pullertruck

just got a 95 2wd f150. PO said he hadn't used the rear gas tank for a long time. OK, so I put maybe 3 gallons in, switched on the dash to rear and no gas got to the engine. Decided to siphon the gas out, boy, did it stink. I got out about the 3 gallons I put in. Tank obviously needs to be cleaned out, then sending unit checked, etc. Question, do I need to drop the tank for this? I'd almost just as soon not use the rear tank....Don't want to spend a lot of $$$ getting is working. Opinions?

Kymasabe

Rear tanks are affordable at RockAuto. Biggest expense would be the rear pump if needed, but you can buy pump module and sending unit separately.

Eric Fullerton

I keep mine operational, just as a fail safe. it is one more layer between being stranded or making it home. I just wish it had been working when the front tank pump decided to fail 60 miles from home. I made it to the driveway, but just barely, and not with much style. After that the rear tank got fixed along with repairing the front.

needshave

I thought about doing the same, but the haunting idea of the front tank failing urged me to do some careful investigation of the two tanks.

Depending upon how long you intend to keep the vehicle, should weigh into your decision. When I really checked mine out, I found the check valves in the pumps leaking(passing fuel to the other tank), one pump operational only during cold weather, very thin and weak tank straps and a couple obvious damp spots on the tanks.

I pulled the bed and found that both tanks needed replaced, as well as the pumps, tank straps, hoses and filler neck. There are a bunch of fuel pumps out there so you need to do your research. The repair can get expensive, so can tow bills. But if you can't do it yourself, it may get cost prohibitive.

Since it recently did this, if I can answer any questions, let me know.

pullertruck

after viewing a few videos, think I'm gonna remove the truck bed instead of monkeying around under the truck. Looks simple enuf. Will prob have to get new pump and sending unit. Wont know until I get things out. I may be able to just clean out the old tank. No leaks in it. Will have to wait to get more $$$ of course.

Eric Fullerton

I've heard the best way to clean an old tank was put a handful of steel ball bearings inside and shake the **** out of it. Then rinse it with diesel or some solvent you are comfortable with. You may want to read this thread before doing the bed removal. It is totally doable, but you might pick up a tip or 2.

pullertruck

Thanks Eric for that info and that link. I got a TSC about 20 miles away. I'll be checking them before I start. It'll be a while before I get to the bed. Waiting for my manual to come in, then I'll start with the front rotors and pads. I've cleaned motorcycle tanks before to get all the varnish out....wasn't too hard, but a lot more surface with a truck one. I had to 'seal' the bike tank to prevent rust, do I have to do that to my truck tank?
Thanks again

Kymasabe

You may want to check with your local radiator shop. The shop in my town cleans and seals fuel tank of all sizes. And, search around here for bed removal posts, i read a few and it sounds challenging, i think i read the front two bolts are the worst to remove.

needshave

Since you're not going to do this right away, take this opportunity to wet down the bed bolt nuts with pB blaster or equivalent and keep them wet or soaking. The bed bolt nuts can be a challenge. when your ready to take it off, keep in mind the heads can not be chiseled off allowing them to drop through the bottom. there is a seat on the bolt that prevents them from dropping through. I welded a bar across the head and used a healthy breaker bar to remove. I broke half of the bolts.