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Do I have to remove the driveshaft to replace the gas tank

Tiny
GEORGE REYES
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 FORD TEMPO
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 48,000 MILES
My gas tank is leaking, and my mechanic says that he would have to take the drive shaft off to replace the tank. What little bit of information I have found about removing the fuel tank does not mention this. I guess my question is, would removing the driveshaft truly be necessary? Or is this something I could do myself with a Haynes manual? I helped with a gas tank swap in the past on another car but it we never had to touch the drive shaft.
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Monday, November 21st, 2016 AT 9:07 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
We have no information on that as it is too old and I cannot physically remember. Some the exhaust has to be dropped among other things. He is probably right though.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
If its rear wheel drive, it's only 4 bolts, mark shaft and flange on rear end with chalk before removing it so it can be re aligned properly and stay in balance
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Parts store shows cv joints, I'd think this is FWD.

Looking at your pics it looks terrible!

HOWEVER,

Looking at pic 2 looks like fuel is feathering out from the fill hose area.

Question is, is the leak at the hose or on the tank (fitting). This is what I can see.

Fuel is everywhere, most likely not leaking everywhere.

I suggest cleaning the tank with spray Purple Power, washing it off with a garden hose, then watching the area around the filler inlet. After driving (with some fuel anyway) See if you can narrow down the area.

A fire extinguisher might be a good item to have handy!

Maybe it's the clamp to the hose or the hose, and not the tank!

Return with news!

The Medic
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
GEORGE REYES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hey for those who were wondering its the all wheel drive model.

UPDATE: Still in the shop. Mechanic said it was shooting codes for a map sensor and isc. He did a fuel pressure test and it was reading way low, says its probobly the fuel pump. This seems right to me with the cars horrible problems keeping idle and going. I figure I might as get the tank and new fuel assembly when I can afford it.

Still wondering how complicated this repair is
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Friday, December 2nd, 2016 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
Hey George,

This job is not too bad, they do not make an all wheel drive tempo so this video will give you an idea on what the job entails.

https://youtu.be/D1AyqeftAmA

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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Sunday, December 4th, 2016 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
GEORGE REYES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
They did make the ford tempo in awd for a few years during the late 80's early 90's. Its a unicorn but they still exist.

As it turns out the gas tanks for awd tempos are completely different from all other versions. There is a cleft down the middle to accomodate the driveshaft and exhaust. The tank sits on both with the cleft providing necessary clearance.

For future reference the part number is fo3z9002, and its been discontinued. I cant seem to find any aftermarket tanks with the cleft either. Does anybody knows where to find aftermarket tanks that may fit?
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
Hey George,

Wow I have never seen or heard of the 4x4 Tempo. There are many metal fabrication shops that will make a tank for you just search Google in your area.

I would like to see pictures of this car if you can.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
GEORGE REYES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I think I may have found a gas tank! Only place that has them is southwestfordparts. Com. I guess ill find out if its definately the right part in about a week.

Also heres some pictures for all the nonbelievers lol?
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
Amazing! I bet is does good in the snow. I have never seen one of these cars, should be a collectors item :)

Good job finding the tank, let me know how it goes installing it.

Best, Ken
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Thursday, December 8th, 2016 AT 10:35 AM

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