Unused fuel...
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
Unused fuel...
I had a hole in my front fuel tank. Everything leaked out and it's been empty for over a year now. Lately I've been seein small drip spots under the bed where it could be a fuel leak again. Do our trucks have a fuel/valor return and what tank do they go in? I'm just wondering if I'm crazy, have a leak in my rear tank or the return goes into my front tank and it's just leaking out again.
Anyone have good experience or a good reason no to use fuel dye? Thinking this could always be a good start.
Thanks!
Anyone have good experience or a good reason no to use fuel dye? Thinking this could always be a good start.
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
The way the fuel system work, it has a supply and return from each tank to the selector valve on the frame rail. From there (since the switching is done there) there is only one supply and return line. So it is possible that the selector valve is stuck or broken and is pulling fuel from the rear tank and returning unused fuel to the front tank. Have someone get in the truck and turn the key to run. Then have them flip the tank selector switch while you listen beside the selector valve (on the frame under the truck). You should hear it click when you change tanks. If you don't, chances are good that either the valve or the switch are bad.
The dye, I know nothing about.
And just to confirm that we're on the same page, we are talking about an OBS (94.5-97) Powerstroke Diesel truck correct? I just want to make sure since the vehicle listed in your garage is a gasser and they use a different fuel system design with dual pumps, yada, yada, yada.
The dye, I know nothing about.
And just to confirm that we're on the same page, we are talking about an OBS (94.5-97) Powerstroke Diesel truck correct? I just want to make sure since the vehicle listed in your garage is a gasser and they use a different fuel system design with dual pumps, yada, yada, yada.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
The way the fuel system work, it has a supply and return from each tank to the selector valve on the frame rail. From there (since the switching is done there) there is only one supply and return line. So it is possible that the selector valve is stuck or broken and is pulling fuel from the rear tank and returning unused fuel to the front tank. Have someone get in the truck and turn the key to run. Then have them flip the tank selector switch while you listen beside the selector valve (on the frame under the truck). You should hear it click when you change tanks. If you don't, chances are good that either the valve or the switch are bad.
The dye, I know nothing about.
And just to confirm that we're on the same page, we are talking about an OBS (94.5-97) Powerstroke Diesel truck correct? I just want to make sure since the vehicle listed in your garage is a gasser and they use a different fuel system design with dual pumps, yada, yada, yada.
The dye, I know nothing about.
And just to confirm that we're on the same page, we are talking about an OBS (94.5-97) Powerstroke Diesel truck correct? I just want to make sure since the vehicle listed in your garage is a gasser and they use a different fuel system design with dual pumps, yada, yada, yada.
Anyway, thanks for the info. I have to fix the leaky tank anyway. Having two diesel tanks is a must. I hate running low an then can't find diesel. I'll check the switch. I thought the return lines would have returned fuel to the selected tank but maybe it is stuck. That could explain my "poor fuel mileage" if the fuel is going into the leaky tank and leaking out. At the price of diesel that stuff is liquid gold LOL
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
For future reference it my be helpful for you to go to your "User CP" and then click on the "Edit Signature" link and fill out a signature that includes a description of your truck so we know the details. It just makes it a lot easier to be sure we are giving pertinent information.
If you're seeing a decrease in fuel mileage, that would make a lot of sense. It appears possible that the unused fuel is being returned to the front tank (which it commonly does if the selector valve fails or gets stuck) and is then leaking out on the ground.
Look for a plastic tank if you end up replacing the front tank. They were used on some of these trucks and they're a lot more durable than the steel tanks which are prone to rusting out and then leaking, as you have experienced.
If you're seeing a decrease in fuel mileage, that would make a lot of sense. It appears possible that the unused fuel is being returned to the front tank (which it commonly does if the selector valve fails or gets stuck) and is then leaking out on the ground.
Look for a plastic tank if you end up replacing the front tank. They were used on some of these trucks and they're a lot more durable than the steel tanks which are prone to rusting out and then leaking, as you have experienced.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
For future reference it my be helpful for you to go to your "User CP" and then click on the "Edit Signature" link and fill out a signature that includes a description of your truck so we know the details. It just makes it a lot easier to be sure we are giving pertinent information.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
Anyway, are all the SD tanks plastic? Any particular year?
Thanks!!!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Not really. Signatures use a fair amount of bandwidth and a LOT of screen real estate. Turning them off makes reading the forums WAAAY easier, esp. in threads with multiple posts by the same user (same signature repeated). This is why opening a thread with "The truck in my sig...." is such a bad idea. If the relevant truck doesn't show up in your profile, just list the year, model, etc. in your opening post.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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I believe they all are. Just different sizes.
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