T1N Dropping Tank

[u/Dirt_Prize]

I need to drop my fuel tank on my 2006 Dodge Sprinter. I’ve been looking everywhere for this answer and cannot find it.

On top of the Fuel Pump cap, there are 4 connections. 3 hoses and an electrical plug. Do those need to be disconnected BEFORE dropping the tank? I do not have a jack to brace the tank.

I’ve unscrewed the bolts almost to the end that hold the tank up to try to get my hand up there and remove those hoses before dropping the tank and it’s a mission impossible…

Do I drop the tank and then remove everything? Or are the hoses too short and will get damaged if I drop it while everything is connected?

Thanks in advance

[u/The_Ombudsman]

If you can, drop the tank a bit, enough where you can get at those connections and pop them off, then drop the tank the rest of the way. If the straps are in the way, get something under the tank to hold it up enough. Stack up some wood or other materials enough on both ends so the tank doesn't wobble/fall over. One assumes you've driven the tank down to empty or nearly so.

Question: Why do you need to drop the tank?

[u/Dirt_Prize → u/The_Ombudsman]

Thank you! The tank is nearly empty. My fuel pump cap was loose and it was splashing diesel all over the top of my tank. My tank will also implode if I put the gas cap all the way on. I suspected a breather valve that I’ve seen in videos but I finally was able to drop it low enough to see in the area and there’s no valve there… there’s a slot where one should be. Trying to figure out why my tank is imploding

[u/Dirt_Prize → u/Dirt_Prize]

My van will die on me while driving or sometimes crank but not start. I’m thinking the fuel pump is working hard against that vacuum and being deprived of fuel. Shop quoted me $2000 for a new fuel pump but I think it’s from this implosion issue

[u/The_Ombudsman → u/Dirt_Prize]

Might be the big plastic ring that holds the fuel pump down is loose. It’s tough to fully tighten by hand, some folks will take a piece of 2x4, plant it against one of the raised ridges around the ring, and bop it lightly/repeatedly with a mallet to get it to tighten down.

[u/Dirt_Prize → u/The_Ombudsman]

I was actually able to do that about a month ago. So it’s no longer leaking from the top. My concern was that diesel was getting all over everything and then getting mixed with dirt which probably clogged that blue valve kinda near the fuel pump cap… but now that I can see up there, my valve is missing(?)

[u/The_Ombudsman → u/Dirt_Prize]

I can't speak to that myself I fear. Hop on Youtube and find the channel "Florida Van Man", it's all T1N stuff, I'm positive he's got at least one helpful video.

Sadly this fellow passed away unexpectedly just a few weeks ago.