Gas tank recall - I saw it here first
07-28-2011, 10:56 PM
#51
Senior Member
Thread Starter
First, a recall does not mean Ford would have to replace every single strap, just the rusted ones.
Second I accept some responsibility. As a pilot, I always check the aircraft before takeoff for problems and it must be inspected at specific hours and time by a certified mechanic and the engine torn down, but I admit I do not do the same for my vehicles or even close.
I now inspect the entire underside of my F 150 about every two months. I don't have to jack it up because it is so high up (looks like a 2" lift to me). It only takes a few minutes to do the inspection using only a flashlight, and I can drive the truck without expecting a gas tank to fall off or the suspension to collapse ( I actually saw a Crown Vic the other day in the middle of a 6 lane road and the front suspension had collapsed). We should all take the time to do a good inspection at least every three months for problems under the hood, on the body, the tires, ( had a car where the tires looked great from the outside but on the inside sidewall tread the steel was sticking through) and under the truck. The problem is those F150's are so dang dependable we expect them to be perfect all the time without checking.
My new motto is " If I wouldn't feel safe flying in it, I ain't driving it".
Everybody makes a mistake, but Ford needs to stand up and fix the mistake since this not only involves the F150 owner, it involves everyone who might be driving near one. C'mon Ford, you are acting like Toyota. We are not demanding you to fix it for free (that would be the right thing to do) or give the straps for free, just fix it or provide the straps at your cost which means it will not cost you anything.
I just inspected my straps AGAIN two weeks ago (two months), they are still fine and rust free.
Second I accept some responsibility. As a pilot, I always check the aircraft before takeoff for problems and it must be inspected at specific hours and time by a certified mechanic and the engine torn down, but I admit I do not do the same for my vehicles or even close.
I now inspect the entire underside of my F 150 about every two months. I don't have to jack it up because it is so high up (looks like a 2" lift to me). It only takes a few minutes to do the inspection using only a flashlight, and I can drive the truck without expecting a gas tank to fall off or the suspension to collapse ( I actually saw a Crown Vic the other day in the middle of a 6 lane road and the front suspension had collapsed). We should all take the time to do a good inspection at least every three months for problems under the hood, on the body, the tires, ( had a car where the tires looked great from the outside but on the inside sidewall tread the steel was sticking through) and under the truck. The problem is those F150's are so dang dependable we expect them to be perfect all the time without checking.
My new motto is " If I wouldn't feel safe flying in it, I ain't driving it".
Everybody makes a mistake, but Ford needs to stand up and fix the mistake since this not only involves the F150 owner, it involves everyone who might be driving near one. C'mon Ford, you are acting like Toyota. We are not demanding you to fix it for free (that would be the right thing to do) or give the straps for free, just fix it or provide the straps at your cost which means it will not cost you anything.
I just inspected my straps AGAIN two weeks ago (two months), they are still fine and rust free.
07-29-2011, 02:50 AM
#53
First, a recall does not mean Ford would have to replace every single strap, just the rusted ones.
Second I accept some responsibility. As a pilot, I always check the aircraft before takeoff for problems and it must be inspected at specific hours and time by a certified mechanic and the engine torn down, but I admit I do not do the same for my vehicles or even close.
I now inspect the entire underside of my F 150 about every two months. I don't have to jack it up because it is so high up (looks like a 2" lift to me). It only takes a few minutes to do the inspection using only a flashlight, and I can drive the truck without expecting a gas tank to fall off or the suspension to collapse ( I actually saw a Crown Vic the other day in the middle of a 6 lane road and the front suspension had collapsed). We should all take the time to do a good inspection at least every three months for problems under the hood, on the body, the tires, ( had a car where the tires looked great from the outside but on the inside sidewall tread the steel was sticking through) and under the truck. The problem is those F150's are so dang dependable we expect them to be perfect all the time without checking.
My new motto is " If I wouldn't feel safe flying in it, I ain't driving it".
Everybody makes a mistake, but Ford needs to stand up and fix the mistake since this not only involves the F150 owner, it involves everyone who might be driving near one. C'mon Ford, you are acting like Toyota. We are not demanding you to fix it for free (that would be the right thing to do) or give the straps for free, just fix it or provide the straps at your cost which means it will not cost you anything.
I just inspected my straps AGAIN two weeks ago (two months), they are still fine and rust free.
