Fuel Sender

[1984RESTOMOD]

1984 long bed side mounted tank - ideally want an in-tank sender/pump to a regulator on the frame rail with a return line since carburetor only requires 5-7psi. The sender/float shown is what came out of the tank but I will need a cap with an in and out line. Any suggestions on what year sender is compatible and will work for my setup?

 

[Shran]

Is the sending unit hole in your tank the small one that's about 2" wide or the big one that's about 4-5" wide? Looks like the small one?

If it's the big one you can use a sending unit from an '86-88 truck of the same wheelbase as those had a low pressure pump in the tank. Pretty easy, cap off the return side and add power.

If you have the small hole type tank, you could modify your sending unit for an electric pump... or run an external clicky clacky pump... or buy a gas tank for a newer truck with the sending unit I mentioned. I don't think there's a drop in sending unit w/ electric pump made for the small hole tanks.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

Is the sending unit hole in your tank the small one that's about 2" wide or the big one that's about 4-5" wide? Looks like the small one?

If it's the big one you can use a sending unit from an '86-88 truck of the same wheelbase as those had a low pressure pump in the tank. Pretty easy, cap off the return side and add power.

If you have the small hole type tank, you could modify your sending unit for an electric pump... or run an external clicky clacky pump... or buy a gas tank for a newer truck with the sending unit I mentioned. I don't think there's a drop in sending unit w/ electric pump made for the small hole tanks.

Correct - small hole. Is a clicky clacky like an in-line pump? Would a 2003 fit in my truck? https://southbend.craigslist.org/pts/d/la-porte-ford-ranger-fuel-tank-with-pump/7695502560.html

 

[RonD]

Pre-1989 Ranger fuel level senders use different OHMs then 1989 and up, so not interchangeable if you want the gauge to work, lol

No need for an IN and OUT line at the tank
You can use a low pressure pump, a lift pump, on existing assembly, just need to add a 2 wire connector on the plate


If you use an electric fuel pump on any carbureted engine I would use a relay and a oil pressure switch to activate fuel pump's 12v

Carburetors have a float bowl so don't need the fuel pump on to start
Then once started oil pressure with activate the fuel pump
This is safer than manual switch or key on activation

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

Pre-1989 Ranger fuel level senders use different OHMs then 1989 and up, so not interchangeable if you want the gauge to work, lol

No need for an IN and OUT line at the tank
You can use a low pressure pump, a lift pump, on existing assembly, just need to add a 2 wire connector on the plate


If you use an electric fuel pump on any carbureted engine I would use a relay and a oil pressure switch to activate fuel pump's 12v

Carburetors have a float bowl so don't need the fuel pump on to start
Then once started oil pressure with activate the fuel pump
This is safer than manual switch or key on activation

So the existing level sender I have will work but I need to add a low pressure lift pump and wire it accordingly to kick on when oil pressure picks up? Could you link a lift pump? Novice here so apologies for lack of knowledge.

 

[Shran]

Amazon.com

That is what is commonly referred to as a clicky clacky pump...once you hear it run you'll know why. It can just go in line somewhere, pretty easy.

A pump like that will work perfect for you without replacing the tank or sending unit you have now, there is a bit of noise to live with and in-tank pumps are quieter but harder to replace if they fail. Clicky clacky is easy.

Ron is correct about the sending unit ohm range, any sending unit after '88 will not read correctly on your dash. Newer tanks will require at least some modification to fit... may be easy, or not, I put an '88 tank in a '92 frame and had hours of strap modifications involved in making it fit.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

Amazon.com

That is what is commonly referred to as a clicky clacky pump...once you hear it run you'll know why. It can just go in line somewhere, pretty easy.

A pump like that will work perfect for you without replacing the tank or sending unit you have now, there is a bit of noise to live with and in-tank pumps are quieter but harder to replace if they fail. Clicky clacky is easy.

Ron is correct about the sending unit ohm range, any sending unit after '88 will not read correctly on your dash. Newer tanks will require at least some modification to fit... may be easy, or not, I put an '88 tank in a '92 frame and had hours of strap modifications involved in making it fit.

Ok that is the route I will go most likely for ease of use. I have heard these are not the most reliable - again just what I've heard so would it be best to order 2 and always keep a spare?

 

[RonD]

+1 on a diaphragm low pressure pump, mounted out side the tank in the frame rail, as they will have SUCTION, same as the engine mounted mechanical pumps have, which are also diaphragm pumps

Centrifugal pumps can do higher pressure but do not have suction so can not PULL fuel up and out of the gas tank, so they are used inside the gas tanks, immersed at the bottom of the tank

Yes, diaphragm pumps can be noisier than centrifugal pumps for sure
Not sure they are less reliable as far as the mechanics, but yes, cheaper parts can be less reliable

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

+1 on a diaphragm low pressure pump, mounted out side the tank in the frame rail, as they will have SUCTION, same as the engine mounted mechanical pumps have, which are also diaphragm pumps

Centrifugal pumps can do higher pressure but do not have suction so can not PULL fuel up and out of the gas tank, so they are used inside the gas tanks, immersed at the bottom of the tank

Yes, diaphragm pumps can be noisier than centrifugal pumps for sure
Not sure they are less reliable as far as the mechanics, but yes, cheaper parts can be less reliable

This clarified my understanding immensely

 

[Shran]

Always have a spare pump on hand regardless of what type...

Nice thing about the diaphragm pumps is usually two hose clamps & one electrical connector, maybe a mounting bolt or two is all that's required to change it out. 10 minutes max.

 

[bobbywalter]

+1 on a diaphragm low pressure pump, mounted out side the tank in the frame rail, as they will have SUCTION, same as the engine mounted mechanical pumps have, which are also diaphragm pumps

Centrifugal pumps can do higher pressure but do not have suction so can not PULL fuel up and out of the gas tank, so they are used inside the gas tanks, immersed at the bottom of the tank

Yes, diaphragm pumps can be noisier than centrifugal pumps for sure
Not sure they are less reliable as far as the mechanics, but yes, cheaper parts can be less reliable

true. if using certain oem pumps..

but a 4070 style is much more reliable then a click clack.


i only use click clacks for temporary use.

high power efi applications a t rex style frame pump wont have any issues pulling fluid....

personally i would use the low psi in tank ranger pump.

you can make your own custom sending unit to do whatever you need.

otherwise a 4070 style carter with a fuel psi regulator returning to the tank. very reliable and will transfer fuel at i high rate if you configure it to do so.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

true. if using certain oem pumps..

but a 4070 style is much more reliable then a click clack.


i only use click clacks for temporary use.

high power efi applications a t rex style frame pump wont have any issues pulling fluid....

personally i would use the low psi in tank ranger pump.

you can make your own custom sending unit to do whatever you need.

otherwise a 4070 style carter with a fuel psi regulator returning to the tank. very reliable and will transfer fuel at i high rate if you configure it to do so.

Could I just use an ‘86 in tank pump? What changed that year?

 

[Shran]

You certainly could use the '86 in tank pump, you just need the tank with it because '85 and later all had the big sending unit hole. That sending unit won't fit into your tank.

'86 was the first year of the super cab, that is the only relevant change besides EFI on the 2.9.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

You certainly could use the '86 in tank pump, you just need the tank with it because '85 and later all had the big sending unit hole. That sending unit won't fit into your tank.

'86 was the first year of the super cab, that is the only relevant change besides EFI on the 2.9.

Good deal may go try my local pick a part for a tank that has the larger hole.

 

[bobbywalter]

You can fit it in the small hole. It's a pain in the ass but definitely doable. Use the right hose and solder a tab to hang it.

That is not the hard part

Bulkheading a small wire pass-thru with the little area available is the shitty part. Really isolating power is all you need to worry about. Grounds can use a tiny machine screw/nut. I have done the oring and sheet plastic diy bulkhead as well.