I've got dual fuel tanks on my 82 F100, but I don't have an electric switch like other ford trucks I've seen. How can I wire up the truck to switch between the tanks. I've got a full tank of gas that I can't use.

 

I'm new to this site but have some knowledge that may be of help to you.
The dual fuel tank system on my Ford Motor Home utilizes two separate fuel lines, one from each fuel tank. They meet at a 12v solenoid operated fuel valve with two inlets and one outlet, usually available at RV and auto parts stores. This valve is mounted to the frame under the car at about the drivers seat. The fuel line continues from the valve to the fuel pump.
A double pole double throw electric toggle switch is mounted on the dashboard. In position one the switch energizes the solenoid valve and allows fuel to flow to the engine from tank one. At the same time it connects the fuel sending unit in tank one to the fuel gauge. In position two vice-versa. The system is wired so that the single dashboard fuel gauge can be used with the dual tanks.
Does this help?

Ron Thompson
Datil NM

 

That's a great suggestion Ron. But I've wondering if its possible that Ford produced a vehicle with dual tanks and no switch? I learn something new everyday on this site.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I wired up a toggle switch from the fuse box to the solenoid. I'm sure my truck originally had a factory switch, but with all of the different owners who knows what happened to it over the past 20 years. The fuel gauge only reads whats in the main tank, but at least I can use the second tank now.

 

More about dual fuel tanks:

An "Electric Fuel Tank Selector Valve" complete with dashboard switch and instructions for utilizing a single fuel gauge can be purchased from JC Whitney Co for about $40. It's in the Gas Tanks and Accessories Section of the catalog. Go to http://www.jcwhitney.com
It Uses 5/16" fuel line which must be purchased separately.

If you have ever entertained the idea of installing an electric fuel pump now is the time install one! Mount the fuel pump to the frame directly in front of the selector valve. Don't forget to remove the mechanical fuel pump and cover the resulting hole in the engine with a cover plate. Less expensive diaphragm pumps work just fine.

When routing new fuel line from valve or electric fuel pump abandon steel line completely and use heavy duty rubber fuel hose. This can be routed away from engine heat thus reducing possibility of vapor lock.

Why use an diaphragm electric fuel pump when the mechanical pump works just fine?

Electrical fuel pumps can be wired so that the pump begins pumping when the ignition switch is turned on and not when the engine starts turning over. If you turn on the ignition switch for a few seconds before starting car the fuel bowl is filled up completely by the electric fuel pump. This is especially helpful in hot climates where it corrects the problem of fuel evaporating from bowl as the car sits in the summer heat. This can cause flooding of engine during starting
if accelerator pedal is pumped a little too much.

It also helpful in troubleshooting fuel flow problems. The pump hums when it is running so you can hear it. It can also be touched and the vibration felt with your hand. All this happens when the ignition switch is simply turned on. If it doesn't hum and vibrate then you definitely have a fuel flow problem. And it's right under the frame below the driver's seat or other convenient location!

I believe it is also true that a properly tuned Ford 300 six engine will start up immediately thus saving wear and tear on starter and battery circuits.

I have also had no summer vapor lock problems since installing the above described system.

So there you have it. Everything single thing I know about dual fuel tank systems and more. Except why some trucks seem to have no switch and function on only one tank. That one, my friends, has got me!!

 

 

Hi,

Our RV will start, and idle just fine. When we take off it drives nice for a small bit and then acts like it's running out of gas. We can switch from back to front tanks and back again and it will run smoothly again for another small bit.

We have installed an inline pump and tried changing the coil. Once changing the coil the problem got worse.

Any suggestions?

 

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