasoline, not ethanol blends with higher evaporation.
In the desire to use more renewable fuels, politicians and the EPA decided that corner cases like EVAP overload at high altitude or very hot ambient temperatures would be sacrificed, the data they collected below shows they knew there was an issue.

I have done multiple trips comparing non-ethanol vs ethanol E10 and never have an issue with non-ethanol.
I think the worst case testing ground is the San Juan Mts. due altitude and availability of non-ethanol.
You have several high passes with one over 13,000 and temperature can get in the 80s
My first trip there in 2017 for HIHs running E10, I had high gas tank pressure and some gas blow by when opening the filler on the high passes. Since it is a 100 series event there was a lot of venting going on. We were told it was common problem and to not fill tanks above half full, which I did for the rest of the event. Still had high pressure to vent but no gas blow by.
In 2018 the first day had E10 from trip in, and had high tank pressure when venting on the high passes. Next day filled tank to little over half with non-ethanol in Silverton, no pressure on vent on high passes. So decided to go for broke third day filled tank to the top (FULL) with non-ethanol, and headed to top of Black Bear pass (12,840ft) at the pass, opened the filler and no pressure, none!!! My friend in an 80 series found the same results.
In 2019 only used non-ethanol and filled up every time and no pressure on any of the passes including Imogene Pass at 13,114ft. On this trip two friends in 80 series and two friends in 100 series also found no tank pressure on high passes using non-ethanol.
These trips have all been the first week of August.
By the way this is the original factory evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, no changes or part replacement.

Ethanol blends are neither bad nor good just need to be used in systems designed for them. Since the majority of our fuel is now E10 I think it is good that a number of you are testing modifications to improve how our vehicles deal with E10. Keep up the good work.

Scientific data below.
While ethanol does boil at higher temperature (i.e. has lower vapor pressure) than gasoline, blends have a non-linear relationship.
For blends below about 40% ethanol the vapor pressure can be over 10% higher than gasoline. In order to market E10 the EPA granted a waiver on vapor pressure requirements for E10 as it could not meet the EPA requirement on gasoline.

The following graph is from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory which is part of the US DOE.

ethanolvsgas.jpg


From the NREL report.
However, when blended into gasoline at relatively low concentrations the more numerous gasoline molecules disrupt the attractive forces between ethanol molecules and allow the ethanol to readily evaporate, raising the vapor pressure of the blend.
 
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I don't believe it is a defect in design, its a defect in the fuel for the vehicle design. The 100 was designed for gasoline, not ethanol blends with higher evaporation.
In the desire to use more renewable fuels, politicians and the EPA decided that corner cases like EVAP overload at high altitude or very hot ambient temperatures would be sacrificed, the data they collected below shows they knew there was an issue.

I have done multiple trips comparing non-ethanol vs ethanol E10 and never have an issue with non-ethanol.
I think the worst case testing ground is the San Juan Mts. due altitude and availability of non-ethanol.
You have several high passes with one over 13,000 and temperature can get in the 80s
My first trip there in 2017 for HIHs running E10, I had high gas tank pressure and some gas blow by when opening the filler on the high passes.
We were told it was common problem and to not fill tanks above half full, which I did for the rest of the event. Still had high pressure to vent but no gas blow by.
In 2018 the first day had E10 from trip in, and had high tank pressure when venting on the high passes. Next day filled tank to little over half with non-ethanol in Silverton, no pressure on vent on high passes. So decided to go for broke third day filled tank to the top (FULL) with non-ethanol, and headed to top of Black Bear pass (12,840ft) at the pass, opened the filler and no pressure, none!!! My friend in an 80 series found the same results.
In 2019 only used non-ethanol and filled up every time and no pressure on any of the passes including Imogene Pass at 13,114ft. On this trip two friends in 80 series and two friends in 100 series also found no tank pressure on high passes using non-ethanol.
These trips have all been the first week of August.
By the way this is the original factory evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, no changes.

Ethanol blends are neither bad nor good just need to be used in systems designed for them. Since the majority of our fuel is now E10 I think it is good that a number of you are testing modifications to improve how our vehicles deal with E10. Keep up the good work.

Scientific data below.
While ethanol does boil at higher temperature (i.e. has lower vapor pressure) than gasoline, blends have a non-linear relationship.
For blends below about 40% ethanol the vapor pressure can be over 10% higher than gasoline. In order to market E10 the EPA granted a waiver on vapor pressure requirements for E10 as it could not meet the EPA requirement on gasoline.

