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Do I really need 3 fuel pumps?

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Old May 9, 2009 | 11:18 PM
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Do I really need 3 fuel pumps?

88/89 F250 4x4 EFI 460. I have dual tanks, and I think I have a total of 3 fuel pumps. It looks like all 3, or possibly just the fuel rail pump are bad. I think the later model dual tank truck have only 2 pumps from what I did find in the forum search, and that it worked more efficiently.
What would be required to simplify my fuel pump system to something similar to the updated version?
Also my rear tank has a hole in it. Has anyone done a successful repair, or purchased a tank worthy of recommending? I'd rather go with a poly tank so that I won't run into this again.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 07:59 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by mando jake
88/89 F250 4x4 EFI 460. I have dual tanks, and I think I have a total of 3 fuel pumps. It looks like all 3, or possibly just the fuel rail pump are bad. I think the later model dual tank truck have only 2 pumps from what I did find in the forum search, and that it worked more efficiently.
What would be required to simplify my fuel pump system to something similar to the updated version?
You would have to do away with the selector valve and the high pressure pump on the frame.
Then replace both fuel tanks with the high pressure in the tank pumps (the hole needs to be bigger along with an alignment notch).
Run the high pressure fuel lines with the "T" junction from the tanks to the fuel filter and the return from the fuel pressure regulator.
Wire in the plugs to the tanks to your selector switch.
There may be a problem with the fuel gauge as the one you have now runs off a 6-7 volt voltage regulator and the new gauge senders work with a gauge with 12 volts feeding it.

Originally Posted by mando jake
Also my rear tank has a hole in it. Has anyone done a successful repair, or purchased a tank worthy of recommending? I'd rather go with a poly tank so that I won't run into this again.
Buy an new tank, they are only about $110.00.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 08:24 AM
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what about a plastic tank? I looked for some for my truck and did not find them. I'm thinking I could get some for a later model truck that would work?

I think I read that Ford did away with the rail pump in 1990. Could I get tanks, pumps, and sending units for a 90 and resolve the guage problem?
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 09:39 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by mando jake
I think I read that Ford did away with the rail pump in 1990. Could I get tanks, pumps, and sending units for a 90 and resolve the guage problem?
I just checked the 1988 and 1990 fuel gauge circuits and they are the same.
What I said above does not apply to the 1988 or newer F-series. That may not apply to the E-series however.

Not sure what the last year that the F-series used the other regulator type fuel gauge system.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 12:52 PM
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two low pressure pumps

Is there anything wrong with having two low pressure pumps and one high pressure like it came stock?
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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from what I've read they are problematic
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 01:19 PM
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Mine were original until earlier this year when i got the truck and they were working fine when i removed them. I just started getting rid of the old and in with the new on certain things so "If" in doubt I know they wont be going out for a long time now.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by mando jake
what about a plastic tank? I looked for some for my truck and did not find them. I'm thinking I could get some for a later model truck that would work?
Check out Jeff's Bronco Graveyard, they carry poly tanks for both Broncos and F-series - I'd actually get a Bronco tank if I were you, for the sole reason tis over 30 gallons, whereas the truck one holds like 18 or 19 gallons.

Here is the Bronco tank:
Gas Tank, 33 Gallon Plastic 90-96

And here's the truck rear tank:
Gas Tank, 19 Gallon Plastic 90-96

These are the tanks you need for the '90-up dual pump setup. They also carry matching front tanks.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 02:01 PM
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lmc truck carries a 38 gallon oversize tank for little over 100 dollars if your worried about capacity
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 03:11 PM
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Will there still be room for the spare tire with one of those big rear tanks?
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 06:42 PM
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You can pull a tank out of a jy for $20.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mattri
You can pull a tank out of a jy for $20.
Yea I'm kinda leaning toward pulling a plastic tank from a junkyard, but I'd like my fuel gauge to work. I guess it would have to read with the same resistance. Kinda sux cause I just sold a plastic tank from a mid 90's superduty a few months ago.
 
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Old May 10, 2009 | 11:34 PM
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Most junkyards in my area, unless they are a mom and pop operation, punch holes and destroy the fuel tanks. This is a OSHA-EPA rule. The newest tank you can find in a junkyard will be 13 years old. Repairing the fuel systems in these trucks is so labor intensive I would not consider used parts. Its a pay me now or pay for it later kind of deal.
I speak from experience. I had my 88 broke down "bed off" and I elected to go cheap. Had I spent $200 in a tank and pumps, It would be a jam up truck today instead of a 126000 original mileage Custom order XLT that I am going to give away. It is going to require $500 in tanks pumps and transfer valves. All new filters and who knows how contaminated the fuel lines and injectors are. A mechanic would charge a fortune to fix it. How can a person sell a truck that at best is worth $1500 but requires $2500 in shop work?
Use the best new parts and do it right. You will come out cheaper in the long run.
 
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Old May 11, 2009 | 06:47 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by mikehawk
Will there still be room for the spare tire with one of those big rear tanks?
No you would have to mount the tire in the bed.
 
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