help me with my TBI fuel tank redo

[Low87]

I'm giving up on the poly fuel cell & external pumps, as they have been nothing but one problem after another since installation. I'm getting old enough to realize that whatever you can keep stock on a driver, do so.

Having said that, I'm removing the poly cell and Delco pump in exchange for a 24/31 (don't know what it is yet) Suburban tank. It has the pump & sending unit in it and they supposedly work. I'm getting it all for $40 so I figure I'll go ahead and replace the pump while it's easy. Is there any way to check the sending unit, or rebuild one, while out? I'd like to avoid $150-200 for a new sending unit.

While doing so I'm going to buy new straps. Is there any difference between a 24/31 Suburban tank to a 24/31 Blazer tank?

I'll replace the filter (have that) and some lines. TBI was rebuilt a few years ago and hasn't been run since, anything I need to do there?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by Low87

Is there any way to check the sending unit, or rebuild one, while out? I'd like to avoid $150-200 for a new sending unit.

FWIW, and sending unit for an 87 Suburban 25 gallon tank with TBI is about $65 for a new one.

Check the pump wire for continuity with a DVOM, and check the float with the OHM meter. GM's are 0-90 ohms - 0 ohms empty, and 90 ohms full.

[Low87]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

FWIW, and sending unit for an 87 Suburban 25 gallon tank with TBI is about $65 for a new one.

Can you point me in that direction? I've checked a few parts stores and they're in the $150+ range.

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

Check the pump wire for continuity with a DVOM, and check the float with the OHM meter. GM's are 0-90 ohms - 0 ohms empty, and 90 ohms full.

I don't have a DVOM and I've never OHMed anything. I assume this has to be done when hooked up? Sorry, treading new ground on this.

Edit: And thanks.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by Low87

Can you point me in that direction? I've checked a few parts stores and they're in the $150+ range.

Go to www.rockauto.com and open their catalog, or go to the "Part Number Search" tab and use part number FG12K. That's the 25 gallon sending unit, $65.79.

The 31 gallon unit is FG12L, $96.79.

They have Delco fuel pumps. Delco EP386, $41.89.

I don't have a DVOM and I've never OHMed anything. I assume this has to be done when hooked up? Sorry, treading new ground on this.

Edit: And thanks.

It's not too hard to do if you can get your hands on a meter. You can do it on the work bench, it doesn't have to be in the vehicle. There is (usually) one wire coming from the float, usually tan (I think). One lead of the meter goes to that, and ground the other to the sending unit itself. Have someone slowly move the float up through it's range and note the meter readings.

They also list the 25 and 31 gallon tank straps as different part numbers, but they are both $27.

[Low87]

Very much appreciated!

[Low87]

Is there anything in/on the tank itself I should replace as a matter of course?

[glock35ipsc]

If you get a new sending unit, it will come with a new o-ring. If you reuse the old pump, you might replace the short section of rubber hose on it along with the pickup screen. I would get new anti-squeak felt to go between the straps and tank. If you can get your hands on some roofing felt, that works good too. Otherwise, make sure it is clean inside and out.

[RandyP]

The coweta guy has a blazer 'in stock', first time I've seen him venture from the suburbans and trucks.
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/1846287948.html

Just in case your other gas tank thing does not pan out.

[Low87]

Thanks Randy, looks like he wants to sell that one "whole". I just talked to the Mannford guy, he's got another tank in that's complete & not 40g, he's going to trade me out Monday.

[RandyP]

Well it depends on which ad you read that he has. He'll part it out because he probably won't get much action on the price for a complete unit. I'm tempted to go pickup the seats and console, just to have, but probably won't since the wife would throw a hissy fit.

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/pts/1846228771.html , is the ad where he is parting it out. The clip will be gone by tomorrow I bet. I do know he won't pay more than about $300 for a vehicle, so chances are he is in to this one fairly cheap. He might have paid a bit more since it does run, who knows though. Once you meet him you'll understand more about him.

[Low87]

LOL, I want to go out there just to meet him. He seemed okay on the phone, even if he did have to pretend to remember who you are. I might call him to see if that Blazer has the fuel tank skid plate, I know I'd ride easier with one of those.

[RandyP]

I'm pretty sure all K5's and suburbans (2 or 4 wheel drive) had the skid plate from 89 up. Not too certain on 88 down though.

[1987GmcSierra]

I have an 89 gmc suburban 2wd that didnt have the skid plate a 4wd probably only had one all i had was straps to hold up the tank

[Low87]

Yea I didn't see any skid plates on the 4 Burbs he had out there.

[glock35ipsc]

Not one on my 91 Burb either.

[RandyP]

I blame lacquer thinner for half my answers on here. Beer on the other half.

I thought mine did, but I am mistaken. Makes a lot more sense to be a 4x4 option don't it.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by RandyP

I blame lacquer thinner for half my answers on here. Beer on the other half.