TonyB66's Ownership -> Build Thread (2000 Limited)

[TonyB66]

I finally made some time to better understand my reserve fuel situation and what option I will use to transfer it to the 4Runner's tank, how much time it would take, how difficult, etc...

A couple weeks back I made a trip to the gas station, just to fill-up the aux tank and the one gallon gas "can."

When I had the tank made, I was I told it would be a little over 4 gallons...

I then filled the one gallon container and got about 5.25 gallons in total for both. I suppose I could have gotten a bit more fuel in there, but both were quite full.

I figure that much extra gas extends the range another 60-75 miles...

For simplicity, I decided to do the transfer through the fill cap opening. I pulled-out these supplies I had lying-around to ponder if I might go that route.

Such standard fuel pumps are typically rated at 30 GPH, and that is the case for one pictured above. So, to transfer the 4.2 gallons in the aux tank using the fuel pump, that would take about 8.5 minutes, if the rating is accurate, for this application. Then with the time time needed to pour the gas from one gallon container, I'd guess it would take at least 10 minutes in total to transfer the 5.25 gallon, using this set-up. A reference point...

After a couple of weeks of driving I got the fuel level sufficiently low.

With the 4Runner on pretty level ground I decided to do a manual transfer, and see how long it would take.

With several such transfers, I found that it took 1:15 from the aux tank to the container (aux tank fill cap cracked open).

And from there I could then pour into the 4Runner's tank...

It was my first time using this can and true to its claim and many reviews, not one drip. I'm impressed. Took some orienting to get it into the best position to drain it and once I figured that out, it takes 1:10 to do so...

Adding-up the transfer times alone, actual fuel movement with this process, I get just about 12 minutes. Then the time needed between the transfers, namely configuring the 1 gallon can multiple times, this manual process to transfer 5.25 gallons takes a little less than 15 minutes... I guess not so bad and it was easy.

I do have another transfer pump that would do all of it in like 2 minutes, but it's not rated for fuel. Plus, I don't want some big, heavy pump also. This was a fun exercise and I'm open to any ideas or thoughts...

Oh, and afterwards.

 

[octanejunkie]

How about an electric pump from aux to main tank off a switch in the cab?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[phattyduck]

How about an electric pump from aux to main tank off a switch in the cab?

You should have a timer or level sensor, etc. if you do that. Don't want the transfer pump to stay on when the tank is empty.

I don't think I'd be a huge fan of doing the manual transfer thing - I'd like to be able to do the transfer while driving, or at least easily while stopped instead of keeping the extra tanks, etc. around...

Neither solution is easy/perfect. So personal preference wins out here.

-Charlie

 

[TonyB66]

Thank you both for chiming-in. Like plenty of others, I considered a few approaches, and I'm still open, but given how often I visualize myself doing this, the KISS approach currently wins-out at the time. Regardless, it will always be a back-up if I find a "better" way later...

That all said, I do like the idea of a timer switch. Any thoughts on a good fill location, maybe low on the fill tube/neck?

 

[octanejunkie]

You should have a timer or level sensor, etc. if you do that. Don't want the transfer pump to stay on when the tank is empty.



I don't think I'd be a huge fan of doing the manual transfer thing - I'd like to be able to do the transfer while driving, or at least easily while stopped instead of keeping the extra tanks, etc. around...



Neither solution is easy/perfect. So personal preference wins out here.



-Charlie

I would have 2 fuel gauges (factory dash and aux on pod) and have considered a limiter on the external pump to shut off on the aux tank empty or after 5 mins. Both are easy to do.

I also thought about a momentary switch on the aux pump so it only runs when held down. I like this option most at the moment.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[phattyduck]

I also thought about a momentary switch on the aux pump so it only runs when held down. I like this option most at the moment.

I wonder how annoying that would be. But it would be very 'safe'.

I'd try to find a way to plumb the transfer line fairly high on the fill neck and T off the fill vent line for the air return. From there, as long as you use a sealed filler for the secondary tank, the OEM evap system should remain happy.

-Charlie

 

[BrianSD_42]

Truck is looking good Tony!

 

[TonyB66]

I wonder how annoying that would be. But it would be very 'safe'.

