fuel tank problem

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Jan 13, 2006 | 04:39 PM

gkl273

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fuel tank problem

Hello! This is my 1st time on this site. I need some information and help. I have a 1988 F150 with a 5L engine. I have just replaced both fuel tanks and installed new pumps in each tank. When I use the front tank I have no problems but when I switch to the rear tank my front tank fills with gas and pours out the filler tube. Thanks

Jan 13, 2006 | 05:22 PM

IB Tim

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Jan 13, 2006 | 05:30 PM

'88_F-150

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From: Pittstown NJ

Well I have heard of this problem there is a defect in a check valve in the tank switching system which allows fuel to be pumped from one tank to the other but I dont know any of the specifics Im sure one of the other people in the forum will be able to help you more good luck

Jan 13, 2006 | 05:43 PM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkl273

You have a bad Fuel Selector Valve on the Frame Rail. This is a non-electric valve and depends on the fuel pressure of the selected tank pump to switch the valve. The check valves on this system are in the Fuel Selector Valve on the Frame Rail. You may have a bad or wrong pump in the selected tank but more than likely it is the valve.
Here is a diagram of the valve but I understand that the new replacements do not have a filter in them now.

Last edited by subford; Jan 13, 2006 at 05:48 PM.

Jan 14, 2006 | 07:26 AM

gkl273

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Fuel tank problem

I just want to say thanks. I did see this valve in the chiltons book but there was no information about it. Thanks again.

Jan 14, 2006 | 07:50 AM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkl273

I just want to say thanks. I did see this valve in the chiltons book but there was no information about it. Thanks again.

I never buy one of them off brand manuals as they only copy what they want to out of the Ford shop manuals. The first thing I do when I buy an another Ford is buy a set of Shop Manuals, Shop Prints, CD, and the Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual. I still have all of the sets of manuals that I ever bought for them plus I still have eleven Fords and they date from 1956 to 1995. I must admit that when the prices got a little high a Helm I started buying from eBay.

Jan 15, 2006 | 10:03 PM

JimCT

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From: Near Waterbury, CT

I have an F-250 of the same year & dual tanked. If I recall, it's all electric in the switching. I have the same problem except that I know about this problem and I usually don't run the rear tank unless I know my front tank has some room. Anyway, back to the point, I think I recall reading in me Haynes' manual that the routing of the fuel lines causes some of the rear tank's fuel to return to the front tank. But this is mere fuzzy speculation.

The '88's have low pressure electric fuel pumps in each tank so it's just a matter of switching which one is on. I replaced both my tanks at the same time and replaced the pumps as well, I'm certain of this one. I don't know any fix (It's low on my list of priorities), but I just wanted to make you aware that this other direction of thought.

best regards! -Jim