Dropping the fuel tanks.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Western NC
Dropping the fuel tanks.
My front tank pickup is plugged and I need to drop it and clean it out. This also means the rear tank should be cleaned out too.
What should I watch out for on these jobs? What parts can be reused and what should be R & R'ed? Special tools? Any short cuts?
All help is appreciated! Thanks!
B
What should I watch out for on these jobs? What parts can be reused and what should be R & R'ed? Special tools? Any short cuts?
All help is appreciated! Thanks!
B
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,104
Likes: 1,517
From: western SD
No special tool are required. I use a floor jack to help support the tank, depending on the amount of fuel in it. It might not hurt to have the locking rings that hold the senders in, they can be a beach to get loose, if they are rusted in place. The shower head can rot off leaving you stranded at around 1/4 tank showing on the gauge. Some say it is easier to remove the bed to service the tanks, but I have always taken them out of the bottom.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
I use ratchet straps, less balancing when the fuel is sloshing around but floor jack is a good way too. Watch for fuel lines an sensor wires as you lower and raise. Vacuum all the crud before you open it up. Liberally apply patience and common sense as needed.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
To help disconnect the lines one of these helps greatly. They have an option like this at all of the parts stores
Lisle 37000 - Fuel Line & Air Conditioning Disconnect Tool Set
What made you think the pickup is clogged and not the filter/housing in the engine bay?
Lisle 37000 - Fuel Line & Air Conditioning Disconnect Tool Set
What made you think the pickup is clogged and not the filter/housing in the engine bay?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Western NC
To help disconnect the lines one of these helps greatly. They have an option like this at all of the parts stores
Lisle 37000 - Fuel Line & Air Conditioning Disconnect Tool Set
What made you think the pickup is clogged and not the filter/housing in the engine bay?
Lisle 37000 - Fuel Line & Air Conditioning Disconnect Tool Set
What made you think the pickup is clogged and not the filter/housing in the engine bay?
These trucks use the quick disconnect fuel lines?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Western NC
3/4 full, I'll have to drain the tank before I drop it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Okay, that rules out one common thing, the strainer aka "showerhead" falling off; that results in the truck not running when the tank goes below 1/4 tank. Draining the tank is gonna be tricky, if indeed the strainer is clogged. 3/4 tank of diesel should weigh about 100 lb; the tank itself is pretty light. You might be able to put a couple of adjustable nylon straps under it, hooked to the frame, and gradually loosen the straps to lower it to the ground.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Willow Grove, PA
Pull the bed. It's not that hard & easier to get to the tanks in place from the top. You can also mod the vents and fill necks at the same time, easier fill up. You can extend the pickups & remove the plastic pickup / showerhead whatever you want to call it. Did mine this way after I put in the 38 gal rear tank & had a problem w/ pickup & gauge.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Use a board under the tank and a floor jake, no problem. Use a tool like Alex linked but with a bigger flange on it for leverage in pushing it in. No telling what you'll find with the sending unit, a new one is expensive and hard to find. Good Luck and where have you been???????
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Removing the bed isnt all bad. I had to cut and grind and fight my bed bolts, but it came off.
If you do, purchase a set of super duty bed bolts. You can find them on ebay they are 'recent take offs' or something.
And yes the fuel sender has fuel lines connected with those QD
If you do, purchase a set of super duty bed bolts. You can find them on ebay they are 'recent take offs' or something.
And yes the fuel sender has fuel lines connected with those QD