First things first, I have a 87 f-150, 5.0, 4x4, 4spd, single cab long bed with duel tanks.

When I bought the truck, the owner had blown a tire, and crunched the back driveside of the bed on a curb. This blew off the fill tube for the rear tank. Also it broke two bolts on the front tank's tube. I replaced the broken two bolts, but since doing that, whenever I fill up with gas, it goes about .2 or so gallons, then stops like its fill. I have to sit there and constantly hold the gas pump (or rather grip it constantly because it wont stay running). What could be my problem there? Also, since I don't know how long I've been without a filler neck on the rear tank, should I drop the tank and put it in a hot tank? I'm in the automotive program at school, so can I put it in the hot tank we have there if it'll fit? If not, what can I do to it, if I have to do anything?

I have a crazy idle/oil light issue. It varies, but the two are connected. Sometimes I can sit at normal idle, and the oil guage will be just below the N. Other times, it'll sit like its dead, and the engine light will be on. Other times it'll idle around 1500, or 2300 and be at N. I don't like it idling at 1500 or 2300, because that just wastes gas. What could be my issue? I have a small leak of oil, but its very small. Could it be the oil pump is going?

I need lower ball joints on the truck. Is it easier to do on a lift, that I have at school?

The steering box I believe is leaking. After talking to my future Grandpa-in law, we believe it needs seals. My book does not state how to do this, just how to remove and replace teh steering box. A seal kit I think is about $20. Thats better than $150. Does anyone have instructions how to do this?

I know thats a lot, but I could sure use yalls help! Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Firstly the rear tank. If you think water or debris could have entered you will need to clean it out before you put it into service. If it was me I would probably put a few gall. of gas in, let it slosh about and then drain. After bringing the tank into service I would change the fuel filter more often than normal for a few times. I think you are right about the oil press. readings being connected to the erratic idle. You will have to use a code reader and pull the faults. Doing this will save you endless time and money. If the oil leak is minor I would not worry about it.
Finally the steering box. Clean round the box well so you can identify exactly where the leak is. A leak from a steering pipe can run down the box and make it appear that the seals are leaking. If it is the seals they are not hard to replace with the unit in the truck. Undo the big nut holding th drop arm and remove (can be tight as on a taper). Pull the circlip and remove the old seals and replace in the reverse order.

 

How would I drain the tank, is there a drain hole, or do I have to drop the tank? Even though there is two tanks, is there only one fuel filter? Is it in tank, or somewhere along the frame. I thought I saw it the other day when I was fixing my E-Brake.

I'll see if we have a code reader for a 87. I'm not sure the school does though.

I will do that to the steering, thanks. Sounds easy enough.

 

No drain plugs (rare on any vehicle) so you've got to drop the tank. You'll want to pickup a fuel line disconnect tool from any autoparts store.

There is only 1 fuel filter, on the frame rail. But there are 3 fuel pumps, two high volume low pressure pumps in the tanks, and 1 high pressure pump on the frame rail.

You want an EEC-IV compatiable scan tool. Snap-on and the like make them.

Usually they have a scanner that has multiple computer connectors to work on most OBD-I EFI systems like the EEC-IV.

 

Fuel tank, check.

Alright. So I should do something like, 3 months down the road after the inital fuel filter replace ment?

 

Just noticed from your post that you have a lift. You should use it to drop the tank and wash it out with some gas and empty out. Then replace the fuel filter and again after maybe 5000mls. The lift will make the job much easier. Also the lift will make the ball joint replacement easier as you will not have to work at ground level.

 

Where is the fuel filter on a long box with dual tanks located? I have looked for it, but I could only locate the fuel resovoir, but is that the same as the fuel filer? Thanks,
Mike

 

the fuel filter is on the inside of the framerail, just behind the drivers side tire. Its real easy to take out, as you just disconnect the quick-clips from either side and take off the clamp securing it to the framerail. But first, make sure that the pressure from the fuel system is let off, or else when you take off the lines, fuel will go all over everything.

 

How does one releave the pressure to the fuel system?

 

(This is an EFI engine right?) Up on the engine, on the fuel rail, theres something that looks like an air valve on a tire. You're supposed to get a special tool for it and everything, but what I've always done is take a terry towel and press down on the valve with a screwdriver. Just make sure that you don't bend the valve, because just like if you did it on a tire and it wouldn't hold air afterwards, it won't hold fuel pressure. Some fuel comes out, the towel absorbs it, and any that might have dripped, and you're set. After that, it should be fine, at least it was with mine.
Then once you change the filter, make sure that before you start the engine, turn the key on and listen to the fuel pump. When it shuts off, turn the key off, then turn it back on and do the same thing. Do this about 3 or 4 times to let the fuel system re-pressurize and you're golden.

 

The oil pressure gauge is just a fancy idiot light. it does not represent true oil pressure. it will read somewhere if there is more than like 4psi. You'll need to put a mechanic gauge on it to see what your oil pressure is really doing.

 

There is a filter in the "fuel resovoir" it's a canister type. You un-screw the bottom off and the filter is in there. There's an o-ring that comes with the new filter to put back on. That's the way it is on my 86 EFI and it should be the same. You'll have to remove the cover/shield to get to it. Depressureize the system first.

The other is an inline filter closer to the engine on the frame.

 

Is this the same on the 89s? I have scoured the fuel lines and cannot find an inline filter and have had the resovoir out and for the life of me couldn't get it open. Do I have a filter in there?

 

well on my 87 i have the inline filter, but if you have the reservoir, then I'd go with beatertruck and try to get it opened, as he says you should have the filter in there

 

Alright thanks. How much are they if I break it just out of curiousity.