Smoke test gas filler neck leak

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Aug 26, 2008
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2004 LX470

Getting strong fuel/gas vapor smell when parked.

I sealed to test, but would like to confirm this is a part failure and not a design feature.

Thanks in Advance!
 
Video here:


I’m in a similar boat right now with my 03 LC100 (92K ODO). I was getting EVAP DTCs and changed the purge valve and vacuum valves, at the recommendation of a Toyota service center that said they smoke tested and saw no leaks- they obviously got it wrong, because when I smoked tested (using a gas cap plug) - I had leaks coming the rim of where the gas cap gasket meets the filler neck (common) but also seeing smoke coming from behind, the gas cap area.

How did you get access to that view? Remove the wheel well plastic and mud flap?

I’m certain the EVAP system is closed, meaning there should be no leaking or venting, especially from the gas filler next.
 
Props for using a smoke machine to eliminate guessing 👍🏾
 
My solution....

Seams on fuel tank were curled up when installed. Trapped road salt and dirt, bad corrosion. Replaced tank with good used genuine LX470 tank. All good.
Thanks for the update - so it was not the pipe at all? Do you have any photos of the seams you are referring to? Any particular corner or edge of the tank to look at? When you smoke tested again, could you see the smoke coming from the seams? (assuming you had less than half a tank filled). Lastly, were you receiving the EVAP error codes?

Once it warms up here in New England, I will smoke test again, with the inner liner removed to check my tank and pipe as you have.

BTW - when the tank was replaced, did you have to work from the cabin at all, or what all was performed from the bottom?
 
Sorry for delay...

Don't think it was the fill pipe. See attached photos of removed tank (signs of fuel seepage).. No EVAP codes.


Worked from both top/inside under second row seat, was familiar with this as I recently replaced a failed fuel pump (genuine/dealer part). Siphoned/drained fuel as tank was mosrly full unfortunately. Under to disconnect hoses and tank straps and lower/replace tank. Found a good used tank from same year LX.


Still getting faint smell of fuel after replacement, but not nearly as bad. Will need further diagnostics.

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Sorry for delay...

Don't think it was the fill pipe. See attached photos of removed tank (signs of fuel seepage).. No EVAP codes.


Worked from both top/inside under second row seat, was familiar with this as I recently replaced a failed fuel pump (genuine/dealer part). Siphoned/drained fuel as tank was mosrly full unfortunately. Under to disconnect hoses and tank straps and lower/replace tank. Found a good used tank from same year LX.


Still getting faint smell of fuel after replacement, but not nearly as bad. Will need further diagnostics.

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No problem at all @whereditgo - thanks for all these photos, very helpful reference for examining my own fuel tank.

What is the ODO mileage on your LX? (and what region has it mostly operated in?) My 03' LC is just around 98K, but was operated in SLC for most of its life with the previous owner, until coming to the Northeast last year, when I immediately had the (no rust) bottom epoxy coated upon delivery.

Did you ever consider a (new) aftermarket galvanized fuel tank from eBay? (or have you heard of any successes with those?)
 
270k miles from NJ coast (salt air). Not surprised on the rusted seam. I did not want to risk an aftermarket tank and was fortunate to find a reasonably price shipped used one in good shape from same year LX.

I have replaced two of the ACH lines as well due to rust. This is my third series 100 and have replaced four rear ACH lines to keep all the AHC systems in working order. Not that bad of a job if you cut the access holes in the floor under the third row to get to the top line connection. Freeing the rusted fittings and snaking the lines around the frame from underneath can be a challenge, definitely doable. Lines purchased on the bay from the UAE supplier.

Thanks
 
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