Dual gas tank issue

[jpau00]

I have an old 1987 Ford E-150, Getaway conversion. It has two gas tanks, listed in the cab as Front and Rear with a manual switch. After filling the tanks, one of the two situations occurred:

1. I used the rear tank first. Then I switch to the front tank. When the front tank starts to empty, I realized that a portion of its gas has been pushed to the rear tank, which ends up being about 1/3 full.

2. I used the front tank first. Given that the rear tank was full, gas began spurting out of my closed fill valve.

Obviously scenario 2 is not very safe, so I've been running it according to scenario 1, but I’d like it fixed. I am going to have a bunch of repairs done to the van this fall, and I was wondering if anyone has suggestions as to what the issue might be?

Also, does anyone have a suggestion for good mechanics in Central CA that would get into custom work? My mechanics are great, but they are kind of by-the-book and not inclined to get into anything unusual.

Thanks!

[carringb]

Needs a new selector valve assembly. The solenoid switching the return lines is stuck.

[TomsBeast]

x2, selector valve.

A pretty common Ford truck feature, my '87 F350 came from Ford with that feature. I'd guess (but don't know for certain) it would be the same Ford part for a van. RV's from that vintage also used an aftermarket version of a fuel tank selector valve. The first thing to do is determine if your van came from Ford with two tanks (is it a Ford selector valve switch on the dash?) If you have an owner's manual check that. If so, any independent auto repair shop in farm country familiar with Ford trucks of that vintage can fix it.

Originally Posted by carringb

Needs a new selector valve assembly. The solenoid switching the return lines is stuck.

[jpau00]

Thanks! Sounds like an easy fix.