Removing gas tank on '94>> OUCH Help!!

[grn92conv]

My girlfriend's '94 explorer has a serious fuel leak, somewhere at the tank. There's this heavy gauge box surrounding the tank for off-roading. Do I have to unbolt the driver leaf spring to get the tank incasement off? If so, please post what is the proceedure for unbolting the leaf spring, without killing myself?

Thanks in advance

 

[RangerX]

Yes, you'll need to remove that skid plate. No, you won't have to remove the leaf spring. You'll also want the tank to be nearly empty when you drop it down. I suggest you go buy a repair manual for $15 at the parts store, it'll walk you through the job. Also, do a search here for "remove gas tank". I'm pretty sure you'll get some good info.

 

[l1k2gadd]

I thought I saw another thread that mentioned some of the early Explorers were recalled for a bad fuel tank seam. You might want to call a local Ford dealer and ask the service department if there are any open recalls on her Explorer.

I have done this with many of my Fords over the years. What I would do when I called the dealership is tell the service department "I have a VIN # I would like to have checked for open recalls". They would enter the VIN # in their system and let me know.

A 1986 Lincoln Mark VII LSC I used to own got two brand new catalytic converters this way and a 1989 Crown Victoria Ex Police Cruiser I had got a brand new column mounted ignition switch this way. I had a 1989 Club Wagon XLT van that had an open recall on it for a fuel tank changeover valve but I sold it before I got to take it in for the free repair.

 

[marragtop]

If you are going to do the job yourself, you will also probably need a fuel line remover tool (about $10 any parts store). If the leak is coming from the top of the tank, it's probably the fittings on the fuel pump. They have a tendancy to rust and then leak.

 

[grn92conv]

If you are going to do the job yourself, you will also probably need a fuel line remover tool (about $10 any parts store). If the leak is coming from the top of the tank, it's probably the fittings on the fuel pump. They have a tendancy to rust and then leak.

Yep, that's what it is... one of the 90* curved fuel lines coming from that fitting plate thingy. << Rusted through

What is that part called? and where's a place to buy a new one, cheap?




Thanks for you guys replies.... and RangerX, you're right in not needing to remove the spring. I was missing the 2 bolt/nuts on the side of the skid plate. When I removed them, the skid box was able to go around the spring. Thanks!

 

[rlcrafts]

Fuel sending unit, cheapest we found was carquest, got the sending unit with fuel pump for less than what Auto Zone or Advance Auto wanted for just the sending unit.

 

[grn92conv]

rlcrafts, CarQuest it will be then.
Thanks

What about the ring that you have to tap around, to get the sender out. I broke mine, does the new sending unit/fuel pumps come with that steel ring?

Thanks

 

[marragtop]

That's called the fuel tank locking ring, and I think you will have to purchase that seperately. $15 at rockauto.com. I'm not sure if the local stores will carry them or not.

 

[Brock94]

When I did mine, Autozone had the lock ring in the HELP! section.

Also, you may want to use rust converter and a good paint on the metal flange that's molded into the fuel tank-- just to slow down the rust there a little bit.

 

[Garbear]

I had to replace my fuel pump, and bought an Autozone pump, it lasted 8 mounths, and I had my mechanic replace it, he told me that it is one of the things that should be a dealer only part, hope this helps. Gary

 

[Brock94]

I had to replace my fuel pump, and bought an Autozone pump, it lasted 8 mounths, and I had my mechanic replace it, he told me that it is one of the things that should be a dealer only part, hope this helps. Gary

Now you're making me worry. I replaced mine with an AZ pump about 12 months ago.

 

[grn92conv]

I finished about ten minutes ago.
I got a sending unit assembly off of ebay and bought Walboro(sp?) pump and new locking ring with new rubber o-ring gasket.

Thanks for all of the help. You guys rock!