Fuel Tank problem

[devinlamothe]

Hi everyone,

Here's my issue. We have a ton of pot holes here so this doesn't surprise me but - the other day I started to hear this knocking sound coming from the rear passenger side. I didn't think anything of it, as when it gets cold, I tend to hear a lot of creeks and such. But this kept on going and this morning I had a peek under the car, and I saw something bad.

There's a piece of metal that is covering the bottom of the fuel tank, and its coming off. I don't know if this is a critical piece but I would like to fix this ASAP. Anyone know what this piece is for? Should I be extra worried? I have a road trip planned for next weekend so any help is appreciated!

Note: I am brining to my dealer but they are booked until next week.

[IllusionX]

a picture would help.

[devinlamothe]

a picture would help.

I tried taking a couple of pics, but because there's so much snow you can't see much of anything except a blur. Basically its a metal sheet that's covering a small area of the fuel tank. I think it's actually to protect the plastic tank against the exhaust heat.

[CTScott]

If it's the one that covers the corner of the tank, where the exhaust passes by, then it is there to protect the tank from heat. There are three mounting points - One is a bolt, the second is a nut that also holds the floor heat shield, and the third is a plastic pop-clip like the ones that hold the bumpers on.

[devinlamothe]

If it's the one that covers the corner of the tank, where the exhaust passes by, then it is there to protect the tank from heat. There are three mounting points - One is a bolt, the second is a nut that also holds the floor heat shield, and the third is a plastic pop-clip like the ones that hold the bumpers on.

Yes, that is the one. The bolt/nut that is connecting it to the fuel tank is missing (looks like it's in the middle of the shield).

Do you think the knocking noise I am hearing is the nut rolling around inside the fuel tank?? Yikes.

[devinlamothe]

OK I've tried to get a better pic - it's hard to see but I have an arrow pointed to the piece that's not attached to the fuel tank anymore.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3351/yarisboltvv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/yarisboltvv4.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img156/yarisboltvv4.jpg/1/)

[CTScott]

Yes, that is the one. The bolt/nut that is connecting it to the fuel tank is missing (looks like it's in the middle of the shield).

Do you think the knocking noise I am hearing is the nut rolling around inside the fuel tank?? Yikes.

No - I think the knocking is the shield flapping against the tank and/or the tail pipe. The bolt doesn't actually go into the tank.

[CTScott]

I just snapped a picture under mine (mine's in the garage, so no snow to deal with). Are you missing the nut in the middle of the picture, or are you missing one of the clips that holds the shield to the flange of the tank?


http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo163/ctscott329/Misc%20Yaris/HeatShield.jpg

[auxmike]

CT;
Good lookin' out with that pic....:thumbup:

[devinlamothe]

Looks like I am missing the nut in the middle and one of the plastic clips. Plus it looks like mine is pretty bent up. :(

[GeneralDon7]

I would say its that piece rattling against the tank or underbody, must have been a good hole.

[CTScott]

Looks like I am missing the nut in the middle and one of the plastic clips. Plus it looks like mine is pretty bent up. :(

Wow! Take a close look and make sure the tank isn't damaged at all. You should be able to throw a washer and not on the stud to keep it from flapping, until you have a chance to go to the dealership to get a replacement clip and the OEM flanged nut.

[devinlamothe]

Tank isn't damaged as mine looks like its made from heavy duty plastic. I'm just worried that it's going to fall off and have to pay for a new one lol. I will try placing a washer and nut on and see if that helps.

Today the snow is melting so I will try and get a better picture of what I am talking about.

[devinlamothe]

Just as an update I did go to the dealer and they said it looked like I must have hit a big chunk of ice as there was no visible damage as to why it was hanging.

But I can now report that there is no more rattling and everything is quiet again! :)

[marcus]

nice to hear!!! now get some exhaust so you dont have to worry about other noises..lolz..