Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Tank Module Questions

[BSeyler]

I've searched to find some answers and have to admit I don't understand everything I know about this problem. Last summer, I had run the tank down fairly low, but should have plenty for another 150+ miles. (I go by the trip meter as much as the gauge). We were going to one of our ponds and stopped on a hill, nose down, so my wife could take pictures of some deer. After a few minutes (I don't remember how many), the engine died - no fuel pressure. I coasted down to the bottom of the hill, cycled the lift pump a few times and it started up fine. Had a similar instance a few weeks ago. After I got it on level ground, it pressured up and ran fine going home - 10 miles with no problem.

I pulled the bed this morning and have the module out. When I lifted it out of the tank, the bucket was full. The tank has probably less than 8" of fuel. I'm trying to understand how fuel enters at the bottom. Is there a screen inside? Check valve? I tried to pull the module apart, but it acts like there is a spring or something preventing it from sliding apart. I'm pretty good at breaking things, so thought I'd see if anyone can tell me how to get it apart first. I think I'll order a draw straw form Geno's, but wanted to inspect the lines inside for a crack, just to satisfy my curiosity. Plus, I want to make sure there is nothing restricting fuel from entering the bucket.

Thanks!
Bud

 

[JLandry]

Bud,

With the truck nose low, the fuel likely moved far enough forward in the tank so the module was starved of fuel.

Fuel enters the module through a fine plastic screen in the bottom, then enters the pump intake. The module needs probably an inch or so of fuel to keep from sucking air. Remember that 70% or more of fuel pumped from the tank gets returned. It dumps directly back into the top of the module so temporary sloshing around of fuel in the tank won't normally cause immediate fuel starvation.

This is your lucky day...

I have a new Vulcan draw straw AND an XDP fuel tank sump kit you can HAVE if you want them and are willing to pay for the actual shipping cost. Please PM me with your USPS delivery address and I'll PM you back the shipping costs.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[BSeyler]

Thank you John! You have a PM.
Bud

 

[JR]

150 Miles to go is roughly 8-9 gallons of fuel going by my average fuel mileage (assuming empty driving no towing)

I'm not sure you could get on enough of an angle to starve the pick up with that much fuel in the tank?

 

[BSeyler]

That was my thought and the reason I took the module out. I was looking for a crack somewhere. I have had this happen twice and both times were with less than 1/4 tank of fuel and on a pretty good incline while sitting. I'm not sure how long we sat there the first time because we were watching some deer - they just kept posing. It's a rare occasion that I let the fuel get that low and both times, I was able to pressure up as soon as I got on level ground. I am going to install a draw straw and see what happens.

Bud

 

[MLee]

Just saying There has been noted in the past, a hole in the pick up tube in the module. So you would lose any prime. Guys have replace this and everything was good.

 

[BSeyler]

The package arrived today. Thank you, John!

 

[JLandry]

The package arrived today. Thank you, John!

You're most welcome!

John L.