Tapping stock fuel tank for accessories/utility motors

(Edit: I did it. See my write-up here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...es-utility-motors.718947/page-4#post-25689584)

I did a search, and I know it’s been asked a lot, but not really answered very well from what I could find.

Has anyone successfully tapped into the stock gas tank to fuel auxiliary equipment? What was involved? Was it worth it?

I’ll be using it for a pressure washer. Space is limited, and I really hate the idea of adding more weight and bulk to an already crowded build.

 

Sounds like a really bad idea, both from tapping into the fuel pump circuit for power and only using 12V power for a pressure washer. Not enough power for both pressure and flow for washer.

 

I believe you are wondering if you can pump gas from the truck to the fuel tanks of your equipment. Am I correct. Not sure if it could be done safely, but seems like it's possible. Possible axillary pump would work check with someone who handles fuel for advice. In my town I would call ODay equipment.

 

The machine I will be using has an onboard fuel pump and is designed to be used with an auxiliary fuel tank of some sort. It’ll either be a GX690, iGX700, or possibly a Kohler model.

I’m looking to just add a small fuel bulkhead into the top of the truck’s fuel tank, with a pickup line placed about 2/3’s of the way down into the tank.

 

sorry for not being more clear in my original post. I don’t plan on tapping into the fuel delivery (pump) system of the truck at all, just the tank.
Pressure washer will be powered by a gas engine, either a Honda gx690, igx700, or similar. It has its own fuel pump and is designed for use with an auxiliary fuel tank.

 

Maybe look at adding a small fuel cell made for race cars, you can get them as small as 1 gallon. I'd go this route before trying in to OEM fuel tank/system.

 

thanks for the suggestion. I can’t see myself going any smaller than 5 gallons, and would prefer at least 8 gallons of capacity. One gallon per hour of fuel consumption is typical for the type of washing I do.

 

been lurking here a while. Joined to share this I found via Google. I like the idea of a spare tank and this seems cool:

by your spare wheel

Not affiliated - not sure if I would want to give up my spare tire. But is a unique option.

These guys might be the makers

 

Looks like you are planning on using it for commercial purposes. Not sure I would use the truck tank for that. I'm sure you could do it, but the risks for me would outweigh the benefits. That gx960 is thirsty and you are probably using 2gl per hour since a pressure washer usually runs flat out while operating. That would mean that you could burn through 16 gallons in a day. I would look at adding a second tank. If you are set on using the truck tank, you should consider getting an extended range tank. It would give you an extra 12 gallons of fuel.

 

I also suggest the auxillary tank route.

If you are absolutely set on using the factory tank, there are gasketed hose barbs, or pipe fittings, that you could use. They require a single hole drilled, then a gasket and lock nut on the inside. I am sure McMaster Carr has them.

Again, the aux tank is a much cleaner route though.

 

I have not done what the OP suggests, but i've done enough work of this type that I kind of like the idea.

That being said, when I've had to start cutting into a stock gas tank, the first thing I've done is buy a new tank to modify so I'm not attempting to cut in a dangerous situation.

To the OP....are you wanting the ability to refill auxiliary equipment from a pump and hose that feed from your fuel tank? Or, are you proposing that the engine on the pressure washer would simply feed directly from your Toyota's stock fuel tank and not have a tank of it's own?

Phil

 

Ah okay. Understood. It's my thought that, whether you add a five gallon can in your bed or use five gallons from your tank the weight and volume are the same no? The difference is merely the location of the stored fuel.
Tapping into a plastic tank is not hard though except my concern would be how rigorous my connection would be over jarring bumps and repetitive vibrations of everyday driving.
My vote is auxiliary tank as well.

 

I def wouldn't do this. But if you HAD to, you could cut into a nylon return line and T off of that. Just make sure you get the right tools, those nylon lines are stiff. Also, this would mean the truck would have to be running, also.

 

yeah, it’s definitely about space and location for me. But also, if I go to the gas station and fill both the truck tank and the pressure washer tank, that is more total weight on the truck, at least for a little while until I burn some fuel.

 

this one ^^

 

Do we have a return line? Isn't our fuel system returnless? And if we had a return line it would only work when the car engine was running.

OP I think an auxiliary tank is the best bet. If you're worried about the weight of 10 extra gallons of gas put 10 less in your tank. But if you're dead set on using the stock tank I'd look into an EFI conversion pump they sell to turn carb'd cars to FI. It will give you a second auxiliary pump you mount in the tank.

You'll also need to make sure this system is sealed and completely closed. If it vents at all you'll get a check engine light for your evap system.

 

You can buy a generic aluminum 10-15g racing fuel cell for under $150. That's the route I'd take.

 

The only weight difference is the weight of an empty five gallon can no?
I understand space constraints though. Good luck!

 

I'd buy a trailer and rig it up before I would tap into my truck. I also wonder if the evap test would fail.

 

Really bad idea for one reason.

The 3rd gens are highly sensitive to tank pressure. It monitors the fuel tank for evaporation/emissions and occasionally uses a secondary pump to leak-check it.

Tapping into it runs a high risk of putting your truck into limp mode.