Gas tank noise?

[Lilman]

I have a 2000 XLT with no modifications. I've been hearing a thumping noise which I have narrowed down to the gas tank area. Gas gauge works fine so I don't think its the float. Anybody got any ideas as to what this noise is and how to fix it?

 

[Billy177]

are you sure it is not just fuel flopping around fill it all the way up and see if it is still there

 

[Lilman]

Tried that, noise is still there with full tank.

 

[Billy177]

are sure a pebble or something was never dropped in your tank

 

[Lilman]

Can't rule that out but I doubt it. My XLT was recently in an accident; clown ran into the back of it while my wife and daughter were stopped waiting for a school bus. Rear frame was damaged and repaired (local Ford dealership). There is a control device above the spare; could this be part of the problem if it were damaged?

 

[Billy177]

that is part of the abs system it shouldent effect this.

 

[Lilman]

I decided to check the tank again after a fill up. The noise goes away. The dealer wants $130 to drop the tank but does anyone know what could be the cause of the noise; foat, baffle broken?

 

[Opera House]

From what I remember when I installed a new pump assembly, It wouldn't be that hard to to dismount the pump with a good mechanical shock. The pump would still be held by the rubber fuel line. The sock filter would no longer be connected but everything would still run. What you may hear is the pump swinging and hitting the metal baffel that surrounds it. Without the sock, you are prone to sucking something up and jamming the pump.

 

[Lilman]

Okay, what is the best way to remove the tank/fix the problem?