newb here with a fuel tank problem. I cannot get the rear tank to feed the engine but still need to get the fuel out of the tank before it goes bad. I have a pump with hoses but it will not get down in to the tank to be pump out the fuel. any suggestions appreciated.

 

It would help if we knew what year and model vehicle you have.
Is it correct to assume the fuel pump in the rear tank isn't working?
Have you been able to verify that all the connections to the rear tank are good and the problem is the fuel pump itself?
Many vehicles have baffles in the fueling piping and tank that make it difficult to insert any siphon hose to withdraw the fuel. Sometimes you can get a very small hose down there, but will take all day to get the fuel out.

 

I have no idea about fuel tank problem..

 

vehicle is a 1990 econo van fancyed up cruiser. 351, auto, two tanks. the one in front works fine the back tank is a 20+ GALLON. the rear tank does not feed, and I am looking to drain it. I think, I need a new fuel pump screen and sender unit form Auto zone. however the tank is full (20 gal times 8lbs per gallon= too darn heavy to try to lower full) and I would like to empty it before bad gas ruins tank or builds up to much lacquer.

 

Oh you are so right ! That tank can get pretty heavy when trying to lower it.
Have you been able to check from the switch in the dash back to the fuel pump plug at the rear tank to make sure power is getting there when cranking the engine when switched to rear tank? Just trying to prevent you from doing all that extra work should there be a possible wiring/ground problem.
You may be able to remove the hoses that fill the tank and get a siphon hose in that way. There may be another way to accomplish draining the tank , but I'm not aware of it. Because there are many different pumps for the tanks , you might do better if you obtained the right one the first time, getting it from Ford. Have been up that road and dropping that tank once is enough.