AT WIT'S END: 95 V6 Wagon Fuel Tank leak

[bobrobertsxxx]

I have 1995 Camry V6 Wagon. The fuel tank is leaking from a small quarter-inch tube that goes into the bottom of the fuel tank. It rusted out and came off and so all the gasoline sprayed out. I have contacted dealers, salvage yards, service dept. and the internet about what this small hose is.

The dealership told me that the fuel tank has the same part number as for the Sedans, however after looking at 3 fuel tanks no nozzle was present and I looked at Sedans in the salvage yard to replace the tank altogether, however they do not have the small inlet nozzle at the bottom of the tank.

This nozzle is located on the Drivers Side very close to one of the bolts holding the tank to the car. There is a small rubber hose that connects something else. Part of the rusted tank nozzle in now in the rubber hose.

What should I do? Can I replace the tank with that of a sedan even though mine is a wagon and the tanks seem different? Is that hole important? What is the purpose of that nozzle? I can't find a fuel tank anyway so how can I fix this?

Any suggestions or advice would be gratefully appreciated!

Thanks, BobRob

[Mister_Perkins]

picture would be helpful.

Ive personally never seen a hose coming out of the bottom of the tank though.

Took a look at my documents I have and I cant find a tube your speaking of. Can you tell me what line it is from the diagram?

[bobrobertsxxx]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY!

I think I see what it likely is. See the "Fuel Outlet Pipe" coming out of the fuel tank near the bolt, well that smaller hose is connected to the tank at this nozzle and the other end connects to another rubber hose.

This smaller hose is the one wherein the nozzle rusted and broke-off into. It loses about 1 gallon per mile. I actually tried to drive it to get an estimate and it stalled out so I left it at the side of the road and later picked it up.

What is this small hose's purpose?
Can I just ignore it altogether and putty the hole in the tank (however it is surrounded by rust)?

I can't seem to find the same tank for the Wagon, so really am not sure how to fix this.

Thanks again, BobRob

[Mister_Perkins]

The fuel outlet pipe connects to the fuel pump. It supplies the fuel to the engine, and returns the fuel to the tank when the pressure is greater than needed by a fuel regulator. If the dealer says the sedan tank will fit, likely it will.

Especially if you gave them your VIN number. They can cross-reference it and give you an exact answer.

If your tank is all rusty, and actually rotting out.. What I would suggest is to get a can of Rubberized undercoating, buy a brand new tank, and when you get it spray the whole tank with the undercoating.

[Safari Wagon]

If the "nozzle" is not rusted too far into the tank, it could probably be cut down and a tube could be welded in place of the cut off part. Maybe you could just cut it down and re-attach the hose to the cut down part....

[Mister_Perkins]

If you weld the tank, drain it out first, then fill it with water.

[71Corolla]

I had a friend that attempted to weld a gas tank, he did fill it with water but the tank ignited anyway, not severely but enough where it ballooned the tank and shot it across his yard. He was not hurt, but pretty shaken up. The only 100% safe way to weld a gas tank is to steam clean it first.

Buy a replacement, the better ones come galvanized. But still spray it with undercoating it cuts down on the noise and the drumming effect.

[bobrobertsxxx]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

If you weld the tank, drain it out first, then fill it with water.

How will I get the water out? Why can't I just weld or plug it shut (the smaller hole)?

The tank as a whole is OK, however this "nub" is rusty and broken-off at the tank seam.

IS THIS SMALLER HOSE VERY IMPORTANT? CAN I USE A SEDAN FUEL TANK? IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD TO FIND A WAGON FUEL TANK.

thanks

[71Corolla]

Pretty sure the sedan and wagon use the same tank.

[bobrobertsxxx]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Pretty sure the sedan and wagon use the same tank.

That is what I can't figure out. The tanks look very similar but the wagon has a small nozzle for the fuel outlet that the sedans don't. (see above posts)

I don't want to put the sedan tank in and then have no venting or pressure release or the gas may combust. That is what I am asking here. Will it combust with a fuel tank that doesn't have the nozzle if I try to replace it.

I will take and post pictures tomorrow of the undercarriage, fuel tank, small hose and what is broken off, maybe it will be more clear.

A salvage yard mechanic told me not to put the SEDAN fuel tank in place of the WAGON fuel tank. Even though he didn't see the rusted nozzle he said it was there for a reason.

[bobrobertsxxx]

Does anyone think maybe shoving the small rubber hose into the fuel tank inlet where it is rusted and then putting fuel tank putty around the hose/hole is a good idea?

I can't drive the car now as it leaks approximately 1 gallon per mile.

Thanks for your reply. BR

[71Corolla]

The part numbers for the sedan and wagon are the same, take a look

Sedan
Wagon

part number is 77001-06900

Also look here, it shows the cars this part fits, the wagon is listed. If you want to see for sure, enter your VIN at the parts site, it will show the exact parts for your car.

edit - IMO it is never a good idea to drive with a fuel leak, or a repair that you are not sure about. Gasoline is obviously highly volatile, not something you want to mess around with.

[bobrobertsxxx]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

The part numbers for the sedan and wagon are the same, take a look

Sedan
Wagon

part number is 77001-06900

THANKS! The local Toyota dealership also told me the same thing. However, I promise you the fuel tank ain't the same. That is why I am so confused.

I looked under three 1992-1996 Camry Sedans and none of the three had that inlet tube into the gas tank!

I will post pictures tomorrow, but I appreciate any advice.

Best, BR

[71Corolla]

I think Toyota knows more about these cars than we do, right? A few weeks ago I went to get a rad cap, I gave them my VIN but the cap they were trying to sell me did not fit on my rad. I insisted they were wrong, turns out someone replaced my rad with an older Toyota unit at some point, almost exactly the same radiator but the filler neck is slightly different.

[bolink654]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

I think Toyota knows more about these cars than we do, right? A few weeks ago I went to get a rad cap, I gave them my VIN but the cap they were trying to sell me did not fit on my rad. I insisted they were wrong, turns out someone replaced my rad with an older Toyota unit at some point, almost exactly the same radiator but the filler neck is slightly different.

That's the reason my Sig says "79-82 Toyota truck" (or whatever it says). The body and cab is an '82 (3rd Gen) for sure. But the engine is the 20r, that they quit using in '80... The truck is 4wd but the oil pan doesn't match either - it's either from a 2wd or perhaps a Corona or Celica? I went to get an alternator... turns out the alternator was that out of a older Supra I believe (it fit the mounts, but its internally regulated - stock had external regulator) Went to get a radiator cap... ended up getting a radiator cap that fit a 4th Gen pickup - suggesting that the radiator is that of a 4th gen. So I got parts from '82 pickup, old Supra, Corona and/or Celica and 4th gen. I believe the truck was built from various other vehicles, at a junkyard.

So it could be entirely possible that OP has something from a different year. Or perhaps something made by an aftermarket manufacturer.