Opinion: is the flex fuel engine a dealbreaker for you?

True, but it’s not the ethanol itself that is the problem it’s the ECM and it’s ethanol calculating strategy paired with a dual pressure setup for gas vs e85 that wreaks havoc. Fueling accuracy is more critical with boost and the problem is exacerbated when running injectors double the size of stock. It was such a pain in the balls for @e30cabrio he fully converted his truck to non FFV with a new ECM and eliminated all the FFV fuel system components.

 

2014 bought used with 75k miles now have 113k with no issues.
Have no idea if the prior owner ran e85 or not.
Lots of speculation as to why it happens.
Another reason some folks say the issue occurs is by running the tank to near empty before refilling.
I never drop below a 1/4 of a tank on the gauge and considering Toyota leaves a huge reserve I never really come close to an empty tank.

 

Hard to put a price on independence from the dealer. Also I have peace of mind if another issue crops up. I also have a 21 RAV4 that this will be useful on for servicing the transmission.

 

yep, I'd mixed those two up in my post because TSS was something else I didn't want

 

Fair enough. I shopped specific for a 2018 to get the radar cruise and the trans cooler together

 

Eh. Neither of those factor into my thought process. I've got other scanners. This would be a purchase specifically for one task and that's a hard pill to swallow for $300. Unless I luck in to some extra cash some month, this is probably going to be one of those I'm going to wait until I have a problem before I spend the money. I've got a decent dealer here so it doesn't really bother me going to them. My durango doesn't need it and it won't work on my k5 or my 4runner so not really sure what good it does for me outside of this one item.

 

When I bought both our Sequoia and Tundra, I absolutely ruled out the FFV. I know a lot of people here are saying they don't have issues, but knowing my luck, I'd get one that does have issues. Just remember that a lot of folks with them may have bought them new and not had issues. You are going to be buying one used, and possibly a used one that somebody is trying to get rid of due to the persistent issues with it being FFV.

Just isn't worth it when there are plenty of non-FFV Tundras out there.

 

I wonder if much of the low fuel mileage reported for this Gen of Tundras is being skewed by the FFV trucks. Unless I'm towing, I've never seen less than 14.5mpg in mine. Ever. I'm stock with a topper. I usually see around 15.8mpg mixed and up to 18.5mpg hwy.

 

My ‘17 Platinum is an FFV (had no idea until checking on a recall) with the so called 38 gal tank. Purchased with 34k miles, now at 71k miles. No starting or fuel problems. Only run top tier rated 87 grade and add two Berrymans fuel cleaner at fill up from 1/4 tank every couple of months. Also perform all in-depth maintenance myself.

 

I definitely think the FFV trucks have enough drawbacks that I would stay away, but I didn’t know that going into it. Just changing a fuel pump is a pain in the rear compared to the non-ffv model. I carry around a scan tool in case it acts up away from home. Also, I average 9.5mpg with 35’s.

 

Similar numbers here with FFV except for the 14.5. I have never seen less then 15.5.

 

How do you tell if truck is Flex Fuel or not?

 

Easiest way is looking at the writing on the gas cap (if it’s original). I hear they got sneaky with it for awhile and a lot of people didn’t know they had one. Window sticker is another option. I think there’s also coding in the vin specifically for the flex fuel, but someone would have to provide more info on that.

 

if the 5th digit in the VIN is "W" it's Flex and also the gas cap may have "E85" somewhere on it but the VIN is the most sure way

 

Normally e85 vehicles have a yellow gas cap. Mine was black so I assumed it was regular until I got it tuned. It is printed on there but it’s something you have to look for as it’s not hugely noticeable.

 

What’s the difference in changing out the fuel pump? I mean - it goes in the same hole.

 

Look at the engine code sticker under the hood. 3UR-FE is non flex, 3UR-FBE is flex.

 

I'm actively shopping for a late model 2.5 gen. What production years were some of the Tundras Flex Fuel?

And does anyone know approximately what % of those Tundras were Flex Fuel?

 

Supposedly - if the 5th of the VIN is Y it is non-flex fuel. W = flex fuel.

 

You are correct sir

 

You need to unhook all of the lines from the top of the pump while only being able to drop the tank down a few inches. There is not much room, it took me a long time the first go around to get the clips to release and the lines off without damaging anything. The regular tank just drops right down without having to do that. Also from what I understand, and have seen, there is no donut filter in the fuel pump housing, which to me would be a plus as I like simplicity. Had to retrofit a DW300C fuel pump to fit as I can't even purchase a factory pump from Toyota, again another nuance. The bottom line is I am convinced I wouldn't have to replace the fuel pump if it was a standard gas model.