What Size Tube Can Pass Through the Fuel Tank Anti-Theft Screen?
2 Answers
Generally, a 1cm diameter fuel suction hose can pass through a car's fuel tank anti-theft screen. An anti-theft fuel tank refers to a new type of fuel tank that prevents fuel theft by making it impossible for a suction tube to enter the tank interior even if the fuel cap is damaged, and also prevents hard objects from damaging the wire mesh through the curved section of the fuel filler neck. Method for Extracting Fuel Through the Anti-Theft Screen: Open the engine hood and locate the fuel pipes connecting the engine to the fuel tank. There are usually three pipes: one is the fuel supply pipe, which delivers fuel from the fuel pump to the engine; another is the return pipe, which sends unused fuel back to the tank; and the third is the carbon canister pipe, which connects to the carbon canister to absorb fuel vapors. If you are unsure which pipe is which, disconnect all three pipes and extend them with plastic tubing to a container for collecting fuel. Ensure the connections are secure and leak-proof. Then, open the car's relay box, locate the fuel pump relay, remove it, and temporarily short-circuit the relay socket's 85 and 86 terminals with a wire. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the "ON" position. For push-button start models, press the start button lightly without depressing the brake pedal. Fuel will begin to flow from the pipes. Once enough fuel has been extracted, turn off the ignition, remove the short-circuit wire, reinsert the fuel pump relay, and reconnect all the fuel pipes. Be careful to remember the correct connections to avoid mistakes. Ensure safety during the fuel extraction process by keeping the area free of open flames or flammable materials and taking necessary fire prevention measures.
I've encountered many car owners asking this question. The design of the fuel tank anti-theft mesh holes is to prevent others from inserting a tube to steal fuel, but it can be troublesome when we occasionally need to connect a tube ourselves. In fact, the standard anti-theft mesh aperture is usually around 5 to 8 millimeters, and the diameter of the tube that can pass through should be below 4 millimeters to be relatively safe. Of course, there are significant differences between specific car models—some American pickup trucks have sparser anti-theft meshes, while Japanese cars have denser ones. I recommend first removing the fuel filler cap and measuring the gap with calipers for the most accurate approach. If you must estimate, try using a hard or soft tube below 6 millimeters in diameter. Remember to turn off the engine and disconnect the power during operation—safety first! Nowadays, gas stations have increasingly strict anti-fuel theft measures, so be careful not to damage the anti-theft mesh if you modify it yourself.
