F-250 460 4WD, T-19, 8600 GVW

I removed the main tank because the gas in it was who knows how old, smells really varnishy.

There was a line to it that I think must be a fuel return.


Two questions, is there some sort of rubber grommet that retains it in the tank? What's there is all dissolved and gummy. If so, anyone have a part number for it?

Also, is it the only return line, or does it only work when using the main tank, and there's another for the saddle tank. I'm wondering if I can drive the truck without putting the main tank back in.

 

I'll see if I can post an illustration on this ASAP, but you should be able to run w/o that tank if your tank selection valve is working properly.

 

Assuming rear (aft-axle) tank on a 1985 gasoline-powered, carb'd 460.

Below is what the parts catalog shows for that system. It's hard to see exactly what your picture is, but the factory used some quick-connect things, the retainers for which are available in the HELP! section of a decent parts store.

Which tank the fuel gets returned to is dependent on the tank-switcher valve.

 

Sorry, Gary, didn't mean to interfere, we're both operating at the same time.

 

No problem, Speedy Gonzalez. And, you actually got the right one. I'd forgotten the GVW thing and was going with the wrong one. Good job!

 

What you have pictured is the tank vent valve. Part of the emissions system (also needed to let air into the tank when gas leaves). There is a spring-loaded valve inside of it to prevent gas from going through the line, it will only allow vapors.

I looked at a couple of sites, including Rock Auto, but with no luck.


The grommet (and valve) has been used on most Fords, so even a good used one should be available.

 

Thanks for the help everyone.
Glad to hear it's vent. I guess if I'd thought more about it I'd have concluded that one of the two lines going in to the cover plate was the return line. I drove some yesterday and didn't see any fuel dripping from it.

Yes, my selector valve works, at least with the saddle tank. Not with the rear which is why I think the gas is ancient. They filled it, the selector died and they just left it.

I'm going to either get the tank boiled out at the local radiator shop, or see if I can find a Bronco tank.

 

I started to ask if you really need the 2nd tank, but then remembered you have a 460 and realized that's a dumb question. I just took the back tank off of Dad's truck as I have a 300 mile range w/o it.

 

That reminds me, what year Bronco tanks fit an '85 F250 without making modifications other than the support straps?

 

All trucks will need a new crossmember or a piece of angle iron.
Bronco tanks are shorter fore to aft.

You will also need to find another way to carry your spare tire (or not)



{EDIT}
Many Ford vehicles used that same rollover valve.
Bill (Numberdummy) could probably fill a whole page with F-L-M cars that did over the years.