Fuel Tank Selector Valve Shield

Beetlevh · Sep 23, 2023

Hey guys, 1986 Chevy K10 short bed… trying to fix a fuel leak at the tank selector valve under the passenger side cab. This truck is in remarkable shape, mostly original so it seems to have things that apparently got ripped out and tossed on most other trucks. One of them is a heat shield under the selector valve. For the life of me I cant figure out why the hell they put it on with the bolt heads so tucked and facing up. It likely was assembled before the cab was installed on top. Anyone have any recommendations on how to remove it without cutting it out? If possible I would like to make the repair and reinstall it perhaps just reverse the bolts around so they can be reached from below. Thanks in advance.

SquareRoot · Sep 23, 2023

Never heard of or seen one.

fast 99 · Sep 23, 2023

Have seen the shield won't a flex head gearwrench work?

Old77 · Sep 23, 2023

fast 99 said:
Have seen the shield won't a flex head gearwrench work?

That’s what I used when working on mine earlier in the year

Beetlevh · Sep 25, 2023

Is that a Nevada Gold, @Old77?

Ok will try the flex head thank you.

Shawn Wheeler · Jan 20, 2024

I have an 84, I replaced the valve today. My shield has a nut and bolt on the outside left if you are laying under the passenger side. And another bolt to the frame on the lower right.

The bolt(s) (mine only had one, like yours is on the top. I used a 1/2 box wrench to get it out. I went and bought a 1/2 rachet wrench today before I put it back. It took an hour and more bad words that I care to own up to.

Side note to putting it back in. Replacing the bolt with smaller diameter bolt with a nut would be much easier.

Good luck mine is still not switching tanks.

chevytech87 · Jan 20, 2024

Shawn Wheeler said:
I have an 84, I replaced the valve today. My shield has a nut and bolt on the outside left if you are laying under the passenger side. And another bolt to the frame on the lower right.

The bolt(s) (mine only had one, like yours is on the top. I used a 1/2 box wrench to get it out. I went and bought a 1/2 rachet wrench today before I put it back. It took an hour and more bad words that I care to own up to.

Side note to putting it back in. Replacing the bolt with smaller diameter bolt with a nut would be much easier.

Good luck mine is still not switching tanks.

If you could grab a picture of yours I’d really appreciate it, left mine off when I replaced my valve last time and lost it. Then found it recently when replacing my engine but can’t seem to get it to line up right. Wondering if I’m missing something else

Copakekid · Jan 25, 2024

I have an 84 GMC C1500. I had to replace the tank and switching valve. My cover had 3 bolts the 2 towards the back were in from the bottom and the one towards the front was down from the top.

Last night I checked the switching valve as per the factory service manual and it tested good last night as did the switch in the cab. Went out tonight the valve didn't work. Changed the switch in the cab and now it works.

ballencd · Sep 9, 2024

Long time since this was written but I am just now working on installing a second fuel tank in my M1010. Here are pictures of the cover and location for future reference. My cover was bolted on with the chassis threaded, no nuts at all and easy to get to. Looks like the two holes in the top flange just below the closest hose will accept my valve and easy to use shorter lines for the fuel plumbing. Time will tell.

You must be registered for see images attach

CptRex420 · Apr 13, 2025

Does anybody know where I can find that fuel selector valve heat plate? I've looked everywhere with no luck

PrairieDrifter · Apr 13, 2025

CptRex420 said:
Does anybody know where I can find that fuel selector valve heat plate? I've looked everywhere with no luck

I guarantee no one is reproducing it. Will have to find an original.

SirRobyn0 · Apr 13, 2025

I have an 84' C20 that was a factory single tank on the drivers side with a single exhaust on the drivers side. Since I have owned it I have installed a second saddle tank and obviously a tank valve and associated plumbing, plus dual exhaust. I could never find a shield anywhere. At one time I thought I might make one but it's been several years in service now without one. Would I suggest a guy that has one leave it off, no never, but also if you don't have one I don't think it's cause for alarm either. Up until about 6 months ago I drive the truck a lot and it's been just fine.

Old77 · Wednesday at 1:29 PM

CptRex420 said:
Does anybody know where I can find that fuel selector valve heat plate? I've looked everywhere with no luck

1981-91 fuel selector valve shield

1981-1991 Duel tank fuel selector Valve Shield. Driver quality.

flinthillssquarebodies.com

I've bought a few things from that guy and he's top notch! His name is BJ. Not sure if he's on the forum or not but he's 100% trustworthy and good to work with.

Grit dog · Wednesday at 1:57 PM

Agree, it’s gonna be a used original part only.
Been a few years since I looked at the one on the 86, but I recall thinking it would have been fine, heat wise, if it was left off. That’s with dual 3” on a 4x4.
I chose to re-install it because 1. I could. 2. It’s not that hard to remove again if needed. 3. Theoretically helps a bit with road spray and mud/snow etc getting all over the valve and the connections to it.
If it was missing, I probably wouldn’t have known or noticed and the truck would still be running without it.

Old77 · Wednesday at 2:15 PM

Grit dog said:
Agree, it’s gonna be a used original part only.
Been a few years since I looked at the one on the 86, but I recall thinking it would have been fine, heat wise, if it was left off. That’s with dual 3” on a 4x4.
I chose to re-install it because 1. I could. 2. It’s not that hard to remove again if needed. 3. Theoretically helps a bit with road spray and mud/snow etc getting all over the valve and the connections to it.
If it was missing, I probably wouldn’t have known or noticed and the truck would still be running without it.

Agreed. When I did all the work to restore my fuel system on my dually, I put it back just because I figured it gave that valve some protecting against road debris and whatnot.

Fuel Tank Selector Valve Shield

Beetlevh

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fast 99

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Old77

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Beetlevh

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chevytech87

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Copakekid

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Old77

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1981-91 fuel selector valve shield

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