Duel Tanks on a Ford Pickup??

[da-pikeslayer]

I have a 1989 ford F150 with duel tanks.The problem is the front tank will fill up while im useing the rear tank. I have heard there was a recall from ford. What part needed to be replaced?

[northspear]

i was told my fuel pump is just going out. i have the same problem.

[da-pikeslayer]

I put new ones in! checked the pressure they put out and thats good,I wonder about the valve that controls the tanks and how to test it if posible!

[Scott K]

There is a check valve in the tank that is over filling that is allowing the fuel to go into the tank. Ford had a recall on this that you would just add a external check valve to the return line of each tank. If you can still find the check valve kits, it is far cheaper then replacing the pump.

Edit- More then likely the recall was done on your truck, but the check valves they install for the recall didnt last more then a couple years. But it can buy you that couple years.

[da-pikeslayer]

When I put a new pump in the front tank,I did not see any type of check valve in the line or the tank.

[Scott K]

The factory check valve is built into the pump, the recall one is about 2 inches long, and snaps on to the return line on the top of the pump.

[da-pikeslayer]

there is no check valve on or in my tank that I can see. Northwoods Ford said they can order me one for a 1990-1991 but not a 1989.

[da-pikeslayer]

What would happen if I only used the rear tank and plugged the return line to the front tank?

[Scott K]

That is an option!

[jentz]

I have a 1987 with duel tanks. I have had the valve replaced two times and my third is now stuck, when running the rear tank pumps into the front tank.My local great mechanic said they all have the same problem.I fill both tanks run the front down to 1/4 or so then switch to the rear,I leave it fill the front,It doesnt fill quickly so its easy to watch.

I guess its the switch valve?? Its on the frame near the fuel pump,driver side forward of cab on the frame

[da-pikeslayer]

Thats how I ran my 1990 with the same problem, it will not work that way on my 1989. I was just running my rear tank because the front pump was bad,when the front tank started to fill I put in a new front pump.it would not run with the new pump! I thought the controll valve was stuck in the rear tank position so I swapped the feed lines at the valve,now it fills the rear tank FAST!!

[spearchucker]

If the new front tank won't run, you may have a bad wire going to it.

[da-pikeslayer]

The front pump has power for about 5 seconds when the key is turned on.

[spearchucker]

The front pump has power for about 5 seconds when the key is turned on.

Not sure of how everything is wired, but I would look at the dash switch next.

[Scott K]

The front pump has power for about 5 seconds when the key is turned on.

That is for priming the pump, then it will shut off until the pcm gets an rpm signal. Once the pcm gets the rpm signal the pcm will ground the fp relay to send power back to the pump.

[spearchucker]

So then if the pump doesn't run when switched on, that would point to the switch on the dash right?

[da-pikeslayer]

I plugged off the return line going to the front tank and I will use the rear tank only.I drove the truck yesterday for about an hour and it seems O K! I will drive it more today,if it runs good and not build to much pressure and blow a line or my fuel pressure regulator I will be happy!! I will keep you posted.

[98prosport]

You should look into Ford recalls. It seems to me that ford had some kind of a recall on this issue. I know it's old, but it would be worth the time to do a little research.... I'm just sayin...

here is a quick search I did. Call your local dealer and do some squealing.

SEP 04, 1991 | Recall ID# 55960 Hide Details

Recall Reason FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES

Recall Date SEP 04, 1991

Model Affected F150

Potential Units Affected 350000

Recall Summary

THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.

Consequence

THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.

Notes

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

[da-pikeslayer]

Thanks alot Prosport, maybe with the recall number they wont say there is no recall on this truck! I have tested everything else on the truck!