Evap systems leak on 2006, from gas tank?

The dealer did a smoke test and it showed a leak coming from the fuel tank where a large dent was found (ran over a large metal object). No fuel is leaking, just emissions. Does the tank really store emissions?

They said a 77001-47090 would fix it (new tank with a couple other pieces). I don't know the first thing about emissions, just wanting to make sure this makes sense as it's not cheap. They said I could drive it likely forever as is, but, problem for me is I'd never know if a different code ever came up (engine light staying on) which might be something urgent wrong.

So, would a fuel tank really likely resolve the issue as they say? I saw the smoke test leak, seemed like it was coming from the tank to me too. But did not realize there is a separate compartment in the tank, so confused by why no fuel would be leaking if it's all one piece?

 

Yes, I do agree I am not having the dealer fix it. But that's not my question. My question was if a gas tank itself can leak emissions, but not gas. Seems like there would be a hose behind it or something else that would actually be leaking. Just wanting to understand. The thing is, it's on the bottom, if the tank is full of fuel how can no fuel leak out? More specifically, looking at the tank as if from the front of the car, it would be at the bottom, front, right.

I can't do it myself, too old with too many medical issues. Now, if in fact a gas tank can do that and there are no hoses above that point that are leaking, maybe there is a way I could seal it. But no way to replace it. I'd have to find a mechanic in a rural area who might be able to. Not very many choices here. But again, not my main point. Just want to make sure the issue is as they described it (and I seemed to see).

Finding a used tank in my area, where there might have been a few Priuses over the years probably won't be easy either. If it's just the metal tank leaking emissions, can't it be sealed somehow? It's otherwise fine.

The reason I want the engine light to go off is in case a real problem shows up one day. If the engine light is always on, I won't catch something that might be a lot more important.

That car will actually never be replaced. It's in great shape otherwise and we'll be a one car familay after that. We have a 2023 and we're good with one car but it's just for convenience here and there. Hoping to get another 5-10 years out of it, don't put but maybe 4000 miles a year on it.

 

Please do let me know how to contact this person! Thanks a bunch in advance!!

So, the bladder is not leaking gas, however, somehow there are fumes between the bladder and the metal tank. And somehow more fumes keep being added (since smoke test shows the smoke coming out). So, there is a leak somewhere to get those fumes there I presume. It's sounding like replacing the tank will indeed solve the issue.

I took it to this a dealer as the previous mechanic said there was an emissions leak (correct), however, they couldn't find it and needed to take side panels off the car and so on. No way! I told them do a smoke test, they said they can't. Whatever. Took to dealer (in Ardmore) to diagnose.

 

It was just a P0441. Used to have also a 0445 and 0446 I believe they were, but new gas cap removed those and only this one comes back. I found this post:

the gas bladder: exposed! | PriusChat

Now I see a lot of stuff in there, hardly just a gas tank.

I'm thinking the dealer is correct, just let me know if you can find the mobile mechanic. Well, just found him.

 

Yeah, this was one of the reasons I wanted to understand the issues a little better. I was thinking JB Weld but that didn't make sense based on my (almost zero) knowledge of fuel tanks. Now it is making more sense. As long as there is no other hose somewhere that leaks, this is the easiest way to tell! And it's something I can do. Thanks!

 

HelloMcFly