Dropping fuel tank Q
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
Dropping fuel tank Q
My truck has a leaking front tank. I already bought a new tank for it.
However, I guess my question is, what's the best way to do this.
My Chilton's says if the truck has dual tanks, you have to drain both of them to drop one tank (?) I've got a little less than half a tank in the front tank, and about half a tank in the front tank, so that's like 15-20 gallons.
I don't think I have anything that big to empty the tanks into and I don't really want to just drive the truck around to use up that extra fuel. Any suggestions?
Also, do these things have anything actually attached to the tank besides the sending unit wiring and fuel pickup?
Oh and finally, what's the opinion on pitching the fuel tank skidplate? The guy that owned the truck already got rid of the one under the rear tank because he said it made the tank rust out. Kinda looks like that's what happened with the front tank too.
However, I guess my question is, what's the best way to do this.
My Chilton's says if the truck has dual tanks, you have to drain both of them to drop one tank (?) I've got a little less than half a tank in the front tank, and about half a tank in the front tank, so that's like 15-20 gallons.
I don't think I have anything that big to empty the tanks into and I don't really want to just drive the truck around to use up that extra fuel. Any suggestions?
Also, do these things have anything actually attached to the tank besides the sending unit wiring and fuel pickup?
Oh and finally, what's the opinion on pitching the fuel tank skidplate? The guy that owned the truck already got rid of the one under the rear tank because he said it made the tank rust out. Kinda looks like that's what happened with the front tank too.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
The chilton's is wrong, the tanks don't have to both be drained, have no clue why they would say that... If you wish, you can drain the front one, if there is a bunch in it, but if it isn't full, it doesn't have to be, but it does add weight to them. The fuel lines and sender plug, as fill hose are all that is hoked up, and the straps that hold the tank up. If you don't see much or any offroad conditions that merit the skid, then there is really no need in keeping it. As you have noted they tend to catch a lot of gunk and hold it there.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
Well, the skidplate doesn't appear to be in the best condition these days anyway, it looks like it's got some holes rusted through it...I'm sure the tank leaking diesel on it hasn't helped either.
Ahh, I'll have to see when I get to it...
Ahh, I'll have to see when I get to it...
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 26
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The worst part is the bolts that hold the straps up, Kinda hard to get at. You can disconnect your lines after its lowered unless you can access them beforehand. Try to siphon as much fuel out as possible to make it easier to handle. It's probaly leaking right where the straps rest (I did mine this past summer).A good tip would be when you put it back in put an inner tube over you straps before reinstalling, bicycle tubes work great!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 190
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From: Chesapeake, VA
I just dropped my front tank a few weeks ago and I drained it by buying a electric fuel pump from a local auto parts store and 6 feet of fuel line. I just hooked up the fuel pump to a old Batt that i had in my shed and dropped about 4 1/2 feet of hose into the front tank and pumped it into the rear tank. It only took about 10-15 mins to drain it. It was almost half way full. It made it real easy to drop the tank.
On the other hand the bolts on the straps were a bit rusty, so i sprayed the with some PB blaster, let them sit for about and hour or two, and it wasn't that bad to get them out. I thought for sure i was going to have to cut them when i first tried to loosen them. Well good luck
On the other hand the bolts on the straps were a bit rusty, so i sprayed the with some PB blaster, let them sit for about and hour or two, and it wasn't that bad to get them out. I thought for sure i was going to have to cut them when i first tried to loosen them. Well good luck
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
When I replaced mine, the holes were right above the seam.
Dirt lays on the seam and gets wet evey time you drive on a wet road.
With a stock bed on, there is no way to wash the dirt out on the frame side of the tank.
Two fuel lines, one vent line clipped to the bed frame, on fill spout and the sending unit wiring.
PB Blaster the strap bolts for a couple days before you try to remove the tank.
Siphon out as much fuel as possible, with the tank as long as it is the fuel sloshing around inside can get you hurt if there is much fuel in it.
A helper is very good to have while holding the tank and trying to get the clips of the fuel lines and the tab released on the electrical connection.
Dirt lays on the seam and gets wet evey time you drive on a wet road.
With a stock bed on, there is no way to wash the dirt out on the frame side of the tank.
Two fuel lines, one vent line clipped to the bed frame, on fill spout and the sending unit wiring.
PB Blaster the strap bolts for a couple days before you try to remove the tank.
Siphon out as much fuel as possible, with the tank as long as it is the fuel sloshing around inside can get you hurt if there is much fuel in it.
A helper is very good to have while holding the tank and trying to get the clips of the fuel lines and the tab released on the electrical connection.
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