My 4runner can only fit about 12 gallons! I had a 4runner before and i remember fitting about 16... Any ideas why i can only fit 12??

 

Is your tank dented? ( had that happen on a old Chevy I had) or have you ran it completely out maybe your gauge is just off ?

 

3rd Gen Runners all have an 18.5 gal gas tank

 

well i haven't ran it till completely empty yet... pertty close though... also, is it normal that the gauge seems to go faster from the full to half mark and then move slower after that?

 

That's what I initially thought. I would assume as proja mentioned you either have a dent in the tank or fuel level sensor is bad. I did have a case where someone put in an aftermarket fuel sending unit and the level sensor was too long compared to the factory GM pump I reinstalled. They were having a problem when filling up the instrument cluster would read 1/4 below the full mark but they couldn't fill the tank anymore. Also resulted in an charcoal cannister replacement.

 

Off topic but any of you guys know how to upload pics to yt? Someone also mentioned getting a Photobucket account did that and still can't figure out how ?

 

I run on "E" all the time and sometimes it gets 1/16" below the lowest mark and I can only pump up to 13.5gals. There is nothing wrong /w my tank. Somebody did mention something about the guage being off couple of gallons.

 

Yep, upload it to photobucket then copy the direct link. Post it on the "insert image" icon on top of this post page. If you are trying to upload it to your avatar then you will have to resize via photobucket. There is a limit on the pic size. I can't remember what, you'll have to read it and see.

 

18.5 gallon

 

Hmm... this makes sense... Thanks for your help fellas! I'm new to the site by the way!

 

run it dry till it sputters (should be able to drive 6 more miles gently after that)
(bring a gas can)

then fill it up you will get 17.9 in there. if not, the tank is damaged somehow

 

hahahaha sounds risky.... and bad for my fuel pump! i'll try it, now i need to figure out where to go :-)

 

it won't harm anything if it is not a habit. but you will know
for sure what the deal is with the gas level or gauge when it sputters.

that tank is empty for sure.

it may set engine codes if it runs dry. reset by popping battery

 

This is the worst problem with the 3rd gen 4runners, the small gas tank, I can onlyever fit 14.5Gallons int the tank max, after the fuel light comes on. I wish there was a larger bolt on tank avialable. I may make a seconday tank to extend the range.

 

Im assuming you have a 99 or 00 model that was affected by faulty sending units and faulty gauges (different vin ranges had one or the other or both). It is a very common problem with these year models...I have a 2000 and am affected myself. I finally have honed in on about how many miles I get once the light comes on--typically 75 to 100 miles past the light. HOWEVER, dont use my number for your specific application or you may end up sputtered out on the roadside...do your own experimenting and see what yours is like, but they will probably be close.

That being said, I highly doubt you have a massive unnoticed dent in your tank...

Here is a link to good info about the sending unit issues and a write up on the replacement (not necessary in my opinion, just set your trip meter each fill up). There is a link at the top to the TSB Toyota released concerning the fuel system issues back then. I still havent made it by the dealer to see if theyd still honor that and fix it...who knows?

Fuel System TSB and Info

Hope it helps, surprised Im the first to reply this information...

 

I have a taco and I for a long time thought that my tank was only 15 gal. then one day I ran it dry low and behold I put 16.5 in after making it to the next fuel stop!!!
usually I do not run as low as I think I do!!

after reading your gauge drops from F to 1/2 fast I believe this is your issue!!
My gauge takes for ever to get from above F to about 3/4 then like a stone it drops!!!

 

I can only get 15 in mine. is there a larger stock tank to put in? I agree it stays on full for a long time then, drops like a rock.

 

to this I must ask have you ever ran it until it stopped running hence "run it dry"
this was the only way I ever got so much in before that 15 was the most!!!

 

no not dry. but pretty close

 

you never know how close you have come till you really do!!!!