The front tank on my '88 F-150 was leaking, so I removed it and plugged the lines to the selector valve. This also solved the problem of all the gas in the rear tank ending up in the front one. A few weeks later, the truck began to randomly quit. Would start again the next morning, and then might run for a little or a lot before doing it again. Troubleshooting seems to indicate the rear tank pump is intermittent. (I'd love a second opinion on that, just seems too coincidental that it started after messing with the tank). Removed the rear tank. The top side is covered with big malignant rust barnacles, and the seam between the halves is beginning to flake apart. I'm going to replace it before it starts leaking.

Here's where I start to ask dumb questions. I'm just not that familiar with auto repair, parts sources, etc.

Are there reliable after market pumps and tanks out there. I have little faith in Chinese stuff from AutoZone and the like, and I'm guessing that going to Ford is going to be expensive.

In the process of removing both tanks the little locking clip that holds the 4-pin connector to the pump/sender unit broke. I hate those damn things. Is it possible to get a new plug, or does someone know how to rig it so it stays on?

Also broken were the little plastic locking clips that hold the fuel lines on the pump outlet tubes. It's a clever set up, but those plastic clips get brittle in time and I doubt that they are available as spare parts. Any ideas?

Thanks
Craig

 

I've never had any issues with Autozone fuel pumps. They sell the plastic line clips in the HELP rack section.