My 1993 F-150 V8's rear gas tank started leaking. I ran the truck on the rear tank until it ran the tank dry. I would like to replace it myself, but have heard horror stories about exploding gas tanks. Has anyone replaced the rear gas tank on this type truck and could you pass on some safety tips I should make sure I follow when replacing the tank. Thanks

 

buy a plastic tank, and replace the straps while you are under there. Look in the catalog at fuel pumps for your year/model truck. If they are cheap enough, you might want to consider replacing it at this time.

 

I am having the same issue, just noticed it yesterday in my '93 - the fuel is wreaking havoc on my spare tire underneath as well. The whole exploding gas tank would cause me concern as well - any tips I would eagerly listen to also!! Any idea what the tank and pump would cost? Easy fix?

 

I just took mine to my muffler shop and he put it in no prob. The tanks run around $120, and a pump could be anywhere from $40 to $135 depending on year/model.

The reason I suggest possibly changing the pump out is, if you ever have to replace the pump in the future, you have to undo everything you did for this job, and do it over again, or take the bed off.

 

Ok, safety first....... To avoid any fires be sure to drain the tank completely. Though you ran it dry, there is likely stiff fuel in it. If you don't plan on reusing the tank, i'd suggest taking a punch and put a hole in the bottom of the tank to get as much out as possible. I'm sure many are thinking that this might cause a spark but if hit the punch squarly it won't be a problem. If you are still concerned, use a screwdriver with a plastic handle or siphin (sp?) it out. Also, be sure that you do any work like this outside or in a well ventalated area. Avoid anything that might start a fire like frayed electrical cord, lighted cigerettes, or wood burning stove. There is always a chance you could break a light bulb so I always use a florescent light which doesn't have a fillament (sp?).

You may find that the straps are rusted on pretty good. No flame cutting, use a hacksaw and if you must, do all flame cutting after you get the tank out.

 

Take everyones advice and go with the plastic tank and replace the sending unit. Other items you may need include new tank straps and possibly a new set of connection clips that hold the fuel lines onto the sending unit. In frustration I broke these clips both times I went through this with my front and rear tank. Your truck being newer may have a different connection. While your under there and have the fuel lines drained, replace the fuel filter too since it most likely has been awhile sice you done so. If you need more advice don't hesitate to ask and don't forget to search these forums. there is a lot of info on this out there.

 

I have a plastic mid tank that i am about to remove to make more room for tru dual exhast

 

Changing the rear tank is fairly simple. You will have to buy the palstic tool to insert in the fuel line to diconnect it,other than that maybe a couple of hours top. When I replace my rear tank in JAN., I used degreaser to clean the bottom ,then I rustproofed it ,I also bought new straps cleaned them also and rustproofed,I used an old inner tube between the tank and strap.The only trouble I had was reconnecting my filler tube,I need an extra set of hands .

 

I've a 94 F150, and being a noob to trucks and as luck would have it, BOTH my tanks leak. I'm considering just using gas tank putty for a temporary fix to get the truck through inspection. Dos anyone have any experience with this stuff?

Also, not knowing how the whole two gas tank thing works (and no owners manual, of course), with two gas tanks, do you actually have to use the switch in order to choose which tank you want to run off of? Sorry it's such a dumb question, but I play around with Mustangs, and have no expeerience with F150's.

Thanks!

 

Quote:Also, not knowing how the whole two gas tank thing works (and no owners manual, of course), with two gas tanks, do you actually have to use the switch in order to choose which tank you want to run off of? Sorry it's such a dumb question, but I play around with Mustangs, and have no expeerience with F150's.

Yes, the switch changes power direction to the in tank fuel pump and sending unit.

As far as safety, I'm kind of AC/DC. I'm a smoker and I had one lit when changing and working on my tanks. I've been around fuel burners for over 35 years and I've never heard or seen anyone or anything igniting from a lit cigarette(I'm not telling you to do so. lol). Well ventilated area is a must. No open flames or sparks. For fuel to ignite and explode, you have to have the right conditions present(Air/Fuel ratio and source of ignition). I've seen guys drop cigarettes in buckets of gas and go out. I've dropped them in puddles of Jet A fuel while working on Turbines. I've even smoked while changing out a fuel tank on a piston engine aircraft with residual fuel in it(AvGas, 100 Octane).

The only incident I've read about in the aviation industry is when a mechanic was working on a fuel cell making a structural repair inside of it using an electrial drill. Needless to say, he was killed and half the aircraft was burned and damaged.

I wait for the responses about me being an IDIOT, LOL.