dual gas tank switch problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BrookelynnGreen · 01-12-2012, 11:54 PM

I just got a new 86 chevy, I have dual gas tanks and I messed with the switch. The current right hand gas tank is the one the guy said he has been using, today I pressed the switch to flip to the left hand gas tank, and the gauge shot all the way to the left like it was overfull, and my truck died because there was no gas. I tried to flip the switch back to the left and it took it about a few clicks to switch. Maybe I dunno how to use the switch??? Do I hold it to the tank I want, or should I just press it once and it should switch over?
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stroker87 · 01-12-2012, 11:59 PM

just press it for the tank you want no holding it down or any thing

maybe it just took time for fuel to reach the the carb?

BrookelynnGreen · 01-13-2012, 12:00 AM

How do I know if it switches tanks?
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BrookelynnGreen · 01-13-2012, 12:02 AM

How do I know when it has switched tanks?
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**Corts60** · 01-13-2012, 02:08 AM

You'll know when it switches tanks because the gauge should inform you of the level, if all the wiring is hooked up properly. Sounds like since the needle shot all the way over when you switched tanks that you might have a bad ground or sending wire.

Also, a wise word from the experienced. When that tank selector valve fails (and it will) it will default to the right tank. What that means is that if you have a full left tank, an empty right tank and the selector valve goes out, you will be out of gas with a full tank.

When I fill up, I always burn up the left tank first.

BrookelynnGreen · 01-13-2012, 02:16 AM

Where is the sending unit? What does it look like?
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BLE 'BURBAN · 01-13-2012, 03:40 AM

Sending units are mounted in the top of the fuel tanks. switching valve is located under the passengers side of the cab on the frame rail.

bigdog57 · 01-13-2012, 09:39 AM

I use to have a truck with dual tanks. The switch had a nasty habbit of going out at the most inconvenant time.

Tucson38 · 01-13-2012, 11:21 AM

Yeah, they are somewhat trouble-prone. Last time I had a problem I lucked out and it was only the switch. Why couldn't GM have designed a manual switch or found a way to combine the two tanks. Hate getting stuck with an empty tank and no way to switch to the other side.

01-12-2012, 11:54 PM	#1
BrookelynnGreen Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 125	dual gas tank switch problem I just got a new 86 chevy, I have dual gas tanks and I messed with the switch. The current right hand gas tank is the one the guy said he has been using, today I pressed the switch to flip to the left hand gas tank, and the gauge shot all the way to the left like it was overfull, and my truck died because there was no gas. I tried to flip the switch back to the left and it took it about a few clicks to switch. Maybe I dunno how to use the switch??? Do I hold it to the tank I want, or should I just press it once and it should switch over? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Samuel "Knowledge Is Power"

01-12-2012, 11:59 PM	#2
stroker87 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 321	Re: dual gas tank switch problem just press it for the tank you want no holding it down or any thing maybe it just took time for fuel to reach the the carb?

01-13-2012, 12:00 AM	#3
BrookelynnGreen Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 125	Re: dual gas tank switch problem How do I know if it switches tanks? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Samuel "Knowledge Is Power"

01-13-2012, 12:02 AM	#4
BrookelynnGreen Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 125	Re: dual gas tank switch problem How do I know when it has switched tanks? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Samuel "Knowledge Is Power"

01-13-2012, 02:08 AM	#5
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,689	Re: dual gas tank switch problem You'll know when it switches tanks because the gauge should inform you of the level, if all the wiring is hooked up properly. Sounds like since the needle shot all the way over when you switched tanks that you might have a bad ground or sending wire. Also, a wise word from the experienced. When that tank selector valve fails (and it will) it will default to the right tank. What that means is that if you have a full left tank, an empty right tank and the selector valve goes out, you will be out of gas with a full tank. When I fill up, I always burn up the left tank first. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

01-13-2012, 02:16 AM	#6
BrookelynnGreen Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 125	Re: dual gas tank switch problem Where is the sending unit? What does it look like? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ -Samuel "Knowledge Is Power"

01-13-2012, 03:40 AM	#7
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: dual gas tank switch problem Sending units are mounted in the top of the fuel tanks. switching valve is located under the passengers side of the cab on the frame rail. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

01-13-2012, 09:39 AM	#8
bigdog57 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: krugerville Tx Posts: 81	Re: dual gas tank switch problem I use to have a truck with dual tanks. The switch had a nasty habbit of going out at the most inconvenant time. __________________ Bigdog

01-13-2012, 11:21 AM	#9
Tucson38 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 164	Re: dual gas tank switch problem Yeah, they are somewhat trouble-prone. Last time I had a problem I lucked out and it was only the switch. Why couldn't GM have designed a manual switch or found a way to combine the two tanks. Hate getting stuck with an empty tank and no way to switch to the other side.



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