Side Shot of gas tank??

probably more like a deflated balloon or hot water bottle.

 

I'll post an image tonight if no one beats me too it by then.

-m.

 

Scanner is acting up, I'll take it to work and put it up tomorrow morning - sorry for the delay!

-m.

 

Ohhh the suspense is killing me!!

 

Haha, sorry for the delay! Anyway, here it is - the comparison between the 03 prius gas tank (bottom) and the 04 tank. Enjoy!

-m.

 

This clearly shows that carefully topping off the tank fills up the plumbing and the charcoal canister. This increases evaporative emission of unused fuel. Those who do this go farther to their next fillup at the cost of decreased fuel economy and increased air pollution. Thanks a lot, guys.

 

Some gas tank! If the inverter assembly (front thermal tank) costs $6400, imagine the cost of the gas tank assembly!

 

Once again, being the new guy here, What is the purpose of the tank liner anyway? Is it strictly to stop evaporative emissions? Makes me wonder if a fuel cell would have been more cost effective............

 

the tank liner is for protection.

you must realize that the bladder is very fragile. it can
be popped just like a balloon when full. The tank or
liner is used to hold the bladder in place and keep it
from getting punctured.

 

Hmmm. I'm waiting for a 2005 (I just got on the dealers list 051204). I guess it just seems odd that a fragile bladder would be used when a fuel cell can do the same thing with evap emissions and would be infinitely stronger in an impact.

By the way, I crawled around in an Escape Hybrid yesterday and it seems like Ford may have done a good thing with it. I was surprised that the "Hybrid Appearance Package" isn't standard. Seems they would want people to instantly recognize the difference. I know lots of people hate SUVs but I know several people that actually need a vehicle that large so anything that can increase the mileage is a fine by me. I took a bunch of photos of it and am presently #1 in Portland to get one.

 

well despite the appearance of the drawing, i would
expect that the bladder is being filled from the corner at
the top which would allow filling of the bladder
completely. I think the differences in the amount that
can be put into the bladder has more to do with the
amount of gas left in the bladder not being measured
accurately.

 

Ummm, following the path of gasoline down the pipe to the charcoal canister, I see two paths it can follow. One to the filter, one back to the tank.

It has been mentioned before that fouling the filter will raise a Check Engine warning, so since I never see one, I believe the path back to the tank is being followed in my car...

 

mikepaul:

i think you mean that the gas is going back to the filter. if the gas was going to the tank, it will eventually be vented to the atmosphere.

 

I think part of the problem of filling up fast and inconsistent fills has to do with the check valve that vents the outer portion of the tank/bladder area. As the bladder drains the area around it and the tank fills with air ( not contaminated with hydrocarbons) and when we fill up this air is displaced and there is an elaborate system to detect if the bladder is leaking and as it has to vent to the canister as well, filling at a reduced speed helps to displace the air. The sub tank contains the fuel pump also and the the fuel pressure regulator so that a return line from the engine compartment isn't required as it contributes to the formation of vapour that has to be released, the woosh you hear when you remove the cas cap on a conventional car. hope this helps.