Fuel Tank Advice
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Fuel Tank Advice
Hey Guys. I'm in need of some advice regarding my forward fuel tank. My truck is an 86 F-150 5.0 EFI. Here's my problem: When I'm running off the forward tank I get a strong odor of fuel vapor in the cab. After I parked the truck, I looked under the left side and saw a small amount of fuel leaking from the seams of the tank. I do not believe the seams are bad though because the tank only leaks when I have it selected. If I have the rear tank selected, the front one doesn't leak. I'm thinking there is an issue with the top of the tank. Either a hole at the top of the tank or a bad gasket??
I've heard the forward tank can be tough to get out. I've read on other threads that some folks elected to remove the whole bed to get the tanks out. Are there any secrets to getting the thing out?
Here's my question: What should I buy prior to taking the fuel tank out? Should I go ahead and buy a new tank? Or maybe just a new gasket? Or, should I just drop the tank, inspect it, and then buy my parts. I'd like to avoid having the truck sit in my driveway for a week while I wait on a new tank. I guess I'm asking how likely it is that a tank replacement will be necessary?
Thanks in advance!
I've heard the forward tank can be tough to get out. I've read on other threads that some folks elected to remove the whole bed to get the tanks out. Are there any secrets to getting the thing out?
Here's my question: What should I buy prior to taking the fuel tank out? Should I go ahead and buy a new tank? Or maybe just a new gasket? Or, should I just drop the tank, inspect it, and then buy my parts. I'd like to avoid having the truck sit in my driveway for a week while I wait on a new tank. I guess I'm asking how likely it is that a tank replacement will be necessary?
Thanks in advance!
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would remove & inspect the parts to determine the source of the leak before spending any
money. It could very well be a rotten rubber fuel line connecting the tank to the stainless
steel fuel line.
I had one of those tanks leak because one of the upper rounded corners had actually *cracked*
which would leak the fuel. If you have a source for compressed air, you can remove the tank,
cover it in soapy water, then pressurize it and watch for the bubbles.
Removing it isn't *terribly* difficult but a lot of it will depend on your tools & working conditions.
Air tools help tremendously.
When reinstalling it, I found that laying on my back and propping
up one end on my knee while I started the nut(s) on the other side seemed to work well.
Just make sure it's as empty as possible before beginning the project.
money. It could very well be a rotten rubber fuel line connecting the tank to the stainless
steel fuel line.
I had one of those tanks leak because one of the upper rounded corners had actually *cracked*
which would leak the fuel. If you have a source for compressed air, you can remove the tank,
cover it in soapy water, then pressurize it and watch for the bubbles.
Removing it isn't *terribly* difficult but a lot of it will depend on your tools & working conditions.
Air tools help tremendously.
When reinstalling it, I found that laying on my back and proppingup one end on my knee while I started the nut(s) on the other side seemed to work well.
Just make sure it's as empty as possible before beginning the project.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
I too doubt the leak is coming from the seams. It probably just looks that way because there is a horizontal surface where the fuel can collect.
When I replaced my tank I found multiple holes in the TOP of the tank. I'm guessing debris got up in there and laid on top of the tank and rusted it. While I was trying to remove the fuel lines to the sending unit they broke off do to corrosion.
I would recommend removing only the fuel tank. Although the bed might be a LITTLE easier than the tank, the tank can be done by one person and chances are you'll probably have to remove the tank anyway so why not just remove one part?
You might want to consider replacing the sending unit at the same time as the tank. It's kind of a PITA to change the sending unit and when you run those things dry it sometimes ends up screwing up the electronics and the gas gauge never works the same. Also run the risk of the pump soaking up sediment for running the tank empty.
When I replaced my tank I found multiple holes in the TOP of the tank. I'm guessing debris got up in there and laid on top of the tank and rusted it. While I was trying to remove the fuel lines to the sending unit they broke off do to corrosion.
I would recommend removing only the fuel tank. Although the bed might be a LITTLE easier than the tank, the tank can be done by one person and chances are you'll probably have to remove the tank anyway so why not just remove one part?
You might want to consider replacing the sending unit at the same time as the tank. It's kind of a PITA to change the sending unit and when you run those things dry it sometimes ends up screwing up the electronics and the gas gauge never works the same. Also run the risk of the pump soaking up sediment for running the tank empty.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Now granted I have a shortbed but I HIGHLY doubt the front bolts are different vs. a long bed. That said, I took my bed off last weekend no problem with the tank still in there.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Sucess
I elected to take the bed off instead of taking the tank out. Why? I didn't have the right socket to get the tank strap bolts off. By pure luck, it was turned out to be the right choice. Once I got the bed off, I started the truck and immediately noticed that there was a small hole in one of the plastic fuel lines coming out of the top of the tank. I picked up a fuel line repair kit at NAPA, and now there is no more leak. The tank turned out to be in excellent shape. Had I removed it, I may never have noticed the small hole in the fuel line. This is the only time when not having the right tool has worked out for me!
Thanks for all the help guys.
As a side note, once I got the bed off, I decided to blast all the grease/grime with my pressure washer. It cleaned up really nicely, but I never know when to stop. Now I've decided to go ahead and start the bodywork on the bed. I'm building a rolling frame for the bed now. I want to get some new replacement bedside skins and have some questions about them. I'm going to start a new thread so keep your eyes open for it. I'm going to need some more help!
Thanks for all the help guys.
As a side note, once I got the bed off, I decided to blast all the grease/grime with my pressure washer. It cleaned up really nicely, but I never know when to stop. Now I've decided to go ahead and start the bodywork on the bed. I'm building a rolling frame for the bed now. I want to get some new replacement bedside skins and have some questions about them. I'm going to start a new thread so keep your eyes open for it. I'm going to need some more help!
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