Sylvie Willis
If you're looking to remove the fuel tank from your 1987 GMC 3500 Dually, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a safe and efficient removal. First, it's recommended to remove the bed of your truck to provide better access and ensure a more straightforward process. Next, raise the jacks until they touch the tank brackets, and remove the filler hose and vent line. You'll then need to remove the bolts from each bracket and slowly lower the tank to access the sending unit. From there, you can unplug the wires and hoses, and carefully let the tank down. It's always recommended to empty the fuel tank before beginning this process, but some users have reported success even with partially full tanks. With these steps, you'll be able to safely remove the fuel tank from your GMC 3500 Dually.
How to remove fuel tank 1987 GMC 3500 dually
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Raise the jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket |
| Step 2 | Remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank |
| Step 3 | Remove each set of four bolts from each bracket |
| Step 4 | Slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit |
| Step 5 | Unplug the two wires and one to three hoses depending on how many outlets your sender has |
| Step 6 | Slowly let the tank down with the floor jacks |
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What You'll Learn
Remove filler hose and vent line
Removing the filler hose and vent line is an important step in the process of dropping the fuel tank on a 1973-1987 GM truck. The procedure is similar for both dual and single tank configurations.
First, you'll want to raise the jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket. This will provide stability and ensure that the tank is secure during the removal process. Once the jacks are in place, you can begin to remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank. This step may require some force, but it is important to be careful and deliberate to avoid any damage to the surrounding components.
The filler hose is the tube that connects the fuel filler neck to the fuel tank. It is typically made of rubber or plastic and may have clamps or other fasteners securing it in place. The vent line, on the other hand, is a smaller tube that allows air to escape from the fuel tank during filling. It is important to identify both of these lines correctly to avoid any confusion during the removal process.
Once you have identified the filler hose and vent line, use the appropriate tools to carefully detach them from the tank. This may involve loosening clamps, disconnecting fasteners, or gently prying the hoses away from the tank. Be sure to have a container or tray ready to catch any fuel that may spill during this process. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to shield yourself from any fuel spills or debris.
After successfully detaching the filler hose and vent line, set them aside and proceed with the next steps in the fuel tank removal process. Remember to work slowly and carefully, especially when dealing with flammable liquids like fuel, to ensure your safety and the integrity of the vehicle.
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Remove bolts from tank brackets
To remove bolts from tank brackets when taking out the fuel tank of a 1987 GMC 3500 dually, follow these steps:
First, raise two-wheeled floor jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket. Next, remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank. There will be four bolts on each of the two brackets holding the tank. Remove each set of four bolts from the brackets.
At this point, slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit. Unplug the wires and hoses connected to the sender. Depending on your sender, there will be one to three hoses to disconnect. Sometimes, there is also a ground wire from the tank to the frame.
If the bolts are difficult to remove, applying a little heat from a propane torch to the nuts can help loosen them.
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Lower the tank to access the sending unit
To access the sending unit of a 1987 GMC 3500 Dually, you will need to lower the fuel tank. First, use two wheeled floor jacks to raise the truck. Raise the jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket. Next, remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank. Then, remove each set of four bolts from each bracket.
Now you can slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit. Unplug the two wires and one to three hoses, depending on how many outlets your sender has. There may also be a ground wire from the tank to the frame. If there is no ground wire from the tank to the frame, there should be one from the sending unit to the frame.
It is recommended that you empty the fuel tank before doing this. However, one person has reported that they dropped their tank when it was 3/4 full and had no problems.
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Unplug wires and hoses
To unplug the wires and hoses, you will need to raise the jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket. Remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank. You will then need to remove each set of four bolts from each bracket.
Slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit. Depending on the number of outlets your sender has, you will need to unplug two wires and one to three hoses. Sometimes there is a ground wire from the tank to the frame. If your truck has this wire, remove it. If not, you should have a ground wire from the sending unit to the frame.
It is recommended that you empty the fuel tank before doing this. However, one user reported that they dropped their tank when it was 3/4 full and had no problems.
Another user reported that they pumped out most of their fuel before dropping the tank, as they needed to access the fuel hose clamps and sender wire.
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Remove the fuel lines
To remove the fuel lines, first, raise the jacks until they are just touching each tank bracket. Remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank. You can use a tool sold as an A/C line disconnect tool for this style of fuel line. It goes around the fuel line, slides into the connector, and pushes outward against the retaining/locking clips, then you can pull the line out.
Next, remove each set of four bolts from each bracket. Slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit. Unplug the two wires and one to three hoses, depending on how many outlets your sender has. Sometimes there is a ground wire from the tank to the frame. If there is no ground wire from the tank to the frame, there may be a ground wire from the sending unit to the frame.
Before lowering the tank, it is recommended to empty the fuel tank. However, if you are unable to do so, slowly lower the tank with the floor jacks, as one user reported being able to do without any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove the fuel tank from your 1987 GMC 3500 Dually, follow these steps:
- Raise the jacks until they are touching each tank bracket.
- Remove the filler hose and vent line from the tank.
- Remove each set of four bolts from each bracket.
- Slowly lower the tank until you can access the sending unit.
- Unplug the wires and hoses from the sending unit.
- Lower the tank completely and remove it from the vehicle.
It is recommended to empty the fuel tank before removal. However, some people have reported successfully removing the tank when it was 3/4 full.
You will need floor jacks and a tool to unbolt the brackets, such as a wrench or socket set.
