What is on top of the tank that can be fixed? I think my tank is leaking...

 

Be sure that the ring retaining the sender unit is tight.

 

The threaded retainer ring being loose is a common problem. It could also be either of the fuel lines, supply or return. Peek in through the driver's side wheel well with a flashlight and you should be able to pinpoint it.

 

Yup...


Do yourself a favor.


Drop the tank and clean out the crap behind it, inside the frame. You'll find lots of stuff in there.... and if you're lucky, a pristine, non rotted frame. This was my FIRST TASK when I bought my truck.... besides normal tune up stuff.

Clean it out, prime it, paint it, and put the tank back after you've fixed the leak. I'd replace the seal and sending unit while I was in there, as well as sand down and paint the straps. This would be the last time you'd have to do this..... unless of course, if it was done previously.

 

do OEM tanks have baffles?

I find these long, lateral tanks activate the "low fuel" light on hills, sometimes I worry about fuel starvation since I hate to buy diesel locally (at super-premium prices)

also, where is the fuel pickup hose mounted?

 

I've opened up a few of these tanks.... and there were no baffles.


These fuel senders are designed to "fool" you into thinking you're low on fuel. Reality is that when the light comes on, you actually have between 5-7 galllons still in there..... (your mileage may vary). This is intentional, as chrysler / cummins didn't want the fuel system starved, as we all know how difficult it is to start a dry diesel..

There is no pickup hose. It's sucked out of the bottom through a screen.

Check out this thread for the pic of what it looks like

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...k-t264235.html

 

Did you replace all 6 plug wires and spark plugs?

Baffles..I don't believe so. I thought the fuel pickup hose was mounted on top of the tank and it just drops straight down? Also when my gauge reads on the E I go to fill up and it usually has about 5 gallons left in it so I've come to not trust the gauge anymore. I would say I go based off of the odometer and hand calculated mileage but I haven't fixed the odometer yet...it says low fuel and Benjamin Franklin waves goodbye.

 

How did you know ?

My neighbor who has an alfa romeo spyder gave me a new set, as he said they fit his car, but was selling it and didn't need them any longer.....

 

Its exactly what I would have done first...great minds think alike.