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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Mark97213 on August 15, 2018, 08:00:30 PM

Title: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Mark97213 on August 15, 2018, 08:00:30 PM
1981 Silverado - Does anyone know which fuse in the fuse block is for the Fuel Switching Valve?  All the lettering on the fuse block is gone.
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Rapid Roy on August 15, 2018, 08:10:53 PM
Welcome
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 15, 2018, 08:43:41 PM
not sure which fuse its under. but most times the issue lays with the switch in the dash. they can be taken apart and cleaned and if it fixes your issue then replace the switch
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: bd on August 15, 2018, 08:47:01 PM
Should be "T" in the attached image.
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Mark97213 on August 15, 2018, 09:31:06 PM
Thank you very much for the diagram.  It will help me with other things.  I will check the switch, good idea.  I'm not getting fuel through a good fuel pump and all lines appear clear.  Is it uncommon for the selector valve to actually go bad and prevent fuel to come up the line?
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: bd on August 15, 2018, 09:48:26 PM
Various failures occur, including continuity faults through the selector switch and the motorized switching valve hanging midway between left and right selections.  Other common causes for poor fuel delivery are perforated or kinked fuel lines and sedimentation in the tank(s) plugging the fuel pickup sock(s).  Improper tank venting will also lead to fuel starvation, as will a plugged fuel filter.  If symptoms began immediately after pump replacement, check for misalignment between the fuel pump pushrod and actuating arm.
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Mark97213 on August 15, 2018, 10:26:05 PM
My selector switch literally fell apart as I was removing it to test so I'm thinking that's the best place to start.  All the other suggestions will be the next step.  Thank you.
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 15, 2018, 10:37:00 PM
you might be able to put it back together but
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=6537.0
had the same issue on my 91 a couple years ago
Title: Re: Fuel Tank Selector Valve - Fuse?
Post by: 75gmck25 on August 18, 2018, 06:51:10 AM
On an '81 you should be able to replace the original switch with a standard dual-pole, dual throw toggle switch.  It may look a little ugly, but it works.

- One half of the DPDT switch has the dash gauge wire connected to the center pole, and the top and bottom poles are connected to the two sending unit wires.  It just switches the gauge feed from one tank to the other.
- The other half of the DPDT has 12 volts power on the center pole.  The power wire for the solenoid under the truck is on the top or bottom pole and the other pole is open. In one direction there is power applied to the solenoid, and in the other direction there is no power.  Very simple.

Bruce