Fuel Tank Float Replacement
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Fuel Tank Float Replacement
I have dual tanks on my 87' F150. Both floats are obviously bad. The indicator goes way past the F on the guage and after using a few gallons, the indicator starts to fluctuate when stopping, accelerating, or turning corners. I am going to pick up a couple new floats (not the whole sending unit) from the local Ford dealer. The question is, Wouldn't it just be alot easier to remove the bed of the truck and then fix the tanks from the top, instead of dropping both tanks? Is it a big job to remove the bed? This is just a thought, what do you all think???
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 10
From: austin
I had to replace an in-tank pump on an '86 on the rear tank a while back. I had already dropped the tank once with a friend, it was a real PITA to get back up in place. Nobody was available to help the 2nd time, so I took out all of the carriage bolts holding the bed to the frame rails, and lifted the back end and supported it with 2x4 lumber. It worked easily. Since you're going to have to remove both tanks, I personally would definitely prefer pulling the bed (I'm guessing you'll need one guy at each corner to lift it off & put it back) than having to drop 2 tanks AND put them back in place!
-Chris
-Chris
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Unless you have a serious rust problem, it's easier to pull the bed when getting to both tanks.
However, my two cents, you're not looking at a float problem. It sounds to me more like an electrical problem, probably at the dash switch.
However, my two cents, you're not looking at a float problem. It sounds to me more like an electrical problem, probably at the dash switch.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 298
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I believe it is the sending unit, as I had the exact same problem and a sending unit fixed it. I've replaced pumps in both tanks, and as long as you don't have 200 lbs of gas in them, i didn't find them that hard to take off from the bottom. Honestly, I wouldn't want to disconnect wiring, fuel filler hoses and rusted on bed bots, and then have to lift off the bed. The way I see it, you're gonna have to get under the truck no matter what. Choose whatever works best for you. Last, if your truck also has that problem where the back tank return fills up the front tank, I'd just get the wole pump/sender assembly. Those factory pumps aren't that great anyway.