Nobullaboutit

The fuel selector located on the frame rail of my 1986 F150 5.0 will not let fuel flow through it. When you remove the bottom filter canister there are two small black plastic valves that should have o-rings around them. The o-rings are missing. Does anyone know how I can get them out so that I can mount the o-rings on them? I would like to keep the truck original but the part is $2-300 to replace. Way to steep for our one family income.

Option B: (Went to the junk yard this weekend and took one off of a 1988 F150 but it doesn't look the same in the filter canister, though the top valving looks the same, and I'm not sure if it will work. Haven't had the time to replace it yet.) Anybody have any experience changing like this?

Option C: If not can anyone tell me how to bypass this fuel selector and connect the front saddle tank to an inline filter. I think that I can hook up an inline filter to the supply side but how can I connect the return line without damaging the original hoses and quick connectors? (I know that this will bypass the rear tank completely which is ok until I can find a used fuel selector.)

Thanks

klricks

Ford calls that a dual function reservoir.
There are actually at least 4 'O' rings on each valve. I am not sure if there ever was a rebuild kit? ..... If there were then it would not be too hard to fix.
I pulled my DFR apart and got it somewhat functioning but gave up and installed an aftermarket electric switching valve. See details in my writeup.... link in my signature.

Later models do not have the filter inside the DFR but I think it should work. Be sure to bench test the valves.
Do you have the second filter in front of the high pressure pump? Some do some don't.

I think you can still buy various quick connect splicing kits at auto-parts stores. However I don't think you will find the 'male' end parts that you would need?
You would have to cut the lines, and use union couplers to splice the lines. Make sure the dash switch is always in the correct position as well.... Then when you have the new DFR you would have to splice on new quick couplers from a kit.

Nobullaboutit

I mounted the 88 version the day before yesterday and the truck now runs. The gas guage is showing that it is using a large amount of fuel. I think that there may be an issue with the return valve filling the back tank. The lift pump in the back tank does not work and I haven't had time to replace it. I will drop a cord into the tank to see if there is fuel in the tank tomorrow. A friend explained how to place an inline filter in the system and described it pretty much the same way that you did. I think that I will use your system to replace the "problematic" dual reservoir system. I use this truck as my daily driver so I have to wait until a good weekend where I can get all of the components together and have the time to follow your very nicely detailed instructions.
Thank You for your help.

klricks

With the Ford DFR system BOTH in-tank pumps must be functional. If not even a good DFR won't work correctly.

You probably won't be able to get a cord or anything into the tank unless you remove the entire filler hose. There is a smaller diameter air return hose inside the main filler hose. The tank has a metal cross hatch anti siphon device at the inlet that you would have a hard time getting anything larger than a drinking straw through.

Harleylay

What tool did you use to get that bottom canister off that fuel selector valve and is there a filter in there

klricks

I used a big pipe wrench. I think a strap wrench would work.
Note that there is an 'O' ring in the rim so turn slowly and carefully.
Earlier models '85 - '86 had the filter. '87+ do not.

driver2112

Okay so i just picked up an 86 f150 300cid inline 6 4x4 4spd. The front fuel tank work but the rear doesn't look like it's wired in. I have a wiring cluster of three wired hanging under the cab between the driver door and tire. When i use the dash selector while it's running and switch to the rear tank nothing happens and it stays running. Any ideas?