auxiliary tank
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auxiliary tank
I cannot access my auxiliary tank...when I switch over from the primary tank while driving I lose power and have to switch back to regain power...where do I start to troubleshoot this?
Thanks,
trying to hold on to my old club wagon.
Thanks,
trying to hold on to my old club wagon.
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Not to be a wise guy, but is there any gas in your auxillary tank?
I presume this "switch" is for a solenoid valve? It also switches the gas gauge over to auxillary tank too right? Don't trust the gauge, go under & rap on the tank to confirm its got gas.
My Dad had an F150 w/similar dual tank set up & the rear tank was little used & rusted prematurely. He did not drive in often, only had 35,000 on it after 10 years & rarely needed the 2nd tank. The aux tank rusted inside 1st & clogged up the valve, then finally rusted thru. He was lucky not to have a fire!
I'd pull the solenoid valve, check it for blockage, confirm the hoses are good & gas will flow. Also inspect the top of the tank for accumulated dirt/salt/rust.
I presume this "switch" is for a solenoid valve? It also switches the gas gauge over to auxillary tank too right? Don't trust the gauge, go under & rap on the tank to confirm its got gas.
My Dad had an F150 w/similar dual tank set up & the rear tank was little used & rusted prematurely. He did not drive in often, only had 35,000 on it after 10 years & rarely needed the 2nd tank. The aux tank rusted inside 1st & clogged up the valve, then finally rusted thru. He was lucky not to have a fire!
I'd pull the solenoid valve, check it for blockage, confirm the hoses are good & gas will flow. Also inspect the top of the tank for accumulated dirt/salt/rust.
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gas tank
thanks for the response...I recently filled both tanks, ran the main tank out and switched to the aux tank...I make a point of alternating tanks to avoid those problems mentioned in your post...upon switching to aux tank the truck soon ran out of gas...I did confirm as you suggested that there was in fact gas in the tank..the solenoid valve sound like a good assessment...I could now use some advice on removing the valve and possibly bench testing it.
Thanks again,
Quigs
Thanks again,
Quigs
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You'd do yourself a big favor by identifying the year, motor & model. We're not mind readers & don't even know if you've got FI or carb.
Guessing you have FI which has 3 fuel pumps. The 2 low pressure pumps are in the tanks, are controlled by the switch & are suspect. You should be able to hear if both pumps will run or not from underneath. A dead pump could be a power issue, if not the tank has to be dropped to get at it. The solenoid valve itself is on the L frame rail, most likely just ahead of the tranny rear cross member. FI systems use hard nylon fuel lines w/Quick Connectors requiring the cheap tools to disconnect.
Guessing you have FI which has 3 fuel pumps. The 2 low pressure pumps are in the tanks, are controlled by the switch & are suspect. You should be able to hear if both pumps will run or not from underneath. A dead pump could be a power issue, if not the tank has to be dropped to get at it. The solenoid valve itself is on the L frame rail, most likely just ahead of the tranny rear cross member. FI systems use hard nylon fuel lines w/Quick Connectors requiring the cheap tools to disconnect.
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thanks for the reply...the truck is a 1990 club wagon, e-150, with a 5 litre and FI. when you say the pump in the tank is controlled by "the switch" how do i locate and test the switch? also is there anything i need know as far as listeneing for the pump or is it really that audible that i only need lie under the truck and listen?
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Wish my memory was better. I think "the switch" on dash controls the solenoid valve on the frame & the solenoid does the actual switching between the 2 in tank, low pressure, fuel pumps. I think the selected pump should run for a couple of seconds when the key is switched just to the run position, then switch off b/c motor isn't running. Obviously harder to hear over motor running. Either switch could be at fault, the test is to confirm if the aux tank pump runs. If it doesn't you procede to see if its getting power, or if its an open circuit. Not sure if you can access the wire connections at the pump w/o dropping tank.
Yes, I think these pumps are "really that audible" but you'll need to be able to distinguish between the in tank low pressure pumps & the external high pressure pump which makes the most noise. I think you can hear the in tank pumps by removing the gas caps & listening at the filler. Careful of risk of fire, disconnect the fuel line at selector valve & running pump should disgorge fuel. These are basic diagnostic steps.
Yes, I think these pumps are "really that audible" but you'll need to be able to distinguish between the in tank low pressure pumps & the external high pressure pump which makes the most noise. I think you can hear the in tank pumps by removing the gas caps & listening at the filler. Careful of risk of fire, disconnect the fuel line at selector valve & running pump should disgorge fuel. These are basic diagnostic steps.
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