Fuel Tank Replacement

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 2, 2007 | 08:58 PM

jkrums

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

Fuel Tank Replacement

Well, found a leak in my main fuel tank today. Rather than messing around with it I am just going to order up a replacement, and replace it outright. Patching a 20 year old fuel tank doesn't seem to make to much sense.

My question then is - this is one of those things I have never done before and I want to do it all in one afternoon. Anyone have any cautions / got-cha's / etc that I might run into. You know when you get into something like this; it is the fifty cent part on backorder that you forgot that always prevents you from finishing - or that's my luck anyway..........

THANKS!!!!

1985 F-150 4wd Short bed

Aug 2, 2007 | 10:52 PM

fellro86

Hotshot

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 11,697

Likes: 3

From: Marengo, Iowa

WHich tank are you referring? Either way, not too bad a job... Don't get too hung up on the bolts, it's easier if they do break, and just put new ones on. If you can have all the fuel out, or at least most of it, sure makes the job go easier.

Aug 2, 2007 | 11:01 PM

jkrums

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

the 19 gallon main tank in the back is the one I am replacing. I am trying to use up the fuel in it now. The leak is not too bad so I am just going to run the trank dry. I have some rust-penetrator on hand for the bolts. It seems to be my trucks best friend when it comes to jobs like this!!

Aug 3, 2007 | 12:16 AM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,999

Likes: 2,747

From: Virginia

Check the straps, you may need new ones. Get a new o-ring for the sending unit. Get some new bolts with long threads, you will probably end up twisting old ones off.

Aug 3, 2007 | 09:54 AM

opensourceguy

Freshman User

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Likes: 0

I went through this fiasco, broke every bolt but one for the tank. May as well just pick up some 9/16" head, 2" bolts w/ nuts and washers, two per bolt. So 4bolts, 4nuts, 8washers. And if you have a hitch, you'll break those too just like me. I don't tow so I never put that back on.. I reused my straps, amazingly they were will okay looking, and even the rubber was 'usable'... but it's not a bad idea to replace them.

Aug 3, 2007 | 10:48 AM

lisagoud

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,500

Likes: 2

DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LIVE, iF nEW eNGLAND, PLAN ON BUTING A BRAND NEW SENDING UNIT WITH NEW PUMP, O-RING, LOICKING RING, STRAPS AND PERHAPS FUEL LINES (hOW i LOVE ROAD SALT WITH sNOW AND OCEAN WATER)!!!

Aug 3, 2007 | 09:36 PM

MikeFlorida

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 71

Likes: 0

From: Florida

Vent Bushing

If your new tank does not come with a new vent bushing you will want to change it. I had to buy mine at the Ford dealership for around $7 If the vent bushing is worn it allows dirt, water etc; to enter your tank. I also installed thin rubber strips between the straps & the tank (basiaclly extra protection). The hoses are easy to remove from the sending unit after you take the clips off the connector. I also put di electric grease on the plug end connection when I re-installed mine. Hope the info helps.
Mike