TBI gas tank in Vortec truck?

[TBMG270]

Just wondering if the gas tank from an 88-95 truck is the same as 96+. My 96 needs replaced and I have the one out of my old truck which is a 94. Almost positive they're the same capacity wise. Both 28(?) gallon I think. 26? Something like that, not entirely sure. I just need to know if the pump assembly would fit. Is the hole the same size?

 

[Supercharged111]

They should be compatible. The only ones that were different were 97.5-00 with the plastic bucket for the pump.

 

[andy396]

If what is stated above is true then you should be okay. My ‘95 TBI has the overflow tube as part fuel pump and the ‘00 Vortec has a port on the side of the tank. That’s what I ran into during my 7.4L TBI to Vortec swap.

 

[TBMG270]

If what is stated above is true then you should be okay. My ‘95 TBI has the overflow tube as part fuel pump and the ‘00 Vortec has a port on the side of the tank. That’s what I ran into during my 7.4L TBI to Vortec swap.

They should be compatible. The only ones that were different were 97.5-00 with the plastic bucket for the pump.

Cool, all I needed. Thanks fellas

 

[Ken K]

If what is stated above is true then you should be okay. My ‘95 TBI has the overflow tube as part fuel pump and the ‘00 Vortec has a port on the side of the tank. That’s what I ran into during my 7.4L TBI to Vortec swap.

To andy396 1995 was a year the “Bucket” style fuel pump came. The worst thing is to aerate fuel, dropping volume and resulting in a lean misfire. At CARB and GM + others, they screamed! The fuel pump in a bucket uses high pressure fuel in a “Tee” fitting just above the pump. If this is what you saw, follow it. It terminates at the bottom. It passes thru a brass Venturi cast in plastic. Like a siphon gun, it pulls fuel off the bottom of the tank. This action keeps a healthy supply of fuel around the pump to eliminate misfire. CARB relaxed the misfire code parameters in 1997. Not all had this feature but the pump was capable of suppling the volume needed for OEM applications.
ASE Master Tech since 1978 / ACDelco instructor.

 

[Ken K]

Just wondering if the gas tank from an 88-95 truck is the same as 96+. My 96 needs replaced and I have the one out of my old truck which is a 94. Almost positive they're the same capacity wise. Both 28(?) gallon I think. 26? Something like that, not entirely sure. I just need to know if the pump assembly would fit. Is the hole the same size?

Check online at Rock Auto to find tank, pump and engine combinations. Spectrum is the largest supplier of senders and tanks. Pumps made for the correct engine be it TBI or 52 PSI LS engines.
Bucket types have two filter and bottom mounted. One filter outside say 50 microns, but inside on the pump have a 140 micron filter. Check inside for rust, dirt and other. The Factory Service manual has you correctly empty the tank, then put the hottest water and shake/rock back and forth then empty. Wipe day as needed, set in the sun for evaporation. Shops that do this have fuel pumps last. Why did the OEM pump last 138k? But the replacement last 3 months. Get and ACDelco or Delphi pump as well for your needs.

 

[andy396]

To andy396 1995 was a year the “Bucket” style fuel pump came. The worst thing is to aerate fuel, dropping volume and resulting in a lean misfire. At CARB and GM + others, they screamed! The fuel pump in a bucket uses high pressure fuel in a “Tee” fitting just above the pump. If this is what you saw, follow it. It terminates at the bottom. It passes thru a brass Venturi cast in plastic. Like a siphon gun, it pulls fuel off the bottom of the tank. This action keeps a healthy supply of fuel around the pump to eliminate misfire. CARB relaxed the misfire code parameters in 1997. Not all had this feature but the pump was capable of suppling the volume needed for OEM applications.
ASE Master Tech since 1978 / ACDelco instructor.

I'm not sure I follow. Although, I can say this thread made me second guess my need to change fuel tanks.

Near as I can tell from RockAuto's website, on a 7.4L the fuel pump from 94-96 looks like this:

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It wasn't until '97 did it have a bucket and they look like this:

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When I did my TBI to vortec swap, I just assumed I had to change pumps (and corresponding tank design) to get the correct operating pressure, but I guess not.

 

[Steve A]

My 96 Yukon factory R code (L31) has the plastic "bucket" type.

 

[someotherguy]

My 96 Yukon factory R code (L31) has the plastic "bucket" type.

Generally speaking, this is the breakdown of tank styles.

Pickup trucks 88-96 and *some* 97, have the tank that uses an old school lock ring and has the sender with flare fittings and separate fuel pump.

Pickup trucks *some* 97 and 98-up, have the tank that uses a large snap ring to retain the plastic pump/sender assembly and has quick-connect fittings on the lines.

As far as I've seen, the Vortec SUV's use the plastic setup regardless of year. I'd call 1997 a "split year" on the pickups but don't have a breakdown of really how many were which design.

Due to sender retainer style and fuel line style, the tanks don't swap, unless you want to swap the other stuff, too.

Richard