1989 E-350 Front Tank Fuel Problem
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1989 E-350 Front Tank Fuel Problem
I have a 89 E-350 RV with a 460. When I switch from the back tank to the front tank it runs out of gas. I have replaced the hi-pressure fuel pump,in-line fuel filter, and the in-tank fuel pump. When I turn the switch on the front tank purges gas for a few seconds then stops. Which is normal. When I'm driving down the road and switch from the back tank to the front tank, it runs a short distance then starts to stumble. Need some guidance as to where to go next.
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From: Chicago area
I have had the same problem with mine but it only happens once in a great while. Have you checked all the wiring? Perhaps a bad connection or ground? Someone posted the wiring diagram for the fuel pump system for the dual tank vans a while ago. I printed it out. So a search in this forum and you may run across it.
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From: Easton,Ks
If you can hear the front tanks boost pump running after you switch to the front tank then you may have a bad diaphragm in the Dual Function Reservoir.
Also pull the fuel supply line off the input side of the Dual Function Mechanical Selector Valve/Reservoir from the front tank and point it into a 5 GAL bucket. Ground pin#6 of the EEC Self-Test plug, turn on the key and see if gas flows into the bucket OK. If you have an old Vacuum/Fuel gauge and put it on the fuel line it should be about 7 PSI pressure.
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Also pull the fuel supply line off the input side of the Dual Function Mechanical Selector Valve/Reservoir from the front tank and point it into a 5 GAL bucket. Ground pin#6 of the EEC Self-Test plug, turn on the key and see if gas flows into the bucket OK. If you have an old Vacuum/Fuel gauge and put it on the fuel line it should be about 7 PSI pressure.
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Ok I jump #6 to ground and turned on the key and had Plenty of fuel. I switched from the front tank to the back tank and it stopped. Switched back and it began to flow again. So, it has to be the Dual Selector that is bad.
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From: Easton,Ks
Is this just the opposite condition that you first posted about?
Do you hear the back in tank pump run when you switched to the rear and the fuel stopped?
If so it is the pump in the tank that is bad.
Not saying the Dual Selector is not bad also but you will have to have the in tank pump running to know.
Do you hear the back in tank pump run when you switched to the rear and the fuel stopped?
If so it is the pump in the tank that is bad.
Not saying the Dual Selector is not bad also but you will have to have the in tank pump running to know.
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Back tank has always supplied fuel. It was the front tank that was not working. I replaced the fuel pump in the front tank. After changing it, I went on a road trip and when I went to change from the back to the front it wouldn't switch. So to date I have changed the Hi-Pressure fuel pump, the filter and the fuel pump in the front tank. After doing the test you suggested,I feel that both tanks are pumping fuel just the selector isn't allowing it to switch.
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Some years ago I had the same problem with my 89 E350. I also changed the fuel pump in the front tank, no fix. The problem was the canister on the frame rail under the drivers door. That canister has a pressure actuated valve which prevents the return fuel from one tank from going to the wrong tank and overfilling it. The valve was stuck not allowing fuel from the front tank pump to reach the motor. When I changed the canister all problems were solved.
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Would any of ya'll know the Part Number for this Dual Selector or Canister? I went to a parts store and the had something that didn't look anything like what I have. Figure f I change everything I should eventually get it worked out. LOL Thanks to all that have helped. Bob
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Need some more Help. Well I thought I had this problem fixed. I'm still running out of fuel when Im on the front tank. I have changed everything expect the switch and the relays. Here is what it is doing. After changing the in tank pump, hi pressure pump, in line fuel filter, and "Dual Function Reservoir", I fill it up and the first time it ran 30 miles then started stumbling,filled up again second time it went 70 miles before stumbling, filled up again third time it went about 10 miles and started to stumble. Now it is a 16 gal tank and wasn't out of fuel. I opened the cap and it didn't appear to have a vacuum. So all the above has fixed it and hasn't. Where are the relays located. I have looked but could not find them. Now after it runs out of fuel I switch to the rear tank and all is fine. Every once in awhile after switching to the rear I will switch back to the front to see if it will pick up fuel. But it doesn't. So there isn't much left to change. Any thoughts. 
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From: Easton,Ks
I would say the in tank pump is not running at all or not for very long. Sounds like bad wiring or selector switch on the dash. The wiring would be from the selector switch to the tank or the plug on top of the tank.
Could also be a bad in tank fuel pump in the front tank.
I know you said you changed it but that does not make it a good one.
Could also be a bad in tank fuel pump in the front tank.
I know you said you changed it but that does not make it a good one.
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