I just had a new Delphi fuel pump and sending unit put on my 1995 Ford ranger 3.0. When I fill the tank with gas there is a smell of gas and it takes 15-20 minutes for the gas gauge to read full. Does anyone know what would cause these issues? Thanks in advance.

 

If you smell gas, the installer likely did not get the sender to seal properly. The terminals may also have been a bit sloppy, or a ground not connected tightly. The last could cause poor conductivity and
make the gauge slow to respond. Limited current or voltage due to poor connections seem likely. Fuel smell indicates the sending unit was not sealed, OR the fuel filler hoses and tubes were not
connected tightly when re-installed. Could also have torn filler line/vent hose, etc. Is the gas cap tight?
If there are leaks, you will likely soon have evaporative control system DTCs start turning on your CEL/SES light on the dash.
I would not be real happy with the install if there are fuel smells after the work was done, and there were NO SMELLS prior.
tom

 

Hi Tom. Thanks for responding. The guy didn't take the gas tank out when putting the fuel pump in the angle was bad for him. Makes sense on the sender seal. I'll have to get someone in here in St Louis to look at it. I was going to do it myself and take the bed off but I really don't have a place to do it. Taking the bed off would give me a better angle to fix it right and replace all of the hoses and check the grounds. Thanks for the information. Rick;

 

Depending on year, access to drop the tank may require the bed to be unbolted(large Torx) and moved or lifted. I slid mine backwards, lifting the tailgate end above the bumper.
It was doable using some 2X4's placed as skids on the frame as needed. Not fun.
The I could access the strap bolt that came in from the top. (GOOD IDEA, DUMMY to the designer)
The sending unit was at an angle on the forward end upper of the tank. There ws not enough room to do the job(IMO) without dropping the tank.
Depending on vintage and where you live, the large Torx may be rusted to the hidden nuts attached to the frame. I was lucky.
If you have someone else do the job, check that the Torx are actually bolted and not just stuffed back into place.
tom

 

Hi Tom. Thanks for the info. I know the the guy that did the job didn't remove the tank or the bed so I doubt it was done correctly. I found a guy in town that my Brother uses to do work for him. I made an appointment Monday morning to see them. He's familiar with the issue and feels he can fix the issues correctly so I'll give him a shot at it. I'm new to the area and need to find a good mechanic anyway so I'll see what he can do. Thanks again for your help. Rick.

 

Hi Tom,

As a follow up, I took my 95 Ranger to a shop to get the fuel tank and sending unit looked at. All the guy did was try to upsell me on everything including telling me that I needed new tires. I took it back to the first shop and stood there with the guy while he lowered the gas tank and the sending unit was lifted up from the fuel tank. The lock ring was not put on correctly. After looking at the tank with the technician, it looks like the part of the tank that the lock ring fits on to is very rusty and there's not much material for the lock ring to lock on to. I was going to buy a new tank but can't find one. I looked at using a lock ring repair kit off of ebay like this one 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Xlt (20 Gallon) Fuel Tank Repair | eBay but not sure about them. I may head to a few salvage yards today to find a tank with a good lock ring piece. I'll keep you posted. Rick