The following graph is from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory which is part of the US DOE.

ethanolvsgas.jpg


From the NREL report.
However, when blended into gasoline at relatively low concentrations the more numerous gasoline molecules disrupt the attractive forces between ethanol molecules and allow the ethanol to readily evaporate, raising the vapor pressure of the blend.
I agree with a lot of this after throwing myself at all sorts of new oem parts in the past year to immediately boiling on the trail right off the bat in the spring I was about to give up on my 100. Now I've been running ethanol free consistently the past two weeks with no boiling/venting. Even went above 10k ft last weekend around mammoth gulch area outside rollinsville/Nederland this last weekend and was fine. Any other time I do something like that and I'm generally boiling even at lower altitudes. Will report back if anything changes goes here but so far so good. I'd be curious if 200 series or tundra gas tanks, pumps evap systems tanks in more recent years have some material change we can model for or use newer part to handle E10 fuel?
 
I agree with a lot of this after throwing myself at all sorts of new oem parts in the past year to immediately boiling on the trail right off the bat in the spring I was about to give up on my 100. Now I've been running ethanol free consistently the past two weeks with no boiling/venting. Even went above 10k ft last weekend around mammoth gulch area outside rollinsville/Nederland this last weekend and was fine. Any other time I do something like that and I'm generally boiling even at lower altitudes. Will report back if anything changes goes here but so far so good. I'd be curious if 200 series or tundra gas tanks, pumps evap systems tanks in more recent years have some material change we can model for or use newer part to handle E10 fuel?

That's great that it's working for you, butit just seems like a temporary fix. I cannot get ethonal-free gas for 100s of miles away from where I am and it just seems like a huge inconvenience to look for ethanol-free gas stations just to get into the mountains. Just went up to the Sierras this past weekend (7000') and the same problem occurred- vapor leak and built up pressure.. Conditions were 90 degree weather with fully loaded truck. This only happens when going to elevation and only when the truck is working hard. Going downhill, there is absolutely no problem at all and when releasing the gas cap, there is little to no pressure- not even a hiss. I am however still feeling a hesitation when foot is constant on the gas when cruising on the freeway, seems like it's fuel related. Problem, disappears when in cruise control. :meh: I will be replacing a few fuel and cooling related parts this weekend as it's preventative and I'm nearing 200k anyways, but will report back if there are any changes.
 
Who cares how much it evaporates. It's getting over 120 degrees. That's just too hot. I've raced 8 hour enduro races and never had fuel get that hot. What's the difference between this car and those I've raced? This one has way more surface area on the fuel rails and metal fuel lines bolted to the engine.
 
Amazing, you ascended from 5k to 10K ASL, and keep under 2K RPM most of the day.
I am not interested in being nitpicked like this. I was off-roading at slow speeds for hours which resulted in a large increase in fuel temperature compared to driving on the highway briefly.
You're engine temps are running a little hot IMHO, but not excessive. You should be able to get 184 to 189F only touching 194F briefly in most demanding conditions.
No the temperature is absolutely fine and right on the money.
Prodom ME! I did go back and read, an see you stated all those temps are fuel.
Would you mind (posting here) giving some color: at what "point" in fuel system you take temp and with "what devices/parts/gauges/etc" that you're reading fuel temps from and with?
Several times an hour from start up in the morning until I park back at home at the end of the day. Fuel temperature is measured on the input line right before the fuel filter.

I'm using an E85 content and temperature gauge as I've stated probably 100 times on this forum.
IIRC, you've been doing fuel related modification. Putting your mods in signture line, would be nice. So all can see at a glance, your speaking of a non stock vehicle.
You do recall correctly and I would not be able to fit everything I've done in my signature line. Test assured I'm taking this problem seriously and I work on my own vehicle so I've looked at the whole fuel system front to back to address the weaknesses I've seen. And I'll say it again the best mod I did was move the return fuel line up away from the engine but no one will believe me or listen anyway.
@J1000 You said:
"Like I understand it sounds great and poetic to say that as long as the truck is in good condition then you won't have this problem. Just not true. It's a defect with the vehicle."

So you "somehow know" all 100 series boil fuel to a dangerous point. That NO EVAP system is working properly.
I know because I've searched this very forum and have found posts about it from before my truck was even manufactured.

No offense but I'm not interested in your anecdotes especially because I just came to you with boiling fuel and I have new rad cap and new gas cap and you ignore it as if I have old worn out junk.

