Engine dies when switching tanks....

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

quadracerx

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2017
Posts
32
Reaction score
2
Location
Graham, WA. USA
First Name
Steve
Truck Year
88
Truck Model
3500
Engine Size
454
Hey Guys,

My 1988 Square Cab Dually TBI 454 has dual tanks, both tanks are at least half full. But when I switch from one tank to the other the engine dies? If I switch back to the original tank the engine starts and runs.

Also, not sure if its related but it runs rough, has a miss... I just tuned it up with all new cap, rotor, wires and plugs... Still runs rough...

Thanks again for all the help. This forum is amazing!

Steve
 

dvdswan

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Posts
2,366
Reaction score
2,024
Location
Port Orchard, WA
First Name
Dave
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
Switching valve gone bad sounds like.
 

smoothandlow84

I'd rather be draggin' frame
Joined
Jan 4, 2015
Posts
2,121
Reaction score
784
Location
Arizona
First Name
Steve
Truck Year
1984 Frame...87 motor and 700r trans
Truck Model
1500 r10 pavement scraper
Engine Size
350 TBI
When checking in tank fuel pump, also replace the sock filter on the pump. They clog really easily. Alo check that the rubber hose on the pump assembly is still connected. Sometimes these hoses come loose or split causung pump problems as well.
 

quadracerx

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2017
Posts
32
Reaction score
2
Location
Graham, WA. USA
First Name
Steve
Truck Year
88
Truck Model
3500
Engine Size
454
I assume that you have to drop the tank to change the fuel pump?

To clarify even though my truck is a 1988 GMC 3500 it is the "square cab style". Does this still mean each tank has an in tank fuel pump?

How many hours does it take someone of average mechanical ability to do this?

Thanks so much for your help.

Steve
 

Camar068

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Posts
4,156
Reaction score
3,015
Location
Kentucky
First Name
David
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K10/LM7 5.3/4L60e/np208/3.73/32"
Engine Size
10 yrs Air Force
To drop the tank, about 2 hours and thats with stopping to change the music, couple "beverage" breaks provided you have a good floor jack and lets say a 2x6 piece of wood (if needed). That time does not include any massive cleaning/painting lol.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,113
Posts
909,388
Members
33,606
Latest member
dave84
Top