Dual gas tank question

[Muley Gil]

I received some great advice last year about a brake problem, so I'm going back to the well of knowledge!

Last year, my daddy died and Mom gave me his '88 F150 4x4. It has dual gas tanks, but my pappy only used one (the front one). He didn't drive it enough use both and he was concerned about crappy gas corroding the tanks.

I seldom use this truck either, unless my daily driver is down or I need the 4x4. What should I do to maintain the rear tank?

Thanks in advance.

 

[GunnyGene]

Get it professionally cleaned if needed, then when you fill it throw in the proper amount of Sta-Bil. Walmart and many others sell it. You should still use and refill the tank about twice a year with non-ethanol gas.

Either that or leave it totally dry and sealed up after cleaning. I'd recommend you have it purged with dry nitrogen before sealing it up if you're not going to use it.

 

[Jim Puke]

I'd recommend you have it purged with dry nitrogen before sealing it up if you're not going to use it.

Be cheaper to just remove it.

I have had trucks with dual tanks and have always used them. I would fill one tank this time and the other next time...never had a problem, yet both were available when I need them for more range with less stops.

 

[427mach1]

I had a 93 F-150 with dual tanks and used the same procedure as Jim Luke - alternate between tanks. If you ever go on a long trip, you will appreciate having both tanks!

 

[m657]

"I have had trucks with dual tanks and have always used them. I would fill one tank this time and the other next time...never had a problem, yet both were available when I need them for more range with less stops."

The 73 Chev 454 I inherited got 10mpg whether it was standing still or fully loaded & towing uphill. 2 tanks was a very useful accessory in a number of ways.

 

[AJGUNNER]

My old 86 Suburban that spends most of its life in the barn, has a 40 gallon tank. :shock: Even though it is only driven when something is on the hitch (not very often), I keep it full. I sort of figure it as my 40 gallon fuel cell. If/when TSHTF or a natural disaster, I could run my generator for a long time on 40 gallons. I use stabil and try to run a couple of tanks a year through it just to keep things moving.

 

[Merle1948]

I'd recommend you have it purged with dry nitrogen before sealing it up if you're not going to use it.

Be cheaper to just remove it.

I have had trucks with dual tanks and have always used them. I would fill one tank this time and the other next time...never had a problem, yet both were available when I need them for more range with less stops.

This is what I did - much simpler than any other solutions. I would make sure the other tank was cleaned out before I started using it, and make sure the fuel filters are fresh. If you aren't up for doing it yourself, then you'll have to take it to a shop & pay through the nose.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

As stated before I would use them both. Just alternate between them.
If you don't use it , sure as shooting when you do need it something won't work.

 

[blume357]

After cleaning the back one (not used one) either use them both or get rid of it.... I drove a van for 13 years with duel tanks and all was well and good until near the end.... when one of the fuel pumps in the tank goes... you are in trouble... and the fuel lines can get screwy for 10 years the over flow from the front tank pumped to the back tank.... I'm so much happier with a single tank vehicle.

 

[737tdi]

My 95 F150 has dual tanks. I would prefer a large single but it was not possible in this little short bed.

My 2 cents. First check and make sure the transfer valve still works. I am betting it doesn't. If I recall yours will be electric just like mine. Since it hasn't been used for decades it is probably frozen. If it doesn't work check for voltage to the valve motor, if good you can replace the unit. Very simple job. Remove the unused tank and clean it. There are some good articles on the web about how to. I would take the time and effort just so you keep the option of having more capacity. Just my 2 cents.

Karl.

Edited to add: I did a quick search, if you don't want to clean it a new replacement can be had for a little over $100. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=replacement+fuel+tanks

 

[wiz1997]

I have a 96 F150. Dual tanks. Front tank got punctured. Thought I could just remove the tank and just use the rear. Nope. Check engine light came on. Tanks are pressurized and computer looking for feedback from pressure switch. Also had problem with return line from injector feed rail back to tank leaking. May not have problems with the older models.

 

[Muley Gil]

The electric transfer switch still works.

 

[RugerHound]

If it was me... I'd keep both tanks and alternate as others have suggested. The added fuel storage dovetails nicely with the 'prepper' thread! I wish I had dual tanks. No better place to keep gasoline than a vessel that's designed to carry gasoline!

 

[Mike J]

The 91 F 150 I used to have had dual tanks. I always used both of them. It just gave the truck more range. It always seemed to ride smoother when both were full. I would usually swap over when one tank got down to about 1/4 full. When the other tank got down really low I would swap back until I could get to a station.

 

[737tdi]

The electric transfer switch still works.

That is good. I know the manual valve on my 69 F200 seized up and I could not find one anywhere. Ended up taking it apart and overhauling it myself. Still works to this day.

Karl

 

[cas6969]

The electronic switch valve stopped working on the Chevy we had.... and that's when we stopped using both tanks.

 

[HawkEyeEarl]

I use both tanks. I run one empty and switch over as it cuts out. Next time by a station I fill them empty one.
I like having 2 tanks. No problem at all. Mine is a f-150 4x4 is 1989 and has been for a long time used just the way I say.

 

[RugerForMe]

I really miss the dual tanks I had on my '95 F250. Were great on long trips up north.

I work with a guy that doesn't use his rear tank. His philosophy is "It cost too much to keep them both filled"

Not sure how that works because your MPG doesn't change just by switching tanks so why not use both.

 

[Merle1948]

I really miss the dual tanks I had on my '95 F250. Were great on long trips up north.

I work with a guy that doesn't use his rear tank. His philosophy is "It cost too much to keep them both filled"

Not sure how that works because your MPG doesn't change just by switching tanks so why not use both.

Perhaps he's thinking that the "extra weight" will drag down his mileage? It will, by a couple of decimal points. But...... :mrgreen:

 

[Chief 101]

on my '90 Ford one tank sender unit did not work so I would fill both tanks and use that tank for a certain number of miles then switch over to the other tank till I needed to refill both...made sense to me