Gas Tank Replacement

[Sandfobs]

Hi I have a 93 Ford Escort Wagon LX ... daugther is using it often in the city but I can't fill the tank past 1/2 tank. So I suppose the best thing is too replace it.

I know how to change the fuel pump from the inside of the car. Can I get a step by step on how to replace the tank? I would love to do it myself.

[mightymoose_22]

Why can't you go past half way? Are you certain you need a new tank?



To change the tank... and I am only guessing without going out to look at it... you would have to unhook the wires and gas lines from the pump by accessing through the seat, then from underneath you would undo the straps that hold the tank from under the car... it should be a pretty simple process and easy to figure out as you go along.

[KimMG]

Check to make sure the vent lines to the tank are free from obstructions.

[Sandfobs]

Re: Gas Tank Replacement
Check to make sure the vent lines to the tank are free from obstructions.

How do I check these vent lines. When I fill the tank over half tank the gas gushes out of the tank. I can not see where from but the amount comes out steady until the tank is back at half tank. I can check the lines to be sure.

[AzTumbleweed]

Is the fuel gage accurate?

[Sandfobs]

I am pretty sure it is

[Sandfobs]

I have another tank and new tank straps but when I got under there and sprayed the bolts with break away I noticed it is behind a heat shield and it looks like the exhuast pipe is in the way to have the tank replaced. I am alittle weary changing this tank.

[AzTumbleweed]

What happens when you try to fill it up? Does it leak? If not, I'd say your gage is bad.

[Sandfobs]

When I fill it up... the gauge moves up just fine as I'm filling. When I fill the tank over half tank it begins to leak from I believe on the upper side of the tank, I can't see exactely. It will leak out right back to half tank.

I am taking the weekend to fix this problem. I currently just release the fuel pressure from the lines and jacked up the rear end and am spraying the tank bolts again with break away. I will be checking back ever so often.

[AzTumbleweed]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing then.

[Sandfobs]

Well here it is I removed the tank quite easily but for anyone doing this with jack stands take the driver side tire off before jacking up the vehicle it will be much easier for you. I replaced the tank and put the new one in, when I prepared to move the fuel pump into the new tank I immediately noticed that there was alot of corrosion around the pump and particularly the lock ring. I cleaned it up the best I could then inspected again. I really feel it was the fuel pump that was leaking because of another inspection of the tank it looked just fine with no cracks that I could visably see. I went and purchased a new lock ring plus gasket and sealed the new fuel pump and went and filled the tank right up. NO LEAKS !!!

So it still leaves me to believe this was the only problem and a proper fuel pump inspection by removing the fuel pump and placing a new gasket plus new lock ring if there is any corrosion to it would have been the solution. I still feel my old tank was probably fine.

I was thinking of cleaning it up and just saying I didn't need the tank but that would not be honest.

[denisond3]

I am replacing the fuel pump in the tank of my 92 Escort wagon. It was leaking when I would put more than about 3/4ths of a tank of fuel in, because there was a crack in the rubber hose that connects the fuel filler neck to the tank. The rubber hose was pretty well hardened, a new one is on order from the Ford dealer. My tank is all plastic, and had that same metal heat shield folded around it, to stop the heat from the exhaust pipe. I am replacing the fuel pump just because I have the tank out anyway, and the car has over 200,000 miles on it. I might have been able to change the pump with the fuel tank in the car, by working from the middle of the back seat area, but had to remove the tank anyway to replace a rusted-out brake line, that was leaking in a narrow space between the tank and the side of the underbody.
I pried the rubber supports for the exhaust system off, from the muffler and the intermediate pipe. That let the exhaust dropp down far enough that I could wiggle the fuel tank out. Im not delighted to be working under there because of the red ants, but at least where I am doing the work the weather is good. We are almost in Mexico: It was 81°f today, in the far southern tip of Texas.