I finally found out that the rear tank on my truck has never been used...ever. So it's sat bone-bry for about 13 years now. It is safe to just put some gas in there and switch over to the rear tank? I thought there might be a lot of crud and stuff in there that could clog the filter, or worse, the injectors. If it's risky I won't bother, but I would like to keep a couple gallons there for "emergency" gas. I've heard you can pull the bed off to look, but I'm not going to go through all the trouble just for this. The front is larger also, right?

 

If the tank hasn't been used in that long, I dont think I'd risk using it, without at least checking it out first. As for the front being larger, I think that the tanks are right around the same size more or less. The front might be a gallon or so larger.. Hope this helps ya out.

-Dave

 

If it's the same rear tank as on the shortbed, it's no problem at all to drop it. I dropped mine in about 10 minutes. Just two straps and the filler hose and it comes right down. By the way mine is an 18 gallon square one.

 

If it has never been used, then there shouldn't be any problem. Its like brand new Right??

 

Not as likely. If its been empty all this time condensation could have rusted it. You might try putting say 5 gallons in and disconnect line and run some in a glass and look for contamination, though the filter may just catch any crap it would rule out water in there. By the way mine are virtualy the same size.

 

I have the XL longbed, the front tank is long and rectangular(runs along driver's side cab) and the rear is flat and square, under the back half of the bed.

Even here I'm getting conflicting opinions. I asked a few of my buddies and some said "if it's never been used, what's the problem?" and others said that there could be the risk of condensation or rust that would break loose into the fuel and clog up the works.

If it's risky I won't bother for now, it's not like I need the extended range or whatever the 2nd tank was put there for(anyone know? weight on rear wheels maybe?)Maybe if I get a dull weekend I'll pull the rear one and check it out and toss some K-100 in there, that stuff works wonders, no kidding.

 

It was a factory option that I like as you said for the extended range and comfort of knowing I got a backup. There are complicated valves and switches as well as a pump and filter in each tank but are dependable. I would just run some gas through and some cleaner like you said as I said earlier pull off a line and let it pump a bit to see what comes out. Don't really think your gonna have any problems. Then filler up and run a couple tanks through and keep on trucking.

 

just try it, the filter on the pump will catch the big stuff and the rail filter will get the rest. at least put some juice in it to stop the rust, but its probably not that bad

 

Is the rear tank even metal? We had to drop the front tank on my truck before to replace the sending unit, seems like it was a composite material. My memory could be failing me, but I would have swore it was not metal, maybe the rear isn't either.

If it's not metal then rust wouldn't really be an issue, although condensation might. Put a gallon or two of gas in it and something that absorbs water but will burn. There are plenty of off the shelf items that will do this such as "dry gas" but I've heard rubbing alcohol does the same thing. Automatic transmission fluid actually absorbs moisture as well, and will burn if you dilute it with enough gas. I've heard it actually lubricates the injectors. Could be an old wives tale though.

 

Yep rubbing alcohol will work but why use it when inexpensive cleaners work and clean things as well. Basically a no brainier.

 

Some people are just fundamentally opposed to buying a product that is sold for a specific purpose if there is a product sold for another purpose that will do the job. I guess it makes them feel smarter or something. I never really understood it myself, just throwing out options.

 

I'm not opposed to using alcohol heck I've done it. But if rubbing alcohol costs a dollar and fuel injector cleaner costs three I ain't that poor.

 

Rubbing alcohol is either 30% or 50% water. Why would you put water in ur gas tank? Says it right on the bottle.

 

Isopropyl alcohol bonds to water molecules, surrounding them and allowing them to be burnt. I think the ATF in the gas is in the same boat as putting brake fluid in motor oil to stop leaks, don't do it. It's an old snowmobiler's trick, I've done it for years in my sled when I suspect water contamination.

It needs gas so I'll fill the rear when I go fill it up, and toss some drygas in there just for good measure.

Are the two tanks on two seperate filters, or do they both share one?

 

True but that's my point. Put in isoprophl alcohol (drygas) not rubbing alcohol which is isoprophl alcohol with 30% water added.