29gal Main Fuel Tank Install

[hilotoyo]

Questions for those running either:

1. How accurate/trustworthy is your gauge and DTE in real-world use?
   1. 29 gal - Seems pretty accurate as reported by users. I've noticed it's almost a bit more linear than stock which on most cars out there including the LC, sits at full forever then starts draining quicker and quicker. This seems to sit full for a little bit, not nearly as long as OEM, and has a real nice linear emptying to it, and with only 2 or 3 fill-ups seems to show the fuel light with about 5 - 6 gals left.
2. On the 29-gal tank, how early does the low fuel light actually come on, and how do you manage it?
   1. I think of it like this; If I was still running the 16/17-ish gal OEM tank and the light came on w/ 5-7 gal left, that would definitely be early. However, I remind myself that I bought it for towing and having a light that comes on with 5-7 gal left is just fine.
3. Any install headaches or things you’d do differently?
   1. Nothing I would or could do differently, just note that disconnecting and reconnecting things on top of the tank is a pain in the butt.

Thanks for sharing the detailed photos of your install. I’ve watched the FK install video and read all the install experiences posted here. I want to get the 29 gallon tank, but I would need to re-install the OEM tank when either I sell it or get a smog check (CA resident), whichever comes first. In your opinion, would it be straight forward to uninstall the FK tank and re-install the OEM? From the FK video I don’t recall needing to make any permanent modifications to the underbody that would be hard to “reverse”.

Thanks!

 

[copernicus]

FYI that FK has increased the price of the tanks by about $100 since i ordered and about $200 since the OP. just visited the site today and saw the notice

 

[overtrail887]

I sell it or get a smog check (CA resident), whichever comes first.

Thanks!

Nothing is permanent, but the person would need to look underneath, AND notice it was aftermarket.

In that rare case, explain that it is a 5mm skid plate and it’s sick right? Protects the tank fully. Totally stock underneath.

They have no way of checking and will agree, but likely won’t even look.

 

[GrayBeard]

Nothing is permanent, but the person would need to look underneath, AND notice it was aftermarket.

In that rare case, explain that it is a 5mm skid plate and it’s sick right? Protects the tank fully. Totally stock underneath.

They have no way of checking and will agree, but likely won’t even look.

"Oh man...I forgot we added that skid plate. Sorry dude, I'm gonna have to add another $750 to the asking price."

 

[MAC25LC]

Well finally got mine on order after dealership manager decided not to order it, parts dept and service was more than willing to do it. Hopefully will be here in 30-45 days, they said they had allot to ship out here soon. Went with 12 gal one.

 

[WeGo250]

In my opinion it would be a pain in the butt to remove it, install OEM, and then go back to the FK. I don't know how CA smog checks work, but unless they looked underneath they would have no idea as the vehicle presents and functions as if the tank was still OEM.

 

[REDSTAR]

In my opinion it would be a pain in the butt to remove it, install OEM, and then go back to the FK. I don't know how CA smog checks work, but unless they looked underneath they would have no idea as the vehicle presents and functions as if the tank was still OEM.

There is a visual inspection, however I think they’re primarily concerned with catalytic converters with a visible VIN or part number, along with any hoses and connectors. Pretty much anything that has to do with emissions.

This may or may not fly under the radar. Depends on who is looking.

 

[maxdout]

You are talking about the state that did away with plastic straws for paper straws because a sea turtle has a plastic straw in his nose and 7$ gas because the added fairy dust helps reduce pollution. CA Smog Techs will fail us on a non stock fuel tank.

 

[REDSTAR]

I think a large metal fuel cell type tank would raise some eyebrows to any experienced technician, even if it has zero impact on the final test results. Whether they actually call it out is a different story.

Really want to do something about the range but being noncompliant is a nonstarter for me, personally.

 

[Winchester44]

Bummed for you fellows out in CA.

First memorable exposure to LC was being tossed the keys to my aunt’s old, but well loved dark green series 80 in Santa Cruz at 16 years old. It safely navigated me through the ridiculous amount of downtown one way streets and to the beach and back a few times. Ahhh….memories.