I'd try to find a way to plumb the transfer line fairly high on the fill neck and T off the fill vent line for the air return. From there, as long as you use a sealed filler for the secondary tank, the OEM evap system should remain happy.

-Charlie

Thanks Charlie.

How would that approach change if the aux tank has a vented cap?

Brian, thanks! Hope all is well.

 

[phattyduck]

Thanks Charlie.

How would that approach change if the aux tank has a vented cap?

Brian, thanks! Hope all is well.

If the tank has a vented cap, it would be sensed as an evap leak. You'd need two ball valves to isolate the secondary tank whenever you weren't transferring fuel.

-Charlie

 

[TonyB66]

If the tank has a vented cap, it would be sensed as an evap leak. You'd need two ball valves to isolate the secondary tank whenever you weren't transferring fuel.

-Charlie

Yup, makes sense. I guess I didn't think of this application when I ordered the tank. That said, looks like I can simply order a non-vented cap to go the route you previously mentioned....

Sandstorm

 

[TonyB66]

Happy Friday all...

Just sold the OEM front axles with the torn boots for 50 bucks...

My current running total of stock parts sold is now up to $1,710:

$400 - Leather Front Seats

$50 - Factory Stereo & Amp

$75 - Cargo Privacy Cover

$50 - Skid Plates (2)

$150 - Rear Bumper

$25 - Spare Tire Crank

$200 - Front Bumper

$50 - Roof rack cross members

$50 - Front bumper carrier

$75 - Trailer hitch

$100 - Front shocks

$350 - Wheels/tires

$25 – Front brakes

$20 - Intake silencer tube

$30 – Mats (three, no driver)

$10 - Front & rear bump stops

$50 - IFS CV front axles (torn boots)

Another 290 dollars to reach $2k!
++++++

Not sure how much snow Tahoe has, but we are heading-up there as the kids will be on Spring Break after next week. So, I'll be doing some checks and topping-off any fluids as necessary. Since doing the axle and ECGS bushing upgrades, I've noticed a slight, possibly rubbing sound, but only when in AWD. I wish I could hear it better, but I'm quite sure it's not my imagination.

 

[octanejunkie]

I'm amazed at some of the things you've sold...

$10 for bump rocks, for example. Who would want them let alone pay money for them?

Good for you. Have fun in Tahoe

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[TonyB66]

I'm amazed at some of the things you've sold...

$10 for bump rocks, for example. Who would want them let alone pay money for them?

Good for you. Have fun in Tahoe

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Thanks Mike. For those with patience, it's simply a matter of finding the right buyer... Regarding the OEM bump stops, I believe the guy was going back to stock to sell his 4Runner. The guy today who bought the CVs has a 1st gen Tacoma with 35s, and he'll be upgrading his axles and I think he'll be using these for provide to the aftermkt company...

Related, since taking retirement in Jan 2021, I've had no less than 20 items on Craigslist at any given time. Cleaning-up the garage, organizing, getting rid of stuff, making a few bucks along the way...

First family trip beyond an hour or so from home since 2019. Hope we can find some decent snow for the kids...

 

[TonyB66]

Back from Tahoe, and we had a great time. We did indeed get some snow, about 4-5 inches, so fun for the kids. That said, there was not enough over the season to do all that we wanted, but we made the most of it. I totally forgot to get a photo of the 4Runner caked in snow, but managed to get a few of some icicles. It had reached 10 degrees one night, so quite cold well into April...

Before we left the Bay Area though, I addressed the rear hatch rattle, again. This time I went much thicker...

It's snug and takes a slight tug to lift it, and that's fine by me as the noise is gone.

When I filled the tank at home, I also filled the 4+ gallon aux tank and the 1 gallon can. As I doubt no one remembers, it took some finagling to get that gas can into that storage space I created between the rear frame rails. I had it down though and I was able to put it down there and remove it in less than 5 seconds. Well, at elevation, not so easy, because it had expanded enough to where I could not easily orient it out of the opening. I had to remove my gloves and jacket to improve my mobility to finally figure-out how best to get it out of there. Not ideal given how cold it was... So, when back home I decided to make sure that doesn't happen again.

The first think I pondered was simply lowering storage area's 3/16" steel floor with some washers or spacers. I could probably only go 1/4" lower though, unless I was willing to relocate the exhaust, which I am not, at least at this time...

So, I looked to raise the lowest point in the storage area's "ceiling."

I tried a couple ways, but ultimately decided upon this approach.

I used a C-clamp to bend upward what remained, filing first all edges to prevent any future surprises.

Slides in and out with plenty of clearance now.

I won't have that problem next time... While I didn't need the extra gas per se on this trip, I did put a gallon in the 4Runner's tank prior to leaving as it gave me a cushion to safely get to Sacramento, where we'd gas-up again.

I include that image for a reason, because around 10pm one night I got this email from the lodge:

I've tried calling you numerous times but I keep getting an automated message that my call cannot go through as dialed. I noticed lights flashing and the doors open on the car parked in #11. I went to check it out and it appears as though the doors were unlocked and there were some remnants of food left in the car and quite possibly a bear entered. I did not find a bear in the car but shut the doors. I hope that no damage was done to the interior, Hopefully you will see this email soon and your relatives can lock their car.

My wife's twin sister and two boys joined us on this trip in their new GMC Acadia. They forgot both to lock their doors and not to leave food in the car! This was after me telling them the day before... Thankfully the door/s did not close on the bear or bears, as that's when major damage occurs. That said it was quite messy and stunk, still does a little. We spent probably an hour cleaning it up late that evening. No ripped seats or noticeable damage, so hopefully a lesson-learned...

Oh, the only shots of the 4Runner, those aforementioned icicles.

Otherwise, the 4Runner ran like a champ all the way there and back, and did well on wet and snowy road with the AWD...

A nice weekend everyone.

 

[Mark_BC]

Did it get caked in salt from the frozen roads? Being in California you won't have much rain to wash off the underside.

 

[Bad Luck]

I need to do something similar to address my squeaky rear hatch when it’s cold out. About how much did the foam material squish down to?

 

[octanejunkie]

Did it get caked in salt from the frozen roads? Being in California you won't have much rain to wash off the underside.

Caltrans doesn't use salt, they plow and use sand and/or brine depending on the temperature and conditions.

Every thing gets filthy from the runoff of the melt at lower elevations, thankfully car washes here all have optional undercarriage sprays.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[TonyB66]

Indeed. CalTrans uses (typically) 5-10% salt mixture, the rest sand, I believe. That said, I plan to clean the underside as soon as tomorrow...


Bad Luck - I'd say the foam compressed to about 1/8". If/when it rattles again it will be because the foam has deteriorated. I realize I can find something more durable, and I might eventually, maybe even something I have in the garage at the moment. With a sheet of the foam staring at me, that's what I grabbed.

 

[phattyduck]

Did it get caked in salt from the frozen roads? Being in California you won't have much rain to wash off the underside.

As others have said, salt on government maintained roads is very rare in California... But there was salt spread out on the parking lot there - visible in the pictures!

So, worthy of an undercarriage cleaning anyway, especially since there will be a lot of damp but not wet weather in the bay area. Not death to the frame though, at least!

-Charlie

 

[TonyB66]

As others have said, salt on government maintained roads is very rare in California... But there was salt spread out on the parking lot there - visible in the pictures!

So, worthy of an undercarriage cleaning anyway, especially since there will be a lot of damp but not wet weather in the bay area. Not death to the frame though, at least!

-Charlie

Charlie, thanks for the observation. I hosed-down the underside down a couple days back. We are also expecting some moderate rain tomorrow, and I'm going to make it a point to fill the tank after I drop-off our little one at school so I get more driving on wet roads to clean the underside further...

While under the 4Runner I was surprised at the rust on the new RCV axles.

I know Matt has not yet busted these, like he has on most parts, glad to have them installed, but the metal was clearly not well-protected. At some point soon I'll clean, prep and paint...

I failed to mention that the Dometic fridge/freezer was used on this trip again, in the back of the 4Runner (12v) and in the cabin somewhat too (110v). Helped to bring home extra food like milk, eggs, meats, etc that we didn't finish. I used this in the rear to provide power to it...

And it was not staying in place because the two little clips are broken. Maybe it was that way when I purchased it, not sure...

My J-B Weld was no longer any good and I had tossed it some time back so I used some super glue, hoping it will work. Here it is curing.

That said, I imagine someone with a 3D printer can make these things, improve upon them even...