I had a recall done a few months ago for the fuel tank straps, and now the tank is leaking under one of the new straps. Has anyone had any luck getting Ford to cover the tank replacement under the recall? I have to imagine the strap corrosion contributed to the tank rusting through. Also, what size tank do I have? It is a 97 F150 XLT, regular cab, long bed, 4.6L V8, 2WD. I see replacement tanks sizes of 19, 23.5, and 30 gallons.. I think? it is the 23.5 gallon one, although I can't afford to fill it.

 

They won't cover your tank.
Parts don't last forever.
If the tank began leaking when the straps were replaced, they would have charged you for a new tank anyway because they could not let the truck go without you signing off on a bad tank..
The recall is only for the straps so the tank does not fall out onto the road while your driving and cause a much worse situation.
Plan on getting one yourself and have it over with.
I'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear.
Good luck.

 

i cut a piece of sheet metal and stucka snake of jb weld around the edge and stuck it on. three years later it is still holding up. just make sure the area is clean first...

 

I doubt Ford will cover that. They sure as he!! didn't cover my new tank, and mine fell off due to the straps breaking.

 

Yeah, I figured I was f%$@ed. How can I tell which size tank? I am pretty sure it is the 23.5 gallon one.. would the VIN indicate this?

 

Your owner's manual will tell you - if you don't have it you can download it.

 

Thanks, measured it up, turns out it is 30 gallon... Ordered a new one... I have never changed one, it is a real pain? I know about the hazards of gasoline, but assuming I can siphon most of the gas out, how hard is it to disconnect all the lines? I do have a tool for the fuel line fittings that I used to change the fuel filter a while back...

 

Run the tank down till it's almost empty. You can't siphon with that system. Some people say that it's easier to change the tank if you can lift the bed.

 

If your truck has a few miles on it and you have never replaced the fuel pump I would consider doing that too then you won't have to drop the tank again for a long time.

 

I just got done changing mine. I have a 97 F150 4x4 Ext. Cab but it should be almost the same. Here is a print out that I made up for it.
http://thehousemedic.com/F150%20gas%...%20removal.pdf

Ron

 

Nice write up. Pop the anti siphon screen out with a wooden dowel and you can drain the tank. Definitely do the pump and strainer . Lube all reinstall rubber parts. Check the filler neck. Undercoat the tank. Get new straps and it will last 200 k miles.

 

Thanks, I will use that write-up as a guide for sure... One question, I assume you raise the tank a bit to take the tension off the straps to allow them to be removed from the pockets that hold the ends, is that right?

 

not needed but should be supported when you remove the inboard bolts that hold the straps on to the bed. the straps are way better than the board i used. tank is pretty light empty. note that i could not budge the gas line connectors so dropped the tank with the fuel pump assempbly still attached. mine is 24 gal so i think it is a smaller assembly - the large tanks may not allow this while the assembly is still connected. best to get the gas line connectors separated. post again if you need help. if you cant pop the anti-siphon screen - drop it a bit with the wheel removed and try to get to the rearmost vent and drain it from there. best...

 

i think new straps have a plastic "sleeve" that prevents any metal to metal corrosion issues. mine have that and were not under recall. i just needed the lug nuts and speed control fixes. I just got this truck for my kid. i am a ford guy but this thing is a beast - 4.6l short bed. fun vehicle.

 

Finally tackled this job.. darn fuel pressure sensor would not budge, broke apart trying to remove it... Also I want to replace the rubber filler and vent lines, which can not be purchased seperately, so both the sensor and filler neck assembly are on order... What is with the rubber patch things that are on the top of the old tank in 2 spots? Are they to prevent rust or something? They will not come off the old tank, just wondering if I should worry about replacing them with something (I found some stick-on heat shield stuff that Autozone has, adhesive on one side, foil on the other, maybe that will work).