Fuel Filler Pipe Leak - Some Questions

[BigMoose]

Hi all,

Just joined the club and this is my first post.

I have a 2008 RAV4 D-4D and have the dreaded fuel drip just in front of the NSR wheel. I am guessing this is the fuel filler pipe. It certainly looks very rusty and there is diesel all around it. I have read the various threads on this site and watched the video on Youtube and it seems quite easy to DIY. However, I have a few questions:

1.       The car was filled up about 2 weeks ago and is now ¾ full. Would the fuel filler neck not be empty? I am surprised it is dripping 2 weeks after filling up.

2.       If I DIY this do I need to drain the tank? Will anything other than a small amount of fuel spill out?

3.       There seems to be a huge difference in pricing for the pipe. Can anybody recommend a good pattern part or is it best to buy a Toyota pipe?

Thanks for your help!

BigMoose

[APS]

On 1/9/2023 at 4:04 PM, BigMoose said:

1.       The car was filled up about 2 weeks ago and is now ¾ full. Would the fuel filler neck not be empty? I am surprised it is dripping 2 weeks after filling up.

2.       If I DIY this do I need to drain the tank? Will anything other than a small amount of fuel spill out?

3.       There seems to be a huge difference in pricing for the pipe. Can anybody recommend a good pattern part or is it best to buy a Toyota pipe?

1. Fuel will slosh around and get pushed up the pipe as the car moves when you drive.

2. I'v not done it on the RAV4 but it's normally obvious when you look at where the filler pipe connects to the tank. If it's low down on the side or on the top. It's most commonly entering at the top or top half, so you'd want to make sure the level is below that. Diesel is certainly much less volatile than petrol. You'd still want to be in a well ventilated area and make sure everything is clean around all pipes. You do not want to get dirt in the tank (although there are filters).

3. We bought an original Toyota pipe for the Yaris and it was of very high quality - almost a bit over the top. The aftermarket ones are definitely cheaper and lower quality. They will probably be fine. The main concern would be fit. If the pipe isn't quite the right length or hasn't got the exact right bend then you will swear at yourself for being stingy. But again, you may be absolutely fine with the cheaper version.

[BigMoose]

Thanks APS

[FROSTYBALLS]

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