Will Fuel Pump go bad if Tank Left Empty Long Time

[TallPaul]

1995 F150 with 155,000 miles. Rear tank leaks in two places. Patch putty not working because of too much rust. Don't really want to R&R tank right now (would probably have it done). Can use front tank all the time. Don't take many long trips, so more frequent fuel stops is not a big deal. I an thinking to just run it empty and leave it and if in a year I want to replace the tank, maybe the fuel pump will be bad from the seals drying out. I know the new pumps are dry and have a long shelf life, but after 155K miles the seals may be changed from all the fuel passage and then if they dry out, they may rot or crack.

 

[Turk]

I'd just do it all at one time. MMO would help if some was in the fuel pump though.

 

[mechtech2]

I would be concerned about exposure to air [oxygen].
Like tpitcher stated, MMO or maybe 2 stoke oil would be a great idea.

 

[TallPaul]

I do run 2-cycle oil at 1 oz per 4 gallons. Maybe dose it up when the tanks gets near empty.

 

[Dave Sherman]

If this is an in-tank electric pump, then the seals are not the concern; the bearings are. They use fuel to lubricate the bearings and cool the motor, so without fuel the pump will burn up if it's running dry.

 

[mechtech2]

Yeah, I'd run a heavy mix - it will help but no promises.

 

[TallPaul]

It is an electric pump, but it should only run when the rear tank is selected. Since I will be using only the front tank, the rear tank pump will be off.

Guess I'll take my chances. Just if I ever decide to get a new tank, I'll have the pump bench tested first. And I give it a heavy shot of 2C oil before I quit using the tank.

Thanks all.

 

[TallPaul]

Oh bummer. Never thought to check until today. My other tank also is leaking. It's seepage, no drips to ground.

Maybe I'll just keep using both tanks until one starts dripping, then replace it. Only downside is wife makes me park at the bottom of the driveway as she doesn't like the smell.

Me, I like the smell as I used to be a pump jockey in the 70s, and as a kid would stick my head out the window to smell the fumes when my dad would fiil the family car.

 

[Aldaris]

Originally Posted By: TallPaul
Oh bummer. Never thought to check until today. My other tank also is leaking. It's seepage, no drips to ground.

Maybe I'll just keep using both tanks until one starts dripping, then replace it. Only downside is wife makes me park at the bottom of the driveway as she doesn't like the smell.

Me, I like the smell as I used to be a pump jockey in the 70s, and as a kid would stick my head out the window to smell the fumes when my dad would fiil the family car.
gasoline smelled better back then

 

[TallPaul]

Well maybe so, but exhaust smelled a lot worse.

I'm going to check on possibly just replacing one tank, the rear. Since I don't keep the spare tire below it anymore, I could fit a larger tank, like maybe 30 gallons. Good ballast behind the axle for slippery winter days.