Best way to empty fuel tank - 1987 Ford F 150

My best guess is the fuel sending unit (it's in the gas tank and accessible by removing the rear seat).

you have to empty the tank as much as possible ( empty is best) and refill with diesel.
Depending on the quantity of diesel in the tank when the error occurred you may get a dilution to a point where it will not noticeably affect the engine, but totally empty the tank is the best option ,especially if the vehicle is still under warranty

do you know how much ? you can sometimes get away with it in the fuel system if you add some additives or higher grade fuel. but if your not to sure how much was put in its best to empty the tank. sugar in the fuel can block the fuel lines and injectors before even hitting the plugs so would go with emptying the tank but it is up to you. somtimes the filter can deal with the sugar but to muck it will just cut througe the filter.

Could be 3 thing - the gauge on the dash, the wiring or the fuel level indicator in the tank. All three are not easily accessible - the best test would be to measure the voltage on the level sensor on the tank.

It usually means removing the fuel tank and start measuring. If its ok, supply voltage to the lead towards the fuel gauge. If the gauge doesn't move it's wiring or the fuel gauge itself.

Hello,
To drain fuel tank:

plan your safety have fuel tank almost empty un-attach the fuel lines and strangle them remove all screws holding fuel tank slowly bring fuel tank down drain contents by flipping the tank over if you wash it make sure it is completely dried before putting the tank back
Thanks

it is in the fuel tank so dropping the tank being empty first is best to do

It could be a couple things, fuel pump or your fuel float inside the tank is going. Best best depending on what you want to spend. Call a junkyard for a replacement or a scrap yard/ salvage parts.
You may want to also put a large carboard box under the car (laying flat) to see if the gas tank is leaking too.

Hi this is a common problem the problem is going to be with the fuel sender unit located in the top of the main tank.

The problem is you might have to remove the tank to replace the broken part that is unless their is a panel in the boot that can be opened that allows you access to the top of the tank if not then you need to make sure you have used all the fuel in the main tank to ensure its empty as it would be really heavy if it had fuel left in it.

With tank empty its best if vehicle is on ramps as you need alot of clearance to get the tank out so just having it on jacks and axle stands wont give you enough room to get to the top of the tank.

You need to disconnect all the fuel lines ie the out line and the return line you also need to disconect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler cap area. Once this is done you can then undo the tank brackets holding the tanks its best if you have something to support the tanks whilst doing this as its not a one person job once its all undone and you can start lowereing the tank check their are no air pipes being stretched if their is remove them but remember they need to go back on then once the tank is lowered far enough you will then see where the fuel sendor wires run to these will then need disconecting this should then allow you to remove the tank.

Once tank is removed the fuel sender unit is on the very top of the tank it can be undone it might be that the float is stuck or even full of fuel causing the empty reading.

You can test the fuel sender by just connecting the fuel sender unit back up to the electrics then switch ignition on then work the float up and down and see if the gauge alters on the dash if it does then the chances are it might work if you put it back in but if it dont its a wasted job.

Its best if you replace it as you might get the same problem in the near future.

If their is a panel in the boot then this makes the job easier.

Let me know how you get on or if you need further assistance ok

Only way to completely empty tank is to remove it. there is about a two gallon space between the pump and tank bottom where condensation can build up. You can partially drain it by disconnecting the fuel line and turning the key on. The pump will empty tank (don't run the pump after fuel is mostly empty or it will burn out) Also make sure that hose is secure so that fuel dosen't end up on the ground. After you have finished, put the battery on a charger and bring it back to best charge...Alternator will not and cannot do that.

i would guess 60 liters...

but the best way to know it is by really driving it with almost empty tank then make a full tank at the gas station and you would know the tank capacity...

tnx 4 using fixya...

drcool