fuel tank selector problems, need advice

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Nov 23, 2017 | 09:04 AM

waltharper

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Montesano, WA

fuel tank selector problems, need advice

My f150 has two fuel tanks. the switch inside the cab will make only select the rear tank. the front tank is full but when selected i run out of gas.

Another problem is that the fuel Gage shows when selected both tanks are above the full mark by a long ways. Actually more then it should, excessively full, needle past the stops, if you get my point.

Now would this be the selector switch fault or something else?

Where would this selector switch/valve be located at?

any suggestion or ideas would be helpfull.

thanks

Nov 23, 2017 | 09:17 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

What year is your truck? There is no selector valve on gas trucks built after 1989.

Nov 23, 2017 | 09:26 AM

waltharper

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Senior User

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Montesano, WA

1988 f150

has two tanks and the switch is below the instrument cluster, left hand side of the steering column.

Nov 23, 2017 | 09:28 AM

waltharper

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Senior User

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From: Montesano, WA

not sure if you can see the switch.

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Nov 23, 2017 | 11:04 AM

josiewales

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2014

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Very common problem on your mode/year truck. Your truck has a fuel valve(reservoir) on the frame rail that accomplishes the switching from one tank to the other. The switch on the dash supplies power to either the front or the rear tank pump. The pressure from the tank because the pump is running causes the valve to switch positions, supplying pressure outgoing to the engine and switching the return fuel to go to the tank supplying the fuel. Your valve isn't switching to the front tank, thus no fuel is leaving the valve going to the engine from the front tank.
Two solutions: Rebuild the valve or replace the valve. (or just drive on the rear tank) I found the valve on Amazon, original Ford part, for $100 to $200. But there are folks here rebuilt their valve.

Nov 23, 2017 | 11:31 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltharper

1988 F150

Has two tanks and the switch is below the instrument cluster, left hand side of the steering column.

E7TZ-9A050-A .. Fuel Tank Selector Switch-6 terminals, mounted on instrument panel / Marked: E7TB-9A050-AA or AC / Available from Ford.

1987/89 F150 & F250/350 gas & diesel / 1990/91 F250/350 & F(Super Duty) diesel.

MSRP: $60.47 / autonationfordwhitebearlake.com online price: $36.59.

However, the switch may not be the problem, more than likely, it's the valve. Every type of these valves used in the 1980's were a notorious POS!

And btw: The 'pig boats' you served on...wouldn't those have been SSN's?

Nov 23, 2017 | 11:32 AM

subford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 23,667

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From: Easton,Ks

Could be a bad pump in the front tank also or a bad selector switch at the dash area.
Do you hear the front tank boost pump running for one second each time the key is turned on when selected.

Attachment 280309

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