How does one go about this - before I do this I always try to get some background info on the subject. I need to drop my gas-tank down and see what the heck is wrong with it. By chance does anyone know if the tank pressurizes for correct fuel gauge level??

 

I have to do this to my 87 this weekend, we seam to have spring a leak. Ill do a quick write up for my 87, yours should be pretty much the same.

First (if possible) get fuel tank low on fuel, aka drive it till on E. or try to syphon it out. the lighter the better!!!

next remove the approx 8 bolts holding the cover on. remove cover and set aside.

place jack under fuel tank, remove the 2 metal straps that run across the tank. u will need to hold the tank while its on the jack to balance it. this is were a second set of hands is nice. lover tank.

No idea on the presure, sorry

hope this helps, Brent

 

Its not a hard thing to do. Its a bit tight working up aganist the bottom of the bed getting the fuel lines loose and back on again, you have to keep the tank at an angle, but thats really it. On mine, a '94 they dont give you much slack in the fuel lines. But do get most of the fuel out of the tank, it will make it much easier since the fuel weighs 8 lbs per gallon.

 

The tank isnt pressurized, if you think it is just open the gas cap and it wont be anymore, a floor jack will be all you need other then ratcher and sockets to get it down.

 

The '87 will have the tank under the back end, while the newer body styles have the tank under the drivers side rear passengers seat.

The OBS has 3 hoses, 1 wiring harness, and 1 ground.
The NBS has 6 hoses, and two wiring harneses.

OBS has 4 bolts.
NBS has q bolt, and 1 nut.

Gas weighs roughly 8 pounds per gallon. 20 gallons weighs roughly 160 pounds.

The leak on the '87 is no doubt due rust. If your interested in repairing hte tank. Hit me up for info. Been there done that 2 years ago. Still holding fuel with no problems.

 

If the reason you're doing this is that your gas guage is off, check your ground wire first. If you've got a bad ground, your guage will be screwy.

 

Mscott03, The fuel tank comes down really easy. The fuel lines have quick connectors on them, and the wire connectors come off real easy also, the hardest part will be taking the fuel filler and vent hose off. If the reason that you are wanting to do this is because the fuel gauge just bounces all over the place most of the time, and just sits low the rest it is due to the fuel level sensor in the tank. This part is available through GM only and should retail for under $100.00. I am an ASE Master Technician and I replace these sensors all of the time!!!

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I'm going to be doing this on Friday - I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes. Kordog, the gauge doesnt bounce so much as sits there at 50%.. Then when theres like a gallon left or so, drops to E! Very frustrating.

 

Well... I did it, and regretfully didnt take any pictures. It was able to put the tank down, some-what repair the meter, and repair the gas filler tube line. All is well and I am happy.