fuel tank leak
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
fuel tank leak
This past weekend my 1987 F250 with the 6.9 developed a fuel leak in the rear tank. It looks like the leak is under the strap that holds the tank to the truck. What is the best option for fixing the leak? Remove the tank and get another, weld the tank, leave the tank in the truck and put some jb weld or something else on the leak? It isn't leaking fast, just a drop about every 20/30 seconds. I"m not overjoyed about pulling the tank but I'm not wanting to put a band-aid on it so it starts leaking when I'm back in the boonies or on a long trip. Also how hard is it to raise the bed so I can work on unhooking everything if I do need to remove the tank or can everything be unhooked with the bed in place and the tank dropped slightly?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough, Ontario
Put a new tank in it. Messing around trying to weld, solder, JBweld or any of those usually ends in disappointment.
Drop the straps with the tank empty, ideally have a helper around that can fetch tools etc for you because it can be a pain other wise. Basically though, you should only need a scredriver to undo the filler neck hose clamp, and your weapon of choice to remove the clips for the fuel fittings. Sometimes some gentle prying may be needed on the connector for the sending unit as they can get corroded too.
Drop the straps with the tank empty, ideally have a helper around that can fetch tools etc for you because it can be a pain other wise. Basically though, you should only need a scredriver to undo the filler neck hose clamp, and your weapon of choice to remove the clips for the fuel fittings. Sometimes some gentle prying may be needed on the connector for the sending unit as they can get corroded too.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
That's what I thought, a new tank. I was figuring on a new tank vs a used tank or repair because that always seems to come back to haunt me latter at the worse time. Now, another question, Where to buy one and what kind. Steel or plastic.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
Thanks poocher pup but I think I'll go with a new one right now. Does anybody have a picture of the rear tank hookups? I have removed the fuel lines and tried finding out how to unhook the electric plug by feel without any luck.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: Terre Haute, IN
I don't have a rear tank, but on my front there is a plastic tab the hooks over another tab on the connector. Just carefully pry the one on the tank back enough and pop the connector out.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
I"ll give it a try in the morning. The problem I'm having I don't have enough room to get alook at the connection since it's still just out of view where all I can do is feel with my hand. I removed the fuel lines from the hook like holders so I could get some slack and then got the little clips off of the fuel lines. Those I learned about when I changed the fuel selector valve the hard way.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
I looked for a plastic tank but the only one I found was about twice the price of the steel ones. Mine lasted 23 years and who knows how long the truck will last. Who knows, I might not be around in 23 years so as long as the tank lasts, I"ll be happy
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
Well, after rearrangeing the wiring I was able to get the plug unpluged. Misson accomplished. I did check online and compared to the local prices and after figuring the shipping cost it will be just as cheap going to the local Oreilly or Advance auto parts. I drained what was left in the tank into a container and found no rust or water. The only thing I found unattached in the tank was a 3" strainer. The PO must have changed the fuel intake earlier as there wasn't anything to put the strainer into
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
terrylamar
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
49
Aug 12, 2016 11:06 PM
GeorgeL
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jan 14, 2015 03:00 PM
swampthang
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jun 21, 2014 04:41 PM
