73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Fuel Systems and Drivability => Topic started by: usar17 on May 01, 2012, 10:14:53 am

Title: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 01, 2012, 10:14:53 am
So i currently have on tank. Previous owner ruptured the driver side tank, removed it, and just plugged the lines where the sending unit connected.  Passenger side is in place and Tank selector switch is still there (Haven't tested or messed with it).

Currently I believe there is an issue with the float on my passenger side tank. I'm only getting 8-10 gallons in it when the gauge reads empty. I measured the wide and length (but not the height) of the tank and it matches specs i found for original 16 gallon tanks. So i'm assuming the float is bad on the sending unit.

Current plan/what id like to do, is remove the switch and selector valve, replace the tank with a 20 Gallon and new sending unit.

Thoughts? Any issues you think i may run into? I don't need two tanks, 20 gallons is enough for this around town'er and lil off-roading.  As for new sending unit i know its a 3 tube connection, but i have seen them listed on some sites differentiating "w/ auxiliary tank" or "excluding auxiliary tank". whats that????


Thank you :)
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 01, 2012, 11:34:36 am
Also ...maybe bc of sending unit, but is it normal for the fuel gauge to drop up to a quarter as i brake and come to a stop. It returns to previous spot after I settle or accelerate.
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: 1979C20 on May 01, 2012, 01:32:43 pm
The sending units on these trucks are not very accurate. I have dual 20 gallon tanks, but I only use the driver side. It can be completely empty, I put 10 gallons in it and the gauge reads full. I fill it to 20 and it goes a little pas full and stays there. When its almos empty, it sits on an 8th tank on the gauge when there's still like 5 gallons, and says a an 8th until empty. And the gauge moving when you brake is because the tank has no baffle in it, so the gas sloshes and moves the sending unit.

Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: bake74 on May 01, 2012, 06:22:58 pm
     Grounds are very important on these tanks to read right.  As far as replacement with a 20 gallon tank, have you checked to see if it will physically fit ?
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 01, 2012, 10:00:59 pm
ya i'll check all the grounds and wiring. as for fitment im gonna be measuring before i order. So removing the selector valve isnt a problem? any re-wiring to be done in regards to the sending unit through the selector? and has anyone seen baffled replacement tanks :)
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: zieg85 on May 01, 2012, 10:14:34 pm
ya i'll check all the grounds and wiring. as for fitment im gonna be measuring before i order. So removing the selector valve isnt a problem? any re-wiring to be done in regards to the sending unit through the selector? and has anyone seen baffled replacement tanks :)

If your truck has the 8 foot bed either 16 or 20 gallon tank will fit.  If it is the short bed only a 16 gallon will fit.
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: 1979C20 on May 02, 2012, 01:04:20 am
Tanks from fuel injected trucks have baffles. Is your truck a long bed or short bed? Long bed, the 20 gallon will fit no problem. I'm not sure about the short beds. And, no re wiring needed. All you have to do is remove the 1 wire from the switcher valve and make sure it won't ground out on anything and your good to go.

Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 02, 2012, 04:05:30 am
8 foot bed :)

Thanks, I'll look for some EFI tanks
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 02, 2012, 01:58:20 pm
Hows this parts list look??

1985 three port fuel sending unit
1985 tank straps for a 20 gallon tank
1987 fuel tank 20 gallons with baffles

All new replacements no salvage yard picks. Will this set up warrant any modifying?  Just worried about the 85 sending unit fitting the 87 tank since they were designed for sending units with fuel pumps. Will I have to modify the lock ring area or cut some baffles to fit the unit?
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: Captkaos on May 03, 2012, 03:10:33 pm
The baffled tank won't help with the accuracy of the gauge, it is all in the funky sweep the sending unit does at the top as it is on an arch.  It is mostly accurate  at 1/2 a tank or below...  All of them are like this.
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on May 08, 2012, 04:13:53 pm
I'm assuming that bc i haven't seen it posted before, you can't switch it over to a later model inside the frame tank
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: Blazin on May 09, 2012, 10:04:34 am
Where would you put it inside the frame? Drive shaft, and exhaust is taking up all the space.
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on June 05, 2012, 08:52:59 am
Will a 20 gallon tank fit on the passenger side where there is currently a 10-12 gallon axillary tank? Or do I need new brackets etc...?
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: thirsty on June 05, 2012, 10:19:41 am
A 20 gallon tank will fit on either side.

where there is currently a 10-12 gallon axillary tank?
When you say auxiliary 10-12 gallon tank is that something that is not for the truck but added and made to fit or do you have a 16 gallon tank made for the truck?
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: usar17 on June 05, 2012, 03:59:51 pm
well like i previously stated, i have an unknown fuel tank hanging on the passenger side. measures length and width the same as  16 gallon. But I only put around 10 in when the gauge reads E. so idk lol
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: thirsty on June 05, 2012, 05:43:59 pm
Your gauge is probably wrong. So a 20 gallon tank should go in no problem.
Title: Re: Problem with current so i want to replace the fuel tank system
Post by: bake74 on June 07, 2012, 06:19:17 am
well like i previously stated, i have an unknown fuel tank hanging on the passenger side. measures length and width the same as  16 gallon. But I only put around 10 in when the gauge reads E. so idk lol

      Your gauge on that side just might be reading wrong.  Have you run that side dry and then filled up ?