Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Tank Drop n' Clean

[Ncostello]

I am considering dropping the fuel tank to check it out for algae and clean it out. I want to make sure no crud or build-up is in there where it will cause problems from now on. I bought the truck out of state and dont know about the fuel supply where it came from. But I do know if I do it, our local fuel supply is clean and rotated often, so that will give me some peace of mind.



Anyone ever drop the tank? If so is it fairly straight forward... ie: any tricks or tips on this.



And more importantly, what in the heck can I swish around in there to make sure all the stuff (if any) breaks loose and comes out. I have read here that Pine Sol is the stuff to use to clean the membrane filter in the tank, but will that clean the whole tank. Looks like I may have a nice little project this weekend.



Thanks

 

[lschultz]

Theres been some replies about dropping the tank to replace the fuel sending unit. Do a search and you should find them. Don't know about cleaning the inside out. Haven't heard anybody doing that. I would think that if you use additive in your fuel it would do the job. Might have to change your fuel filter more often. Might be something on Dave Fritz's site about it.

 

[curatchko]

I dropped mine a few weeks ago to rebuild the sending unit... . gauge stopped working. Inside of the tank was like new... . nothing to clean.



Very simple job. Use up as much fuel as you can.



Parts to have prior to pulling the tank : 1 foot each of 5/16 and 3/8 fuel line. And a new sending unit gasket from the dealer.



1st remove the crossmember.



But before you drop the tank make sure you have extra fuel line. My line was rock hard and when I dropped the tank, it wouldn't flex, and it kinked. So get about 1 foot each of 5/16 and 3/8 line. It works with stock fittings... . AS a JUST IN CASE so you're not sitting there with no line if this happens.



Put a jack with a piece of 2x12 however long under the tank and after you remove the straps(just flex them out of the way, one of them won't come out until the tank is moved), after the straps are moved, slowly drop the tank, about 4-6 inchs. Reach up and disconnect your wire fittings, and lines. They are all easy snap connectors.



Then just drop the tank.



The fitting that holds the sending unit down is basically a 6" diameter nylon nut and unthreads... . screwdriver and a hammer will work it loose... just tap it around carefully. Before you loosen look for a couple marker lines that align the screwcap with the tank... or sending unit. If not, make a couple marks lined up so that when you tighten the screw back down, you don't under, or over tighten it. You'll have it back in the same spot, or torque level.



I'll be surprised if you find much of anything in the tank. Mine was as clean inside as it was new.



Chris

 

[Huff N Puff]

Look in the filter first

Check your filter first,if its nasty,you'll will probably need to drop your tank. If its not, best leave it alone,it probably dosn't need it. Merv

 

[Whitmore]

If you are concerned, pull your lift pump and clean the inlet screen, some have reported small pieces of plastic, like as if the drill tailings of plastic were loose in there, when I lost my lift pump the screan was clean... ... ... ... . Kevin

 

[kaffine krazed]

My recomendation is to not drop the tank. If you are concerned about algee in the tank run some biocide and change the fuel filter. I wouldn't drop the tank unless I knew there was a problem.

 

[jaughenbaugh]

I believe, that if you go to a parts store or preferably an over the road truck parts store, that there is something you can buy that is meant for cleaning the tank out. I just had mine cleaned out at the local cummins dealer and for them to do it along with putting 5 gallons of fuel back in it and revamping a vent on my tank, it was only $191. 00. So if you decide that your not sure what to use or if you don't want to tackle the job yourself it really isn't too terribly expensive for someone elso to do it for you. I would check your fuel filter first though. Mine, I change the filter 5000 miles ago and checked it again and it was completely clogged and there was junk all over in the canister. This is what led to my tank being cleaned. What happened on mine was when they put the flatbed on my truck, they cut a vent hose off of the filler neck that was pointed right at the rear tire, so that is how I got all the junk in my tank.

Jim Aughenbaugh

98. 5 auto 3500 cab/chassis 4. 10 gears, Edge EZ, 100 h. p. injectors, K&N, Straight pipe.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

On the shortbed trucks there is no need to remove any crossmembers. I dropped the tank on my 2wd shortbed, basically just remove the connections and quick-connect fuel fittings at the top of the tank, the filler & vent tubes, then unbolt the straps. I did mine with about 1/8 tank of fuel and wrestled it outa there just fine.



Mine was clean as a whistle inside, not worth doing unless you are having drivability problems



Vaughn

 

[curatchko]

It is necessary to remove a crossmember on a short bed if it is 4 wheel drive. It sits right under the tank... At least mine does

 

[Ncostello]

when you drop it, do you get air in the fuel lines?? And how then do you get it out, run the lift pump a few cycles with out starting?? Thanks.

 

[curatchko]

I was worried about this too... but when I hooked it all back up, it fired right up and it was a done deal... The filter canister is still full of fuel.