86 BII what is the easiest and fastest way to remove the tank to replace fuel pump...there has got to be a few tricks to this one..I have the shield covering the tank. I know someone has those great tricks learned over time.

 

Well, the main thing to make things easier is to have the least amount of fuel possible in the tank to reduce the weight. You will also have to remove the plastic guard between the bumper and body because there are 2 bolts for the shield located underneath. The shield is bolted separately from the tank. I had just got underneath and supported the shield with one arm when removing the bolts. Loosen the clamp on the filler hose at the tank end of it and pull off. If the tank has a lot of gas in it, there is where you should be able to siphon some out of the tank directly. Also, use a floor jack with a piece of wood to keep the tank supported when removing the strap bolts. Lower the jack enough to reach in to remove the plastic clips holding the fuel lines to the pump. After that, you should be able to get the tank out with no problems.

 

Great instructions...about 2 hours for the change?

 

Shouldn't take any longer than that as long as you don't run into any problems. If the pump has never been removed from the tank before, it might be difficult removing the locking ring that holds the pump in place.

One more thing. You might want to inspect the tank thoroughly for any signs of possible leaks. If it's not leaking now, it might start when the tank is removed. You will see several spots that will be quite rusty usually along the grooves where the straps are against the tank and also on the top where the tank makes contact with the underside. The top is most common to start leaking usually at the front rust spots.

I have an '89 BII and am on my second tank. When the current one started leaking last year, I just patched it with an epoxy based sealant. After I let it dry overnight, I sprayed the tank with black Rustoleum for better protection. I also took an old inner tube and cut pieces off to place on the areas that had the rust while the paint was still tacky to create an adhesion. I also did this where the tank straps go. Doing this creates a seal which should help the tank last longer and prevent the cost of $85+ for a new one. It's just too bad that Ford never took any precautions to prevent this from happening.

 

This is more great info, had sticker shock yesterday...found out the price of he pump...WOW


Now on to the rust, hopefully, it will not be to bad or possibly not even a factor. I live in NM we average only 18/23% humidity and the car has been in the family since new so….I can hope.
I am going to run it out of gas before doing the job. It is the original pump, has 93K on it.
I like the inter-tube idea a bunch..very smart. Are you saying a new tank only cost 85?

 

$85 was the cheapest I had found on an internet site. Tanks are brand new.

I know what you mean about the cost of the pump. I had to replace mine at about 101K 8 years ago. At that time there wasn't an aftermarket pump available yet. I had to get it from a Ford dealer.

As far as the rust goes, you might be in luck, hopefully, from living in NM. The only thing that can cause the rust where you live would be any water that might lay in those areas from rainy days when driving. Here in PA, I have to deal with the road salt in the winter when it snows plus the higher humidity. As of this point right now the humidity is 75% (quite sticky). Even if you don't have much of a rust problem, I would still spray the tank with Rustoleum or the Krylon equivalent (cheaper). That will help the tank last much longer in any case.

Good luck!

 

I bought the Rustoleum yesterday, started to get my tank dropping kit together.
I really love the no moisture here...it is great. I about pass out when in 40/60% ...ug...

 

LOL! I can understand that.

Let me know how everything turns out.

 

Good choice Tim, I work for one of their sister companies.

 

Nice to know I am contributing to something....in about ten more years I will need to buy a case for the body

 

there isn't a drain bolt on the tank? there should be, and if not then :thumbdown:

i gotta fix mine next week not sure if it's pump/line/tank. gotta drop it. :frown:

 

you guys could always do it the easy way, remove the carpet and cut a square section out over the pump. then cut a piece of sheet metal to size, form it around the curves on the floor and screw it down. just think, next time it will be really easy to replace.

 

should be a 1 time thing i hope... just gona drop it replace what's leaking and put it back up.... just don't know what to expect.

 

Interesting idea wish Ford would have done that.

 

tim u ever get yours down? how bad was it?