Screenshot_20200714-130120.png


Screenshot_20200714-130134.png


@2001LC what are your fuel temperatures when driving this time of year?
 
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That's great that it's working for you, butit just seems like a temporary fix. I cannot get ethonal-free gas for 100s of miles away from where I am and it just seems like a huge inconvenience to look for ethanol-free gas stations just to get into the mountains. Just went up to the Sierras this past weekend (7000') and the same problem occurred- vapor leak and built up pressure.. Conditions were 90 degree weather with fully loaded truck. This only happens when going to elevation and only when the truck is working hard. Going downhill, there is absolutely no problem at all and when releasing the gas cap, there is little to no pressure- not even a hiss. I am however still feeling a hesitation when foot is constant on the gas when cruising on the freeway, seems like it's fuel related. Problem, disappears when in cruise control. :meh: I will be replacing a few fuel and cooling related parts this weekend as it's preventative and I'm nearing 200k anyways, but will report back if there are any changes.
Agree the fuel is a band aid here, just saying it resolves the issue for me as of now. I'm still closely looking at my cooling system now to see if something is going on there. Will update from my end as well. Agree basing all my trips/travel around fuel is not optimal!!
 
Stupid question but I can just switch out my engine bay vacuum lines, they aren't pressurized and don't require any after replacement procedure?
 
I don't believe it is a defect in design, its a defect in the fuel for the vehicle design. The 100 was designed for gasoline, not ethanol blends with higher evaporation.
In the desire to use more renewable fuels, politicians and the EPA decided that corner cases like EVAP overload at high altitude or very hot ambient temperatures would be sacrificed, the data they collected below shows they knew there was an issue.

I have done multiple trips comparing non-ethanol vs ethanol E10 and never have an issue with non-ethanol.
I think the worst case testing ground is the San Juan Mts. due altitude and availability of non-ethanol.
You have several high passes with one over 13,000 and temperature can get in the 80s
My first trip there in 2017 for HIHs running E10, I had high gas tank pressure and some gas blow by when opening the filler on the high passes. Since it is a 100 series event there was a lot of venting going on. We were told it was common problem and to not fill tanks above half full, which I did for the rest of the event. Still had high pressure to vent but no gas blow by.
In 2018 the first day had E10 from trip in, and had high tank pressure when venting on the high passes. Next day filled tank to little over half with non-ethanol in Silverton, no pressure on vent on high passes. So decided to go for broke third day filled tank to the top (FULL) with non-ethanol, and headed to top of Black Bear pass (12,840ft) at the pass, opened the filler and no pressure, none!!! My friend in an 80 series found the same results.
In 2019 only used non-ethanol and filled up every time and no pressure on any of the passes including Imogene Pass at 13,114ft. On this trip two friends in 80 series and two friends in 100 series also found no tank pressure on high passes using non-ethanol.
These trips have all been the first week of August.
By the way this is the original factory evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, no changes or part replacement.

Ethanol blends are neither bad nor good just need to be used in systems designed for them. Since the majority of our fuel is now E10 I think it is good that a number of you are testing modifications to improve how our vehicles deal with E10. Keep up the good work.

Scientific data below.
While ethanol does boil at higher temperature (i.e. has lower vapor pressure) than gasoline, blends have a non-linear relationship.
For blends below about 40% ethanol the vapor pressure can be over 10% higher than gasoline. In order to market E10 the EPA granted a waiver on vapor pressure requirements for E10 as it could not meet the EPA requirement on gasoline.

The following graph is from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory which is part of the US DOE.

ethanolvsgas.jpg


From the NREL report.
However, when blended into gasoline at relatively low concentrations the more numerous gasoline molecules disrupt the attractive forces between ethanol molecules and allow the ethanol to readily evaporate, raising the vapor pressure of the blend.
Hmm interesting stuff. What are your fuel temperatures?
 
Stupid question but I can just switch out my engine bay vacuum lines, they aren't pressurized and don't require any after replacement procedure?
That is correct. You may want to replace the spring clips too if they're stretched.
Yup. Easy and cheap to replace all those vac lines.
 
Check for exhaust leaks. That was my problem, it was heating up the fuel tank.
This is a good point- i hear rattling from my exhaust and can smell gas even when tank is 1/4 full
 
FWIW, I’ve owned 4 100s. Each had/has this problem. So did my FZJ80.

MTBE gasoline and 85 AKI fuel mitigated it.

Another interesting anecdote that Mitsubishi Monteros have this same problem.
 

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