Help! I had my gas siphoned and I have a question.

I have a 2004 Tacoma. Yesterday I discovered someone had siphoned my gas. They didn't do it via the gas cap. They stuck a hose under the wheel well molding. They left the hose they'd used and I just easily pulled it out.

My question is - did this damage anything? I'm trying to imagine where the hose would have gone. It seems like unless they punctured something that means the gas tank some how regularly exposed, but that doesn't seem right ... does it?

I've never had to mess with the fuel system (of any vehicle) before so I'm just not sure what to expect.

Can someone please explain how my gas was siphoned and if it's safe to drive still?

Thanks in advance for your help,
-Matt

 

I honestly have no clue how they wouldve gotten to it without some modding..

But free bump for someone that does know.

 

I figured it out. There is a boot that connects the fill line to the gas tank. They sliced the boot and feed the hose through it. Now I need to google that and figure out how to replace it.

 

What a bitch. While you're at it, mod it with armor and razor blades.

 

Haha, I wish I could figure some way to protect it.

I got the neck clamps lose but the neck won't come off. Ran out of day light for today. stupid winter ... stupid gas thieves.

 

Hey, maybe the the best way is to let the dummies just get at it without damaging your truck.
A smart gas thief knows that a simple pair of slip joint pliers gets over on any locking gas cap.

 

I'm not familiar with the 2004 Tank, But I believe the fuel system is a "closed" system for emissions. That's why your check engine light can come on when the gas cap is left off/loose.

IF so, I'd say the guy popped a hole in the tank?? Take a real good look and see. IF so , you need to figure out how to safely patch the hole or change the tank.

Side comment - I used to have a locking gas tank cap - but in my area the thieves, if they could not easily siphon, would just drill a hole In the bottom of the tank and put a container underneath. I'd rather loose the gas than the tank.

Let us know what you find.


Edit - While I was posting, other replied ....

The hose is the overflow/vacuum hose for the emissions hose??