 

[Winchester44]

Woo Hoo! Got a call from the shipping company, 12gal Aux tank is scheduled delivery for tomorrow!

Oredered: 24 Jan 26
Scheduled delivery: 3 Mar 26.

For anyone ordering directly from FK/Alibaba, They do not use a conventional tracking number (at least what the carriers in the US use), They use a "Card Delivery Code" (tracking number) this caused great confusion, when I called the shipping company and tried to schedule my delivery, as they had no record of my phone number or order number. After contacting Alibaba, they provided the Card delivery code and I called the shipper back and convinced them to please try the weird code (their words, not mine) and what do you know my order popped right up.

If anyone orders a tank, it was very beneficial setting up an account with Alibaba, as that was the only reason I got an email about the shipping company.

It's been a long wait.......

Sooooo………..??????

 

[EOD Guy]

Sooooo………..??????

I'm finishing up my fuel pump disconnect/anti-theft mod. Then I need to locate the source of the "B" pillar area popping noise when accelerating/braking. I need to determine if the popping is going to require a dealer visit before I hang a 12 gal aux tank off that side. I'm pretty sure they would say the aux tank is what's causing the noise.

 

[overtrail887]

Not sure how long it’s going to take to get here, but I got a tank with my name on it.

 

[copernicus]

Not sure how long it’s going to take to get here, but I got a tank with my name on it.

View attachment 66896

i ordered mine 6 weeks ago but it is in the US and hopefully headed my way in the next week

 

[Winchester44]

Not sure how long it’s going to take to get here, but I got a tank with my name on it.

View attachment 66896

Get er done! Best of luck sir. Just waiting my warranty to expire. I’ll be joining y’all soon.

 

[overtrail887]

Get er done! Best of luck sir. Just waiting my warranty to expire. I’ll be joining y’all soon.

Just curious why? It uses the OEM pump and parts. The only difference is a larger tank. How in anyway is having a larger gas tank the cause of any issues when it’s OEM everything else?

 

[EOD Guy]

Just curious why? It uses the OEM pump and parts. The only difference is a larger tank. How in anyway is having a larger gas tank the cause of any issues when it’s OEM everything else?

So if you replace the fuel tank or install the Aux tank, you will void the warranty for any fuel tank/pump/sender issues. But that's it. Everything else should be covered, unless it can be directly tied back to the tank's install....... ie frame bending due to the extra weight, but that's highly unlikely.

 

[overtrail887]

So if you replace the fuel tank or install the Aux tank, you will void the warranty for any fuel tank/pump/sender issues. But that's it. Everything else should be covered, unless it can be directly tied back to the tank's install....... ie frame bending due to the extra weight, but that's highly unlikely.

Because of the

Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act​

The dealership will need to prove that the aftermarket tank caused the issue, to void that part of the warranty. The whole pump assembly is swapped in the larger tank with no modification, so saying that merely unplugging and plugging in the pump assembly would not be enough.

 

[EOD Guy]

Because of the

Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act​

The dealership will need to prove that the aftermarket tank caused the issue, to void that part of the warranty. The whole pump assembly is swapped in the larger tank with no modification, so saying that merely unplugging and plugging in the pump assembly would not be enough.

No argument from me. But IF an "O" ring failure occurs and lets debris into the tank, which then caused an injector failure.......... It would be very easy for the dealer to claim......"who ever installed the fuel pump pinched the "O" ring which was the root cause for the injector failure".

I support DIY projects, but I also am very selective on which parts of my warranty, I'm willing to risk. I usually err on the side of..... "If I can remove all traces of a modification" against "am I willing to pay if a claim is denied". as a example ......... no performance enhancers for my engine, as my engine has a lifetime warranty. To me a slight improvement in performance isn't worth me paying for a replacement engine. But installing a Aux fuel tank is worth a fuel pump/injector not being covered etc........... cause I can easily replace those myself.

 

[copernicus]

well i managed to install mine today. needed two people and a lot of patience. as has been noted in the thread already, removing the electrical connectors was by far the hardest part. for install, adding the additional nuts was quite tricky and the one with the tail actually broke off, so i need to go to a shop and find a replacement. took about 5 hours of labor.

so far, the MTE gauge seems very confused.