Leaky fuel pump?

Heya-

Got my first Tacoma a few weeks ago and I’ve been trying to pull ‘er into shape. Hoping to get some help with this issue. I noticed a persistent smell of fuel when the tank is full. Stuck my phone up there and took a little video all around the tank and noticed some fluid up around the fuel pump. The local dealership quotes me 2k to fix it so I was hoping there might be a safe and cheaper solution to this. I’m not a mechanic, but working on learning what I can. If you got some advice, plz give it!!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
You have two choices to start the repair.
Drop the fuel tank after using up the gas.
OR
Remove the bed using an engine hoist.

1st choice is recommended for double cab

 

There are a number of rubber gaskets and hoses attached to the gas tank. You could pay a mechanic to do a smoke test and try to figure out what's leaking, but you're better off just replacing everything in one go in my opinion. As stated above, pull the bed or drop the tank. There will be 2 or 3 gaskets on the top side of the tank, a fuel filler neck, and a bunch of evap hoses. I did this job last year, here are the pictures I took of the process:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/media/albums/2020-12-gas-tank-decrustification.63925/

Here are the gaskets I used. If I was going to bet I'd say it's probably the big oval gasket for the sending unit that's leaking.

 

Its easier to pull the bed provided that you have the right tools and three or more friends. Disconnect the tail light wiring, license plate and reverse wiring, rear brake lights, the 4 or 6 bolts and you can lift the bed right off.

 

super appreciate the info. This is definitely helping me figure out if I have the time an ability to make the swap. Not sure if I need to replace the tank though - doesn’t look too rusty. The gaskets could probably use a swap out though!

 

Thanks! I have the extra cab. Would it be easier to drop the tank because it’s partially under the cab?

 

My first choice would be to raise the bed to access the fuel pump but if the bed bolts aren't cooperative dropping the tank works too. You're lucky the Prerunner charcoal cannister is in engine bay not on top of fuel tank.

 

Are sure its not the fuel line quick disconnect.....I dont see leakage around that sill..
It looks to be on top of that plate.....

or is it seeping out of the bolt holes?? And if so can you gently tighten them...


And as far as removing the bed.....what happens if doesnt go back......would consider to be a risky move on an old truck that you dont know its history ....unless you have full blow shop....that is 'A' frame, come-alongs, ect


Dont advocate this for most of you all but....
I chose the nuclear option - cut a 5X7 access hole out of bed just above the pump...
but mines a work truck with a big ass tool box pretty much hiding it....
took me all of 10min with a new cut wheel on the angle grinder...most of that time was insulating tank top....

Makes it a piece of cake again in 150K....wont even wait for failure....I'll auto replace it then with another Denso....so dont end of stuck out somewhere with $5K worth of equipement in back...

Years ago I dropped tank on an astro van.....everything went fine...til we tried to rehang it....what a pain in the ass...even with help...

And guess what - did something wrong....that new one went again within first year....


And be wise - go buy you a compact fire extinguisher and keep with truck...
napa has them on sale, homedepot sells compact marine ones for $20...order online and get two days later....
All taco owners should carry these anyways...not for us...but for the poor souls that bought competitors POC's.....you can be a hero....save a nissan....or a flaming F150 that uses plastic parts in the fuel rail.- unbelievable...

 

Popped off the bed, replaced the gaskets, even threw on new rear shocks while I was at it. Honestly, everything looked a lot better than I feared. The leak is fixed and I saved a bundle. Thanks for all the help!!