Vapor Lock or Gas Tank Problem? (1 Viewer)

[Neema]

Hello everyone.

So what I thought was my first day with the FJ finally out of the shop was rained on when, after cruising around for the day, the FJ began to drive jerkily and then went dead and the gas petal went limp. Attempts to start it again failed and I ended up pushing it the rest of the way home.

After resting for a while, it can start up again, but the problem resurfaces after a bit. Checked the spark and everything was fine.

So here is where the issue is and my question to you guys. It just got out of the shop and had a Vintage Air AC system installed. My first thought was that it was a possible vapor lock issue. Dropped it back off at the shop and they're telling me it's not vapor lock, despite the fact that this problem wasn't around before the AC install.

Instead, I'm being told they suspect it's a fuel tank issue because they've found some water in the tank and the tank is possibly corroded. What is everyone's thoughts on the matter? And if it is the tank, should I replace it or just have it cleaned?

Thanks much guys.

 

[Bret]

You may check any fuel filters you have. Not uncommon to have rust in the tank that clogs a fuel filter. If your tank is in otherwise good shape it may be worth the trouble to get cleaned and coated.

 

[Downey]

1. My experience is that vapor lock always takes place between tank and pump, therefore the remedy in that case would be to run an electric fuel pump mounted as close to the tank as possible, thus eliminating vapor lock.
2. Many choose my nylon auxiliary tank "fuel cell" as their one and only stand alone tank. PM me if you are interested in details.

 

[Southeast Overland]

1. My experience is that vapor lock always takes place between tank and pump, therefore the remedy in that case would be to run an electric fuel pump mounted as close to the tank as possible, thus eliminating vapor lock.
2. Many choose my nylon auxiliary tank "fuel cell" as their one and only stand alone tank. PM me if you are interested in details.

Are you back in business?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

From my personal experience this sounds like crap in the fuel line.

You probably need to replace your fuel filter. You may have to replace the gas tank as well. You can still get OE Toyota steel fuel tanks for the 40 Series. Contact CruiserDan here on MUD; he works at a Toyota dealership and can get MUDers good prices on all sorts of Land Cruiser parts!

Good luck!

Alan

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Hello everyone.

So what I thought was my first day with the FJ finally out of the shop was rained on when, after cruising around for the day, the FJ began to drive jerkily and then went dead and the gas petal went limp. Attempts to start it again failed and I ended up pushing it the rest of the way home.

After resting for a while, it can start up again, but the problem resurfaces after a bit. Checked the spark and everything was fine.

So here is where the issue is and my question to you guys. It just got out of the shop and had a Vintage Air AC system installed. My first thought was that it was a possible vapor lock issue. Dropped it back off at the shop and they're telling me it's not vapor lock, despite the fact that this problem wasn't around before the AC install.

Instead, I'm being told they suspect it's a fuel tank issue because they've found some water in the tank and the tank is possibly corroded. What is everyone's thoughts on the matter? And if it is the tank, should I replace it or just have it cleaned?

Thanks much guys.

 

[lone gunman]

sounds like crap in the tank (rust) mine did the same thing. i had particles plugging the filter and bigger ones blocking the flow to the pick up tube in the tank. i installed a clear filter in line so i could see the element and cleaned my tank and lined it with POR-15's tank coating. its been 4 or 5 years now and no problems.

 

[Downey]

Are you back in business?

Downey is out of business, but I do have a new thing going, called Tojo Products. Presently selling alot off-line, been too busy to go public. Still at downeyoffroad@aol.com though.

 

[numby]

Hello everyone.
...the FJ began to drive jerkily and then went dead and the gas petal went limp. Attempts to start it again failed and I ended up pushing it the rest of the way home.

After resting for a while, it can start up again, but the problem resurfaces after a bit. Checked the spark and everything was fine.

When I had these symptoms it turned out to be a failed fuel pump diaphragm. Air would get into the line and allow fuel to boil in the line as it passed over the front of the valve cover on its way to the carb. New fuel pump solved it never to return.