Replacing K20 fuel tank

[longbeach]

Hi, replacing fuel tank on my 86 K20 duel tanks. What a PIA. Removed all the shields. Switching valve is way up in there. Looks like I have to unbolt bed and slide it back a few inches so I can get my hand in to disconnect everything from sending unit. Thoughts? Advice? Tricks? Thanks

 

[legopnuematic]

Copied this from a previous reply on this topic:

Two brackets that mount to the frame, 4 bolts each, you will be working from the inside of the frame rail. Don’t forget to remove the ground wire that goes from the sending unit to the frame before you begin to drop the tank.

When you go to reinstall install new hoses on sender, leave them plenty long and mark them, snake them over the frame rail. No reason to fuss around with short hoses.

 

[Edelbrock]

Whats wrong with the old tank? Rusted through?

 

[Ricko1966]

Hi, replacing fuel tank on my 86 K20 duel tanks. What a PIA. Removed all the shields. Switching valve is way up in there. Looks like I have to unbolt bed and slide it back a few inches so I can get my hand in to disconnect everything from sending unit. Thoughts? Advice? Tricks? Thanks

Unbolt the tank with the brackets,reach up with pruning shears,cut your hoses,use new hose going on. These really aren't a big deal I drop as a whole assembly,tank ,sender ,brackets filler,the whole ball of wax. I go back up as whole assembly,new hoses already clamped on the tank and second set of clamps loose on the hoses. Push the tank up start one bracket bolt reach up start your new hoses on ,push the other end of the tank up.bolt it all down.

 

[longbeach]

Ya rusted out. Both tanks are bad. I've been using only passenger side for about 4 years. Just wanted to replace that one right now . But this has been such a PIA I may do both now. Thanks for replies.

 

[longbeach]

Rick , do you have duel tanks? That switch over valve is way in there. Doesn't leave a lot of room on tank side of valve.? Thanks

 

[idahovette]

CUT THE HOSES............... TAKE OUT THE TANK................. AND THEN WORK ON THE VALVE

 

[Ricko1966]

Rick , do you have duel tanks? That switch over valve is way in there. Doesn't leave a lot of room on tank side of valve.? Thanks

Yes I have dual tanks . ^^^^ @idahovette gave you good advice. The valve is in an awkward place,but even with the tank in place you can get to it and it's lines.

 

[75gmck25]

I deopped my tanks a few years ago to replace the sending units. It was a PiA, but with a nearly empty tank I could put a 2x8 under it and raise and lower it with a floor jack. Once you get it up enough it can’t shift left or right and fall off the jack because it’s kind of crammed in there between the frame and the body.

As already recommended, use extra long fuel hoses and connect them to the sending unit before you install, then trim to length. I also suggest using SAE J30R9 or J30R7 EFI rubber fuel hose because it holds up better to modern fuels. You may have to buy it from Amazon or other online suppliers to get a good price.