What is the small gromet and part on the lower center of the tank. It is left of the filler neck in the shadow. It has a small vacuum hose coming from it.

I pulled the front tank today because everytime I fill it up, it seems to only use a couple of gallons and then the truck begins to sputter under load due to lack of fuel and then eventually it will not run on the front tank (tank nearly full). This never happens when I use the rear tank. I thought there was a fuel pump inside the tank and that it was going bad. However, upon inspection there is only the fuel sender and fuel level (rheostat I think its called). The fuel sender, float, and rheostat seemed to be in fine condition except for the filter around the bottom of the pickup tube which fell apart when I removed the sending unit.

While removing the tank I noticed the fuel filler neck was completely unclamped and loose (fuel cap side) and the fuel line coming from the top of the fuel sender to the selector switch was cracked all around the clamp allowing sloshed fuel to bubble out of it. Also, the part I'm trying to find was very loose and moving inside its gromet also allowing sloshed fuel to bubble out around it. I figured that with all of these factors my problem wasn't a pump or selector switch issue, but a loss of vacuum issue because of all the bad seals. The fuel pump was struggling to pull gas from the front tank as the fuel level decreased.

I was going to replace the fuel lines, fix the filler neck, and get a new "grommet part thingy" and put it back together.

Your thoughts? Thanks

 

thats the rollover vent. It also vents the gas tank to the charcoal cannister.

 

Is it supposed to be loose or should I look into replacing it or maybe fixing it to make it seat tighter? From what I've read, I can't just buy a new one. So if that is the case, I may have to roll with it as is and hope for the best.

 

sloppyslim,

Sounds like much of the problem(s) can be addressed by replacing hoses, etc. The filter around the bottom of the pick-up can be replaced. [Years ago, when this item would get stopped up and the vehicle would be taken to the Ford dealership, one trick was for the technician to blow compressed air through the fuel line and literally blow the sock off inside the tank without having to drop the tank] If you run/drive without this sock/filter, make very sure you have a good filter protecting the carburetor.

While sorting through the possible solutions and weighing the possible safety ramifications [fuel leaks/fire], remember that a new replacement tank costs approximately $100 at most part stores. Just a thought...

 

Sounds good. I've got a quick easily changeable fuel filter right after the selector switch on the drivers side frame rail. That in addition to the filter just before the carb should keep everything clean.

Maybe I can try adding a non corroding rubber gasket just under the roll over vent plug to tighten it up?

 

Most new tanks do not come with that valve or the seal.

 

Its not supposed to be loose. I would look at replacing it. Check LMC, they might have one.

 

F6TZ-9B076-AA .. Seal-Fuel Vapor Valve to Fuel Tank / Available from Ford

MSRP: $7.13 // FTE Ford Dealer Parts Dept sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM price: $4.70.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E7DZ-9B593-A .. Fuel Vapor Valve / Available from Ford.

Applications: 1980/87 F100/350 & Bronco-Use with mid-ship & aft axle fuel tanks // Myriad 1980's FoMoCo Passenger Cars.

MSRP: $46.92 // PARTSGUYED.COM price: $28.15.

 

All is well again with the front tank. I replaced the fuel line, cleaned up and reseated the rollover vent and grommet, and fixed the filler hose. She runs like a champ now on the front tank!

 

Maybe I am not doing something right here but, I clicked on PARTSGUYED.COM and couldnt find anything in the search for the numbers listed.. If I call them, how do i get the discount?
40 - 50 dollars is high for a plastic valve!

 

LMC has the single line vent for $19.95 and seal for $4.95. Get a good order together so they don't eat you alive on shipping.
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

Rock Auto has about the best price on tanks and sending units but sometimes you can find a deal on Amazon or ebay. Got the best shipped price on a sending unit from Amazon recently, and found a new F150 tank for $70 shipped on ebay.

 

Thanks SSellers!
I ordered a catalog from LMC too.
Yes got the sending unit from Amazon.
What is the difference in fuel tanks?
I found this one on ebay and it is the same dementions as the ones on RA.
1975 1985 Ford Econoline Gas Tank w Roll Over Valve Hole F15B | eBay


Shhhhhh
Bob's Classic Chevy - The Ultimate Source for restoration parts, styling, and performance upgrades for your Classic Chevy Is his website. I called and all he could tell me is that it was made overseas when I ask him about the brand.

 

Ed had a stroke some time ago and retired; partsguyed.com used to take you to a Ford dealer up in Washington or Oregon or some such but the domain name has been purchased by somebody else since then.

You should look at the posting dates of the things you're reading....

 

Ed was known as partsguyed.com and was the parts manager of Horizon Ford in Tukwila WA

He had a stroke 1/2011, was forced to retire. Horizon Ford is still an FTE sponsor, now horizonpartsguy.com

 

F15B is a Spectra Premium fuel tank. They do design/testing in Canada (home base) and have manufacturing facilities both in NA and overseas.