Our fuel tanks in Australia

Do we have the same bladder system that the U.S. guys have or a more conventional tank?

For those who try and fill up the tank as much as possible, what technique do you use? I ask because last time I tried to fill the tank to brimming (where you can actually see the fuel at the top of the filler), I could not do it. It seemed to simply keep swallowing more fuel and I eventually gave up. I put the nozzle on the lip of the filler so I can see the fuel actually flowing in.

I could easily get the fuel to brim at the top in my Lexus.

I usually fill up a few km after the last pip on the guage starts blinking. Averaging around 1,100km/tank. Tank averages range from 3.9 to about 4.2 l/100km.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Jul 30 2006, 10:58 AM) [snapback]294611[/snapback]</div>

Hey thanks for the reply.

It's not really about going as far as I can on a single tank, it's more about the fact that if I can see the fuel brimming at the top of the filler, I absolutely know how much fuel I used since last time the fuel was brimming (as oposed to always filling to the first click, or other methods), so as to make accurate mileage calculations.

Am I right or wrong here?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Jul 30 2006, 11:25 AM) [snapback]294628[/snapback]</div>

Hey Frank, thanks for the info. I'll call the dealer in the morning!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 30 2006, 12:32 PM) [snapback]294658[/snapback]</div>

Hey Tideland,

It seems the concensus is no bladder. 60 litres in Japan? That's a lot! Is this just filling until the click or spending half and hour put in the last few CCs?

Any other Aussie owners want to chime in with how much they usually get in the tank? Mine ranges from 42 to about 48 litres was the highest.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Jul 30 2006, 12:48 PM) [snapback]294665[/snapback]</div>

Hi Sufferin',

Thanks for that link, very interesting reading indeed.

I do remember reading some posts where the owner could see the fuel level off and stay in the filler neck. My questions is this: it seems like I can keep adding fuel and it just keeps taking more and more. Does all of this fuel actually go into the tank, or does it get bled off as "waste" somewhere and rendered unusable? There is no fuel on the ground when I drive away.

I have not had the patience to keep pumping past the 48 litre mark, but if I did maybe it would take the 60 litres that the Japan guys are getting?

P.S. I keep the nozzle out of the neck to make sure I can see the fuel actually leave the nozzle and drain into the neck.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sleeka @ Jul 31 2006, 10:30 AM) [snapback]295101[/snapback]</div>

Hey sleeka,

I am on the north side mate and work in Toowong, what about you? My general rule of thumb is to fill up as soon as I can after the "add fuel" warning and the last pip starts blinking. Usually comes on around the 1,050km mark. As I said I've put in anywhere from 42 to 48 litres - could be an over-optimistic pump! (Woolworths at Chermside).

So in your experience you have seen the fuel settle at the top of the filler neck - interesting. I will be more patient at my next fill-up!

Also, the 48+ litres may be genuine as the Japan guys get nearly 60 litres in and I don't think there would be any reason for them to have a different tank than us?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ken1784 @ Jul 31 2006, 11:20 PM) [snapback]295543[/snapback]</div>

Hi Ken,

So tilting up at the left lets you put in 10 more litres? What about when the car drives off on level ground again - are there risks of overflow anywhere?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sleeka @ Aug 1 2006, 09:58 AM) [snapback]295670[/snapback]</div>

Sleeka,

PMed you about meeting up.

Yes I have tried the E10 on one tank, consumption immediated went up to around 4.3 to 4.4 for the tank instead of my usual 3.9 to 4.0 - same driving conditions and my tank averages are usually very consistant.

I have a Lexus ES300 (still have it actually). How do they compare? Very different in many ways of course. You almost can't beat the smoothness and quietness of a Lexus, and I notice this immediately every time I drive it. Both low and high-speed ride goes to the Lexus hands-down.

More road noise in the Prius but less wind noise. Handling both on the spongy side. Much more rear leg-room in the Prius was a pleasant surprise! If I sit behind where I usually have my driver's seat in both cars, the Lexus is a little tight, the Prius I can really stretch out, especially as there is loads of room to put your feet under the seat in front. Also much easier to get in and out of (I am about 6'3).

Fuel economy of course are worlds apart. I drive the Lexus gently and it returns about 12.0l/100km - can go much higher if flogging it.