Tip: Re-sealing Fuel Pump Access Cover

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Oct 10, 2019.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    If you ever need to replace the fuel pump on your Gen3, you will need to re-seal the access cover. The access cover is sealed to the body using butyl tape and it will no longer attach securely once it is removed. Initially I thought a new cover would include the tape, but of course it did not.

    3M #08578 is what you will need. I purchased mine from JBTools for $18 and now I have way too much leftover.

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    #1 The Critic, Oct 10, 2019
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  2. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Good looking out. This is the same stuff used to re-seal headlight lamps I believe.
     
    #2 Grit, Oct 10, 2019
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Is there something special about the 3M tape, say impervious to gas? If I google butyl tape I get lots of hardware store results, tape and caulking tubes. Also used for eave troughs and that sort of thing?

    Googling the 3M tape specifically, it does have a lot of automotive applications indicated.

    3M™ Strip Caulk, 08578, black, 1 ft. (.30 m)
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Oct 11, 2019
  4. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I am not sure. It is merely an access cover that needs to seal against the outside elements. I think any butyl tape should work.


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    #4 The Critic, Oct 11, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2019
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Gas doesn't slosh up there then? Maybe just fumes if it wasn't sealed?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Oct 11, 2019
  6. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    The access cover isn’t part of the fuel tank itself. Butyl rubber isn’t resistant to gasoline (or other liquid petroleum compounds), but here, the seal just needs to keep out moisture and, potentially, fuel vapors or exhaust gases, and not to harden or crack with age.
    I agree; as discussed before, Toyota sells as tape kit in Japan, but it’s not available from U.S. dealers.

    Did you use the Toyota special service tool (09808-14030, now 09808-14031) to remove and reinstall the fuel pump gauge retainer? If not, can you suggest a good alternative for the do-it-yourself mechanic?
     
    #6 Elektroingenieur, Oct 12, 2019
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  7. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Even less expensive and serves the same purpose is plumber's putty.
     
    #7 Georgina Rudkus, Oct 12, 2019
  8. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    #8 Georgina Rudkus, Oct 12, 2019
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Does the sealant need to be "tacky"? I don't think plumbers putty would fit the bill; it needs mechanical connection of parts.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Oct 12, 2019
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