Another new guy,first question of many.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: 336 NC
Another new guy,first question of many.
Hey guys I just bought my first truck its a 1987 f150 nothing fancy but solid and dependable. I'm the third owner and got a good deal on it.(family)
My rear tank doesn't seem to be working it's full of fuel but when I flip the selector switch it shows empty and i have ran out of gas hoping the gauge was wrong because it floats almost constantly my only sure readings are full and empty. Any ideas what it could be and is it expensive? thanks
My rear tank doesn't seem to be working it's full of fuel but when I flip the selector switch it shows empty and i have ran out of gas hoping the gauge was wrong because it floats almost constantly my only sure readings are full and empty. Any ideas what it could be and is it expensive? thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 28
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Welcome to the site.
It seems like you have up to 4 problems. The first couple are that the float in the tank and/or the guage are not working. I most likely think there is an issue with the guage.The other may be that the pump from the tank is not working or possibly the switch that switches tanks. Most likely the switch since I would assume the same pump pumps from both tanks. I would check, in this order, the switch,the pump, the guage, and finally the float in the tank.
Also look at the fuses this could be your problem. An easy fix to.
These fixes just require some time. I would think, since the truck is older, that any parts you will need should be fairly inexpensive.
I could put a huge amount of info on how to check all this stuff, but a Goggle search should give you all the info you need as far as instructions.
Good luck.
It seems like you have up to 4 problems. The first couple are that the float in the tank and/or the guage are not working. I most likely think there is an issue with the guage.The other may be that the pump from the tank is not working or possibly the switch that switches tanks. Most likely the switch since I would assume the same pump pumps from both tanks. I would check, in this order, the switch,the pump, the guage, and finally the float in the tank.
Also look at the fuses this could be your problem. An easy fix to.
These fixes just require some time. I would think, since the truck is older, that any parts you will need should be fairly inexpensive.
I could put a huge amount of info on how to check all this stuff, but a Goggle search should give you all the info you need as far as instructions.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 963
Likes: 2
From: Lake Lafayette ,Mo
Welcome to the forum. I have a 98 the gauge when on front tank wonders from full until it gets to 3\4 of a tank. Back tank don't work at all. Pretty sure the front tank problem is the sending unit in the tank. Rear is the actual switch under the truck that switches tanks. Ill be working on it more when it warms up.
Works good enough for now.
Good luck with yours. There should be more people here soon to help diagnose your problem.
A lot of very knowledgeable and helpful people here.
Works good enough for now.
Good luck with yours. There should be more people here soon to help diagnose your problem.
A lot of very knowledgeable and helpful people here.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: 336 NC
Thanks guys, its driving me crazy. I thought about takin it to the dealership cause I usually do the basic stuff but thought I'd check here first. I checked the fuses first hoping that would be it but no such luck.
No Pain, No Pain!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 12
From: Baltimore, Maryland
Welcome! There are several posts regarding dual tank issues/problems. A search should turn up several threads that may give you the answers you are looking for. It seems to be a fairly common problem.
Good luck!
Good luck!
