I am beginning to wonder if you really have a fuel problem at all.
Until you can get a fuel pressure gauge on that fuel rail you are playing the hunt and poke game. Try this try that and not knowing what you are really after. You can either rent or purchase a fuel pressure gauge from just about any auto supply store and they are not that expensive. Bear in mind even if the fuel pressure dropped below the normal reading of 45-60 lbs for a six or 30-45lbs for an eight at least you can confirm it is actually a fuel supply problem and go from there. Right now we don't know where we are or what we are after.

 

Spent most of yesterday (09/16/13) under the F150 testing the in tank fuel pumps, marking fuel hoses, etc. Found that pumps were providing fuel to the six port reservoir but no fuel was passing thru the reservoir to the electric pump. I removed the reservoir, dismantled it and found a faulty valve. Possibly other problems exist. I will be checking the local auto part stores for a new one today.

Seems to me there should be a easy method of switching fuel tanks.

 

Joe, I believe when the pressure is applied to that switching reservoir it is done automatically in that valve by the pressure from which ever fuel pump is in operation.
It also switches where the fuel return goes.
You may have a problem locating that part. I don't know if that is strictly a dealer item.

 

Found a brand new Ford reservoir on eBay for $157.88, free shipping Priority Mail. Ordered same.

Received and installed new 6 port diaphragm type fuel reservoir. Engine now draws fuel from both tanks when switched and runs as it should. The new side tank is functioning perfectly. Now, to drop the rear tank to install a new brass float (2nd one) so as to have the sender function properly (next week).

Thanks for the helpful advice fellows, I appreciate it.

 

Glad to hear you got a new one installed and all is functioning as designed. I try to help when and where I can...

 

Received the brand new "Ford" 6 port reservoir and installed it as mentioned above. Cleaned all fuel lines and checked in tank pump quanity and pressure flow of both tanks before attaching the fuel lines.

The rear tank float has what I suspect to be a faulty float so I dropped that tank so as to have both tanks in proper operating condition. The new float is still the brass type but is slightly larger and appears somewhat stronger. This is the third cracked leaking float scenario I've encountered... hopefully the last.

As I remember it from past removals of the fuel tanks, the rear tank was a breeze as compared to the side tank. Unfortunately and obviously, my memory sucks! However, with some difficulty I did manage to remove, dismantle, install a new improved larger float, clean and paint the tank, and get it reinstalled.

That rear tank air vent hose is just about long enough when the tank is installed. With the tank dropped enough to get ones arm in there, I found the tank had to be up on the drivers side, dropped just enough on the passengers side, and encountered from the rear of the vehicle... tight quarters.

However, at the moment, all is well. The in tank pumps are both good, the six port reservoir switches fuel delivery and return flow as it should, and the dash fuel gauge works with both tanks. Hopefully this fuel tank scenario will stay solved for a long time, but I'm sure I'll be back later on with other problems. Thanks fellows..........

 

Glad to hear all is working OK...Keep on rolling...