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Fuel tank issues

Reply #45
[quot
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Fuel tank issues

Reply #46
that kit is awesome.. there's a newer kit that doesn't even need the compression tool I believe... it uses press on connectors like the new PEX tubing uses for plumbing water lines
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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Fuel tank issues

Reply #47
Tha
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Fuel tank issues

Reply #48
Quote from: TOM Renzo;370964
https://www.classicinstruments.com/productother.aspx?ProductCode=SN39

The pump and support assembly is still available. Just buy a new one and save all your energy and ideas. I have used this sender from time to time on vintage low OHM units. It is easily adaptable to the ford tank. And most likely the resistor on your unit is shot anyway. Just me could be wrong. I think an early escort sender is a drop in if memory serves me. It is one of those Escort years that has a low ohm sender. Or better yet call Barry for his imput he can make one for you.

Now the lines. You can use a hose and clamp on the return line . Their is no pressure their to speak of. Now the feed line. You can make up a line to hook up the tank quick fitting. Then do the same at the filter. Use a 1987 Explorer filter the nipples are longer. Or a chevy filter with a bob fitting and 2 clamps. DUN. Then s the tank for a new one. Your tank looks worse than the TITANIC.

The sending unit is still in perfect working order. All it needs is a new mounting piece which is extremely easy. I could probably whip one up in about an hour.
Also, I did get a new tank. Fuel pump would have to be cut out to save the old tank. Managed to break off all four tabs using a block of hardwood.


I found the tool for under 70, so I'll probably just order one. Other than that, I just need to get my friend to help weld on some new support brackets for the straps to bolt into, and it'll be good to go.

I'll update when I finish to let you know how it went ^.^
Our world is not merely black and white, nor is it just shades of gray. Taste the rainbow.

Fuel tank issues

Reply #49
So, back to say that it was almost a complete success. It did end up being a ton more work than it should've, though. Things just kept going wrong.

The sending unit was pretty simple to rebuild, but I did have some unexpected problems. I made the top plate at work and ended up having a coworker weld it together. He tig welded part of it, but he had to mig the tube. The pipe was 1/4 ID and 5/16 OD so I tapped it M7. They didn't have any  head bolts in M7 at the local hardware, so I had a coworker rig up something to resistance weld a washer on. Add in a rubber washer thingy (I forget details easily), and all that was left was the wiring. The sending wire was easy, but I learned that you can't solder to steel. Ended up welding over the top of the solder. I just used an old computer connector for it. I used silicone caulk over any openings and then electrical taped over it for added protection.
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7489/img20111112141605.jpg

The support brackets were the part that took me the most time. My friend fell through, so I had to buy my own welder and learn how to weld. Welding stock steel was easy, but welding it onto the bottom of the trunk was hard for me. I took this picture before I finished up. Ended up having my dad give me advice over the phone. It isn't terrible, but I am still kind of worried it might break under a full tank. Kinda blurry, but I was more worried about getting it done than getting a good picture.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5158/img20111113213601.jpg

My fuel pump didn't fit the tank completely properly so I had to ground down one side a bit. The sending unit gave me trouble, since it didn't have that bump in the middle to align the ring. I got both in and the tank was all ready. Lifted it into place only to find that the "OEM" straps from every place are wrong. Tried them on both the old and new tanks, and they weren't even close. I ended up welding on an extra 3" on it.
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8118/img20111113232053.jpg

The worst part was finding out my sending unit got screwed up somehow. It constantly reads full. I checked it with a multimeter before putting it in and it read correctly. Not sure what the problem is, but it'll have to wait. I'm wore out from this.

Considering I came into this with almost zero knowledge, I didn't do too bad. I'll probably have to have someone else touch up on things, and I have no clue about the sending unit. Theoretically everything should've been good, but I guess I screwed something up. Anyways, unless someone has an idea about the sending unit, I'm done with this particular issue.

Car is up and running good =D
Our world is not merely black and white, nor is it just shades of gray. Taste the rainbow.

Fuel tank issues

Reply #50
Quote from: Schweeb;373127
Car is up and running good =D

So, did you use a screw driver, or a brass punch on that crusty lock ring?
(The fate of FTBCF..and the whole universe rests on your answer)

:rollin:


I've changed a fuel pump or 3....maybe more. Used a screwdriver every time.
Never seen fireballs...lol

If you do it every day, yeh, get the brass punch or better yet, the proper tool.

When you're stuck at home, and the truck is the only thing you have to drive, and you need it fixed NOW, then yeah..I used a screwdriver.


It's also a  bad idea to urinate on electric fences, but 3 out of 5 guys try it anyway.. :punchballs:
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

Fuel tank issues

Reply #51
Good Job. The pump hanger and lines look nice. Hope you figure out the sender it sucks trying to calculate mileage till empty.
Good luck.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]:ford:87 Turbo Coupe through the floor sub frame connectors, 5.8 swap Ford racing heads Harland sharp 1.6 rockers BBK shorty swap headers 2 1/2 BBk X pipe magnaflow ler's. Megasquirt 2 with 36lbs injectors on hurricane intake with 4150 throttle body.Tremec TKO 600 Quicktime blowsheild spec stage 3 clutch. 3.73 gears and still not done

Fuel tank issues

Reply #52
I used a block of wood on it. I've never had good luck with screwdrivers or punches.

And as an added update, remove the good part. I was being careful with it last night. Tried to give it some gas today and it lacked power. It looks like it was a two part problem >.<
Fuel pressure is good and the car runs good at low rpms(<2-2.5k), but ~3k it just becomes weak. I'm kind of clueless at this point.
Tank didn't fall off, though, so I guess my welding was ok XD
Our world is not merely black and white, nor is it just shades of gray. Taste the rainbow.

Fuel tank issues

Reply #53
Quote from: daminc;369972
rock auto sells the locking rings and hanger assembly

Bump from the dead..im working on getting new lock rings for the fuel gauge sender before I try to pull it off. Rock Auto shows a listing for multiple ones does anyone know which one a turbo coupe should use?
Could be any of these...
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=17616&cc=1430182
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=17617&cc=1430182
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=622773&cc=1430182
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1533694&cc=1430182
88 Turbo Coupe 5 Speed..Full exhaust, K and N, Boost Controller

Fuel tank issues

Reply #54
When I did my 83, I just went to the dealer and they happened to have the correct one in stock. I think it was like $8. It might be worth a shot to run to a dealer if you have one nearby...
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Fuel tank issues

Reply #55
When I helped my buddy do the one on the tbird, the mustang ones fit from orileys.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com