I am currently in the market for an 07 prius and have seen some pepole mention something about a gas tank "bladder" problem. What is this? What do they mean by this? Also has anyone with an 07 prius in CA had a problem getting the car pool lane stickers? Is there some kind of waiting list?
The bladder (which is inside the actual gas tank) is flexible and temperature sensitive. The colder it is outside, the less flexible the bladder is, which means that you can't put as much gas in the tank. That seems to bother some people A LOT, but the gauge itself (on the dash) accurately tells you when you need to fill up. The Prius technically has an 11.9-gallon tank, but due to the bladder and the vagaries of individual gas pumps, you can rarely fill it completely full. About the carpool stickers, you send in your money and hope for the best (although I've heard that the stickers are about gone, if not already all spoken for...).
The gas tank bladder prevents air in the tank from coming in contact with the gas. This reduces or eliminates condensation of moisture in the gas. It also prevents evaporation of gas fumes, and thus it reduces pollution and is part of why the Prius gets a PZEV rating. As mcbrunnhilde says, it also affects the tank capacity. And if you fill the tank too full (by squeezing too much more gas in after the pump clicks off) the bladder can spit gas back out. Thus there are both benefits and problems with it. Overall, it is a good thing, since it reduces pollution. Just don't over-fill the tank. Some people have reported erratic behavior by the gas gauge (affectionately known as the "guess gauge") but I personally have had no problems with it. Mine is linear and consistent. These are very minor issues, taken in the context of an otherwise great car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ladodgers @ Jan 20 2007, 10:11 PM) [snapback]378572[/snapback]</div> If you have yet to buy the car, you are too late for the party. The 85,000 HOV sticker allotment will be exhausted with the currently pending applications.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ladodgers @ Jan 21 2007, 12:11 AM) [snapback]378572[/snapback]</div> One of the "tricks" employed to fit as much fuel as possible in to the bladder - use the slowest setting when filling the tank. It looks like you don't have to worry about the other issue with the bladder: It holds a lot less fuel in cold weather!
Unfortunately no Prius' are old enough to know if they will develop prostate problems. (Or are Prius' female? I haven't figured it out yet.)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kablooie @ Jan 21 2007, 04:22 PM) [snapback]378772[/snapback]</div> Use one FLOMAX Capsule in every other tank. Saw Palmetto works also.
