Evaporator hose chewed on by rodent, replace whole gas tank?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by pilvin123, May 5, 2012.

  1. pilvin123

    pilvin123 New Member

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    I just was informed by my Toyota dealer the a critter has gnawed at the evaporator hose and causing it to leak. It is not covered by the warranty. I was told that the entire gas tank would have to be replaced, instead of just the short plastic hose. They quoted a price of $850. I think this is a major ripoff. I have never heard of any car that a hose could not be replaced. Nnyone ever had a problem like this ?
     
    #1 pilvin123, May 5, 2012
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I edited your post to add a thread title, that's kind of important.

    Also, you posted in the Prius c forum but since you have a 2011 it cannot be a c. Moving to the Gen III prius forums, maintenance section.
     
    #2 Paradox, May 6, 2012
  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    There are a couple of hoses that are integrated to the fuel tank. If the hose was chewed before the junction, then the dealer does not really have an option other than selling you the tank.

    Probably what needs to happen is that the tank needs to be dropped down a bit to create access, and then a new section of hose can be joined in. The problem is making a good tight seal at the joins, so that you don't come back in with small EVAP leak codes. Only an independent shop might be willing to do this -- most dealerships would not. You are still looking at a couple hundred bucks for labor though.
     
    #3 seilerts, May 6, 2012
  4. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Or pick up a used tank and have an indie swap it out.
     
    #4 El Dobro, May 6, 2012
  5. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    I would have used duct tape. Someone else just had the same issue here last week.
     
    #5 Judgeless, May 6, 2012
  6. schorert

    schorert Member

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    try "rescue tape" which is a silicone tape that almost behaves like heatshrink tubing once applied. Fuel resistant, it will create a permanent repair if you can get access to the damaged area.

    http://www.rescuetape.com/
     
    #6 schorert, May 7, 2012
  7. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Rescue tape is expensive. It is the same amount of work to splice in a new section of hose using male-male barrel vacuum fittings, as well as cheaper and professional-looking.
     
    #7 seilerts, May 7, 2012
  8. zebelkhan

    zebelkhan Member in good standing

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    Call your insurance company. This maybe covered under your comprehensive coverge.
     
    #8 zebelkhan, May 7, 2012
  9. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    For a claim under $1k, I would not bother with a claim. Filing a claim for something like this will come back and bite you for many years.
     
    #9 The Critic, May 7, 2012
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