03 tacoma with 01 fuel tank? surprise

hey everyone,


I just got my hands on a sweet 2003 tacoma with an awesome cap on the back for camping so i am very new here. the truck is awesome, however had a leaky fuel tank that would not pass inspection, and would only hold half a tank. I figured it would be easy enough to buy a new tank install it myself. I ordered a Spectra Premium TO31C tank which in theory is the right tank, however i was in for a surprise

Today I decided to switch them out. i had the old tank off and was in the process of switching over some old parts and also was installing a new fuel pump. I realized that the fill vent was a different size on the old tank compared to the new tank.. at that point, i realized that the tanks were just a little bit different. it seems that the 2003 version has a tank valve vent while the 2001 tanks were the last ones that do not. Here i am thinking it was going to be a relatively quick fix (which never happens) that is turning into at least a few days while i wait for parts

Should I try to buy the parts that would go to the 2003 tank? or should i return the 2003 tank and order a 2001 tank?

Has anyone else had a similar experience where the parts that should be on one year are not there?

I have to order some more parts regardless because the old tank was so rusted that some old parts straight up ripped off.

 

Welcome to TW Andrew
Return the 2001 tank
Replace your old 2003 tank with a new 2003 tank

 

Thanks Black Dog Lila,

So I have the 2003 tank. it's the old tank that is a 2001. I was thinking about returning the new 2003 tank because i do not know if there are the right hoses for a tank vent valve.

 

So you have a 2003 Tacoma with a 2001 tank?
Is this a salvage title vehicle?
I think you were sold the wrong tank.

 

yes. it was definitely a surprise.
I am beginning to think that it is. I bought the truck from a friend, so a previous owner must have gotten a set up at a junk yard or something

 

You specified Spectra T031A
2003 tank is Spectra T031C
OE #77001-04170

 

yes you're right there. i mistyped. the 01 tank is to31B. do you think it matters much that the tank valve vent might be missing?

 

Yeah I'd think it would matter. The EVAP system is monitired by the ECU.

 

That vacuum switching valve that you're saying..... Well hold up, I wonder if you could wire a resistor in place to manipulate the ECU from triggering the MIL, like folks do with O2 sensors and others

 

Spectra T031B fits 2003 2wd
Spectra T031C fits 2003 4wd

 

Define "Might be missing"
Is it is or is it ain't?

 

Oh lordy @cruiserguy
I just can't wait for the whole upcoming EVAP Cannister, Purge Selnoid and tank pressure sensor text FIASCO

 

Dangit I wanna be laughing too! What am I missing here? Something went right over my head methinks

 

OP got a 03 w/01 tank or vice versa
And 03 or 01 or vice versa aftermarket tank to save $s and raninna prob with ABCs of Spectra T031 tankage.
I need a nap
Buh Bye

 

Oh I gotcha. Yeah unless it matches up to the original, I agree, he'll be in for a world of hurt
So to keep it smart and simple, he should prolly go with the actual tank the track should have from the beginning. Assuming the electrical or venting wasn't modified...... Oh boy

 

I hope Spectra got their quality control issues fixed. Baffle spot welds were cracking causing leaks.

It is a Toyota 4x4 interesting things from other years are always found at the worst time in most cases .

Go with the correct tank in this day parts are boxed wrong picked wrong ordered wrong.

I am sure you could upgrade the Evap System to work might get expensive !!!

Just get the correct tank to match what is in your truck

 

forgive me for asking, but what changed from 02 to 03-04?

 

If I remember correctly, 1995-2002 fuel tanks are completely different. The evap system is unique and the charcoal canister is moved from the engine bay, to under the bed. Therefore you have to use a 2003 or 2004 fuel tank.

2WD 5-Lug fuel tanks are different too, If you’re a PreRunner 2WD you use the 4WD tank. There is like a three gallon difference in capacity, 15 gallons v. 18 gallons.

 

my 02 has the canister near the tank.

 

4 cyl 2.4. 2.7. or 6 cyl 3.4 ?
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