Dual tank problem

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Jan 25, 2005 | 07:02 PM

Matt Crack

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Dual tank problem

I am working on an '89 Ford 150 van. I can't change to the other tank. I don't know how this system works so any help is apperciated.

Thanks in advancce

Jan 26, 2005 | 03:22 PM

blue_mule

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From: Heart of Dixie

each tank has a fuel pump in it.. It is possible that one of the pumps is bad.

Jan 27, 2005 | 04:34 PM

trike1946

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

It could also be the switch under the dash, or the valve under the truck. Does the gauge change to the other tank, just no fuel?

Jan 27, 2005 | 07:23 PM

Matt Crack

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I checked the switch under the dash and it is good. The gauge reads correctly on each tank. How do I check the intank pump? How does the valve and the whole dual tank system work? Thanks for the help

Jan 28, 2005 | 05:50 AM

trike1946

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

Lay under the truck and have someone move the switch back and forth, and listen for it clicking. If you hear it clicking chances are your valve is ok and the problem is at the tank. The valve should be on the frame rail. Follow the lines from the tanks if you don't see it. Do you have a manual for the truck? It will give you some insight about the wiring. Since the gauge is switching, I would assume the fuses are ok, but you might want to check the ones in the truck and the ones under the hood anyway. You also might want to do a search on this. There have been alot of dual tank problems. Also if you hear the clicking, then listen for noise from the tank, maybe the pump works but is clogged somehow. More likely the pump is bad though.

Jan 28, 2005 | 04:54 PM

rclarke

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I believe that the 89 dual tank setup simply switches the fuel pumps for changing tanks. On the frame rail under the drivers seat is a cannister assembly that looks like it might have a filter in it. It doesn't. Inside is a pressure activated valve that makes the return fuel from the engine go to the right tank. On my 89 e350 I was fooled when the front tank quit working and replaced the pump. What actually happened was the valve in that cannister stuck in the rear tank position and wouldn't allow fuel from the front tank to flow. The cannister is not too expensive and is fairly easy to replace. Listen to the tank for the fuel pump running while someone turns the key on, you should be able to hear the pump run if its ok. Do that for both tanks.

Jan 31, 2005 | 02:39 PM

Matt Crack

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I checked the pump in the tank by discoonecting it from the dual tank selector valve, then I turned the key on and flipped the switch and it pumped gas out. So I took the dual tank selector valve off and I am getting a new one. I hope thats will will fix my problem. I'll let you know, Thanks