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OK, here's my GasTankBladder story (2009 Gen II Prius)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by WilDavis, Jan 30, 2017.

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  1. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    I usually fill up at about 300 miles and can get between 6 and 7 gallons of gas into the tank. I use the same gas station, and even use the same pump. So last week I decided to fill up, and imagine my surprise when the pump switched off at about 3.5 gallons, so I did my usual trick of trying a couple more times and pumping slowly, still no luck as it cut off with only about 3.6 gallons, so I got my change, got back in the car, and did a couple of calculations, and was amazed to see from my calculations 80+ mpg! :eek::eek: …but I noticed that the gas-gauge displayed just over ½ full, so I tried again, but this time held the nozzle in the filler tube at about 3 o'cock, and pumped very slowly, and hey presto! the tank took another 3 gallons, the gauge showed 100% full, and my calculations gave me 44mpg! Ah! that's more like it! Lessons learned: 1) Nozzle @ 3 o'clock, 2) pump very slowly! - just FYI, but this is the first time I've been bitten by the bloody gas-tank-bladder! :)
     
    #1 WilDavis, Jan 30, 2017
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    odd isn't it? i've been giving that advice (which i pilfered from someone with more experience) for quite awhile. glad to know it works!:p
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 30, 2017
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Yeah the most I get in right now 6 gal from empty. Good news is: gaso stops are fast!
    The new Prime has a huge range compared to what we get on Gen2.
    Clearly with a little bigger gaso tank Prii could set the world record on driving range, finally maybe Prime is getting there.
     
    #3 wjtracy, Jan 30, 2017
  4. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    The ole 3 o'clock always worked for me. One time I swear I overfilled it past 11.9 gallons one summer day, right before a road trip. I got to 557 miles and the last bar wasn't even blinking yet. and I wasn't even getting amazing gas mileage the computer was only saying I was getting 44 MPG. That was very odd!
     
    #4 Aaron Vitolins, Jan 30, 2017
  5. Sillywizard

    Sillywizard Junior Member

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    Ok, this is the first time I've read about the 'three o'clock' trick...could you please very slowly and deliberately describe, even illustrate, this trick?
    Does one insert the nozzle such that the Handle of the nozzle is at three o'clock, or such that the tip of the nozzle is pointing to three? (Normally I pump gas with the tip pointing up -12 o'clock- and the handle at six o'clock.)
    Thank you,
    /Sillywizard
     
    #5 Sillywizard, Jan 31, 2017
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  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Yes, exactly this. Although I find that the handle at 8 0'clock works as well, I rest the handle up against the "sticky-out thing" on the fuel filler lid, the cradle that holds the filler cap. I also only insert the filler nozzle just far enough in the neck so that it catches without dislodging easily. It is a bit hard to describe, it is a "feel' thing.
     
    #6 dolj, Jan 31, 2017
  7. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    So if you sticky-in by the sticky-out you can relieve the pressure and fill up as long as it feels good.

    Whew! :oops:
     
    #7 ILuvMyPriusToo, Feb 1, 2017
  8. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    Has anyone been able to determine if this problem is more likely to occur in certain weather or temperature conditions?
     
    #8 srellim234, Feb 1, 2017
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