Second I accept some responsibility. As a pilot, I always check the aircraft before takeoff for problems and it must be inspected at specific hours and time by a certified mechanic and the engine torn down, but I admit I do not do the same for my vehicles or even close.
I now inspect the entire underside of my F 150 about every two months. I don't have to jack it up because it is so high up (looks like a 2" lift to me). It only takes a few minutes to do the inspection using only a flashlight, and I can drive the truck without expecting a gas tank to fall off or the suspension to collapse ( I actually saw a Crown Vic the other day in the middle of a 6 lane road and the front suspension had collapsed). We should all take the time to do a good inspection at least every three months for problems under the hood, on the body, the tires, ( had a car where the tires looked great from the outside but on the inside sidewall tread the steel was sticking through) and under the truck. The problem is those F150's are so dang dependable we expect them to be perfect all the time without checking.
My new motto is " If I wouldn't feel safe flying in it, I ain't driving it".
Everybody makes a mistake, but Ford needs to stand up and fix the mistake since this not only involves the F150 owner, it involves everyone who might be driving near one. C'mon Ford, you are acting like Toyota. We are not demanding you to fix it for free (that would be the right thing to do) or give the straps for free, just fix it or provide the straps at your cost which means it will not cost you anything.
I just inspected my straps AGAIN two weeks ago (two months), they are still fine and rust free.
. I'm no pilot, but my MX and FMX days taught me to inspect and maintain my vehicle and equipment. Haha, I learned when your launching 80ft in the air, or at wide open throttle on the track that that is not the time to second guess how well you maintained your rig
!
07-31-2011, 03:44 PM
#54
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Truck ownership responsibilities
Checked my 2001 and the straps are still silver and the slits they cut to allow the straps to wrap the tank look fine.
BUT i am a believer in an ounce of prevention and will thoroughly rust proof and paint the straps and hardware.
IMO the straps are not enough to support a full tank at high speed on the trails, even if they were new. I will be adding 2 more straps pronto.
Its like buying a house or anything folks: Ownership maintenance responsibilities after warranties expire is a must and only the owners responsibilities.
We are talking about very old man made items and our lives here.
Deal with it!
BUT i am a believer in an ounce of prevention and will thoroughly rust proof and paint the straps and hardware.
IMO the straps are not enough to support a full tank at high speed on the trails, even if they were new. I will be adding 2 more straps pronto.
Its like buying a house or anything folks: Ownership maintenance responsibilities after warranties expire is a must and only the owners responsibilities.
We are talking about very old man made items and our lives here.
Deal with it!
08-01-2011, 06:30 PM
#55
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Have a 98 f 250. Last week both straps broke and the tank hit the pavement, ripping the filler tube out, screwing the tank up. Had it towed to my mechanic. Had to replace the tank, both straps.
Today I see Ford issued a recall. "OF COURSE, AFTER I GOT MINE FIXED." So, now I'm sure I'll have a lengthy fight, with Ford, To get re-reimbursed.
Today I see Ford issued a recall. "OF COURSE, AFTER I GOT MINE FIXED." So, now I'm sure I'll have a lengthy fight, with Ford, To get re-reimbursed.
08-01-2011, 10:19 PM
#56
Just got my 97' F150 last week. The owner had one of the straps replaced already. Now ford has the recall so I might see if they can take care of the other. But its a Minnesota truck so rust is expected
08-02-2011, 12:48 AM
#57
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08-02-2011, 04:48 PM
#58
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Its not the straps on my 98 but where they attach to the frame (not the bolt end but the "T" end) one is so rusted it is gone and the other is rusted enough the strap will not stay in. for the time being the tank is held in with webbing and rope and I don't dare fill it. Wonder if this will be covered?
08-03-2011, 07:09 PM
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this sucks
I actually just noticed that the back strap was broken last week had my mechanic fix it on wed. of last week now there's a recall. I wish that Ford would reimburse me for my cost.
08-03-2011, 07:34 PM
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I drive a 2006 Lariat scab in Texas, where today it is 110 degrees and no snow in the forecast ( and no rust noted). I also drive a 1948 Ford 8N tractor to mow a 10 acre front yard. One reason I buy Ford products is they last a long time if properly maintained. That's the way it should be. I'm glad Ford also believes their products are made to last. It is good advertising when they recall trucks a mere dozen years old. We are now all a-buzz with discussions of Ford longevity. How much is such advertising and customer satisfaction worth? A lot.