Well I had a issue with my FUEL FILTER light coming on when I selected the front tank but went out when I used the rear tank. Finally went to Ford and got F'd in the A$$....oopps, I mean had them diagnose it!

They said my front tank was delaminating and causing a fuel restriction. 20psi of vacuum at the tank which I guess is low....they said I needed to replace the tank $565. Fuel Sending Unit $380. and Selector Valve $365 or something like that.

I cant afford to have them do the work so Im hopeing with a little guidance from ya'll and a buddy of mine that likes to work on cars we can figure it out.

#1 do you think this is something that can be done at home? IE any crazy tools needed? (Im guessing not)

#2 where the heck is the fuel selector valve (valve that goes from Front to Rear tank), is it up in the engine bay or would I be guessing right and say it's back by the tanks somewhere?

# I found these parts ALOT cheaper through stores like Auto Zone, Kragen, Napa etc....think it'd be ok to use their brands or do I REALLY NEED Ford parts?


ANY HELP you can provide would be greatly appreciated....I just got orders (Air Force) down to Miss. and I cant really afford to have Ford do the work but I also cant afford to brake down on the roadtrip at the end of the month.

THANKS!!!

 

just a shot in the dark here, check the cap, if it dont let air in, it would starve the engine for fuel, causing the light to come on. my stage ones will set the filter light if i mash it. but it goes out right away.

 

yeah thats a thought...but not in this case. Ive checked the cap numerous times..

If I swap to front tank, the FUEL FILTER light comes on after about 10 seconds and runs fine for about 2-4 minutes then it NOTICEABLY bogs down....Then the CHECK ENGINE light comes on. When I swap it back rear tank again, the FUEL FILTER light goes out and about 1 minute later the CHECK ENGINE light goes back out.

 

The fuel selector valve is located just below the drivers seat on the frame. With key on and engine off have someone switch tanks while you listen .. there is a little motor in there that switches the tanks and you should be able to hear it.

Is the front tank more than 1/4 full?

 

definitly sounds like a blockage somewhere

 

The front tank is about 1/4 full...

 

Does it do it with the tank 1/2 or more full?
If the fuel gauge changes when you switch tanks then the selector valve is working.

Here is a thread that might help ... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...uel-tanks.html

 

the tank is about 1/4 full......

it DOES change tanks when I move it from Front to Rear and vice versa....

I have to replace the tank because he SAYS it's coming apart on the inside, but Im debating the sending unit and the selector valve. I can see changing the sending unit since I already have the tank dropped but I dont think I need to change the selector valve.

The service guy said I needed to because if theres that much gunk in the tank then its in the sending unit and selector valve now too.

I know its possible, but to me if its still working it should be ok....but Im not the Ford Tech either!

what do yall think?

 

My front and rear tanks are delaminating.
In the bottom of the fuel bowl with it drained out you can see grayish colored material.
I was told by the folks on here (which I trust way more than a dam Ford Tech) that when I change tanks I just need to completely flush the fuel system.

 

Have you tried a FPR shim?

 

me? yes its about 70ish.

 

hmmm, interesting. Never heard of anyone setting the FFRL like that.

 

its only for a sec or 2

 

i would try blowing some air through the fuel lines too the front tank and see if you can unblock something.

 

check Rockauto for parts also. They have good prices.