I was doing some final preparation work for the motor swap in yesterday's beautiful afternoon weather, when I came across a predicament.

Shortly before my 2.5 went BANG, I filled my tank up. I want to transfer this fuel out of the tank into my car, lawn mower tanks, and other things so I can USE it instead of storing it. As we all should know, the filler neck has a screen at the bottom to prevent siphoning.

Also, I need to swap some parts from the Explorer into the Ranger tank.

I know about the straps that support the tank, because I had to shift it to the side after loosening those support straps so I could install my rear sway bar.

Is it best or easiest to pull the bed off the frame to do this? I'm concerned with a full gas tank weighing around 120 pounds dangling above me while I lay on the creeper to get it off.

Any help or advice is much appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

use a couple jacks to balance it.....and it is easier to get the tank out/off with the bed not there....

 

The tank connects to the filler neck and vent with rubber couplings. Just undo the clamps, take the 3 screws out that secure the filler neck to the body, and pull the entire filler neck assembly out.

You'll then be able to access the tank to siphon it.

I had to remove the neck to get something off the screen that was blocking it which is how I know to do this, lol.

 

I'd either have some jacks supporting the tank, or go at it by removing the bed. If you've got more fuel system work to do with your swap, pulling the bed will likely make your life a whole lot easier!

 

I say pull the bed. you dont have alot of room on top anyway. it would make life easier.

 

I agree it will be easier with the bed off and I'm not saying it wouldn't -- but I'd still drain the tank first if you have somewhere to put the gas as that will also make it easier, lol.

 

pull the bed pull the bed pull the bed!!!!! When i did my body lift i had to lossen the bolts on the tank and let the tank sit on jacks so i could have SOME room to stick my hand in there and hold the bolt, i tell you it was PITA trying to get the tank off/loose with the bed on.

 

Well I took the bed off, since I'll be swapping the rear-end out anyway. I had my wife and her friend help me carry it around to the back, where I secured it on some saw-horses. The neighbor's got a kick out of seeing us carry half a truck around to the back of the house!

Now that the bed is off, I will easily be able to drain or siphon the tank.

Anyways, here's a looksie:






I'll be spraying a fresh layer of undercoating on all the exposed frame and engine compartment surfaces this afternoon!!

For those of you wondering...no that is not rust on anything. It's buildup of good ol' Arkansas dirt!

It's amazing what you find when you remove the bed. I had no idea my rear sway bar was making contact with the top of my differential case!!! Also, what in the heck are all those canisters associated with the fuel system!?

 

They are the evaporator canisters. Part of the emmisions system

 

Um... I think someone stole your engine.

 

Um and my bed and my tailgate, and my hood, and my grill, and even my radiator and A/C condenser!

 

Damn thieves! Can't wait to see the truck finished...

 

Ha ha...thanks man. I'm anxious to see the look on my wife's face when she walks outside to hear my truck running again, much less with 4 more cylinder's added to it!! This whole time she's been pretty skeptical of my progress and knowledge, and every time it's been a joy to prove her wrong!

Here's a look after today's big project. I got the frame all cleaned up to compliment a new motor...

Before:


After:

 

Does anyone know a better method to siphon my tank? I was using a bulb-pump siphon, but it takes 10 minutes per gallon. Can I use a garden hose or something, to increase the rate of flow??

 

ewwww


you have the snap on chrome covers for wheels

 

Ha ha...the funny thing is I only have them on ONE SIDE. The other ones are missing a clip and cracked from spinning my truck into a gravel embankment. I've been considering paint my stockers black, but haven't gotten the "guts" to actually do it.

Here's the side without any snap-on covers:

 

Well I got the tank dropped and siphoned. My wife got a full tank for free, and all of my lawn equipment is now full-tank and ready for a new season.

I pulled the pump and sensor assembly out to the amazement of my wife! My pick-up screen was very clean, and there was little to no debris in the bottom of the tank.

I see in the pump assembly the pump, the sensor for the tank level, but there is one other thing I am confused about. What are the two small valve looking items on the pump mounting plate? They have hoses that connect to them, so I assume this is part of the return feed line, correct?

Also, what else am I looking at attached to this assembly? Is there a regulator? I'll take a picture and post it momentarily, so we can identify all the different parts.

 

What are the tan and black things attached to the top "plate"???

 

Nobody knows? My next question was What is that maroon device with a black hose on the bottom shown here on the left side of that image?

 

guesstimates.....
anti-siphion valve?
closed loop fuel return?

 

I would assume those are part of emissions. one probably connects to your charcoal canister. and that maroon thing may be part of your fuel gage device. not really sure on my answers just taking a stab at it.

 

Good thinking! However, the charcoal canister is connected to a different inlet valve, which is at the rear of the tank. You can see it in the picture below, on the far "right" side of the tank: