questions about my truck

[1971ford]

1) does the gas tank selecter switch, switch tanks or does it show how much is in the tank selected?

2)what is this? its on my steering column and under the dash.

3)is this fuel tank selecter original?


thanks

[ezernut9mm]

the selector switch switches from one tank to the other and the guage should reflect the amount i the tank selected. and no, that switch doesn't look original.

the other pic is the neutral safety switch.

[FORDification]

There will be a selector valve on the floor (if it's a factory setup) to select between the fuel tanks. The switch on the dash allows you to select which tank the fuel gauge reads from.

[MadMaxetc]

The thing on the column is the switch that only alows you to crank the engine if it is in park.

[1971ford]

so let me get this straight, the switch on the dash just changes what the what tank the guage reads from, there should be a valve on the ground to switch actuall tanks and the column switch is to crank engine when in park? where would the valve for switching tanks be located? (remember i have a 71.dont know if it matters) i looked but couldnt find anything. thanks for the help!

[rjewkes]

between the door and the seat on the drivers side.

[1971ford]

ok then i know i dont have one.unless its tiny and under the carpet. so in that case my tank switch must switch tanks.

[rjewkes]

or your switch to select tanks has been removed.

[tynall44]

when you switch the toggle on the dash do you get a different reading on the gage

[1971ford]

yeah im pretty sure.
ill try filling one tank half way and another all the way or something like that and i will flip the dash switch and see if the guage changes.

or, i can have a empty tank and a tank with gas and try to see if i can switch into the tank with gas.

[FORDification]

Here's what the factory valve looks like:

[MaxKlinger]

Keith, I think the valve you have pictured is a 3-way for use with aux saddle tanks? I have a factory valve but it's a 2-position valve for a center bed tank. I wish I had a picture with me.

[FORDification]

Oh, picky picky! Yeah, technically you're correct, however it's actually the same valve, but the factory setup would have a different faceplate and the third position on the valve would be capped off. But I suppose for the sake of all concerned, you're right by pointing that out.

[MaxKlinger]

Sorry Keith, I don't want to come across as an obnoxious know-it-all. I think we'd all prefer to keep those guys over at FTE!

I just thought it interesting because I assumed the saddle tank trucks had a 2-way valve, too, and that the pump drew off of both saddle tanks at once. Do all three tanks have a float and sending unit for the gauge? I suppose there would also be a three way switch for the gauge?

[FORDification]

Don't worry...you're fine, just razzin' ya!

Actually, it's been my experience that the saddle tanks don't have a sending unit....they're for storage only. Here's a couple pictures of the dealer-installed saddle tank from a '70 CS I parted out a while back:

http://www.fordification.com/images/Ueh2_70CS01.jpg
http://www.fordification.com/images/Ueh2_70CS02.jpg

The factory auxiliary tank setups that I've seen had the switch under the dash with a bezel marked for the main and auxiliary tanks, pictured below on the right side. However, I have run across a bezel that is marked 'L' and 'R' for left/right tanks (at left in pic below), which I can only assume is for a saddle tank kit...a different variety than what's pictured above, with tanks set up with a sending unit. However, since there's no 'main' setting on that bezel....I'm thinking it's part of the dealer add-on tank kit, and the kit would include a new three-way electrical switch, with the middle position being the main tank. Can anyone else shed some light on this?