Replacing sending unit- how low does the tank need to be???

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MRGTX

MRGTX

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I assume that you'd want as little fuel in the tank as possible before replacing the sending unit...but I'm in the middle of swapping out my end and right now I have totally unrestricted access to the sending unit. Were it not for the fact that I have a nearly full tank of high octane/stabilizer in there, I would have seized the opportunity already.

I don't want to syphon gasoline in my garage (ranch style house with garage downstairs) so I think I'll miss this opportunity. I'd guess that I'm ~80% full...but of course, I don't know for sure because the gauge doesn't work. :D

So for future reference, how full can a tank be to allow for pulling the sending unit?
 
Wish i had a downstairs garage.
But my house would stink of all the automotive stuff. Wife would be so upset.

Fuel level needs to be below the ring for the mounting flange.
Draining gas right at the sender works, kind of slow, but usually it will siphon through the sender too.
 
as hard as you want to make it on yourself....lighter the better....but I used a jack to lift it up and down on mine so weight didn't matter.....but if you want to clean out the tank too while you are in there, the less the better
 
Just my 2-cents worth...

If you are going to replace the sending unit with an almost full gas tank, do it properly and safely. Drain the tank first ,outside where the fumes can dissipate properly. You are working with high octane fuel !!

Probably doesn't need to be said but one spark, one less FABO member!!
 
"Wish i had a downstairs garage.
But my house would stink of all the automotive stuff. Wife would be so upset."


No you don't.....I have one too below in my house (cape cod) and that is the problem with them....all the fumes of "working on the car" go right upstairs into the house.....not too mention that when you start them up all the fumes go right upstairs.....so I have to start them up and run them right outside to let them warm up....just a pain in the ***.....better off with a detached garage.....The only advantages to a garage under the house is less chance of theft and also going right into your car from your warm house is nice in the winter
 
bbrroowwnn said:
as hard as you want to make it on yourself....lighter the better....but I used a jack to lift it up and down on mine so weight didn't matter.....but if you want to clean out the tank too while you are in there, the less the better
Click to expand...
Except that the tank does not need to come out to change the sending unit. It would still be a good idea to get as much gas out of the tank as possible.
 
69_340_GTS said:
Except that the tank does not need to come out to change the sending unit. It would still be a good idea to get as much gas out of the tank as possible.
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yeah ok...you want to bust your balls go right ahead....no thanks...not me....and if he wants to clean the tank? try doing that also with it installed...see how that works out for you
 
Easy done it many times. Save the old lock ring when you do it the new ones do not seal properly.
 
bbrroowwnn said:
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No you don't.....I have one too below in my house (cape cod) and that is the problem with them....all the fumes of "working on the car" go right upstairs into the house.....not too mention that when you start them up all the fumes go right upstairs.....so I have to start them up and run them right outside to let them warm up....just a pain in the ***.....better off with a detached garage.....The only advantages to a garage under the house is less chance of theft and also going right into your car from your warm house is nice in the winter
Click to expand...

Agreed.
The negatives to a downstairs garage are many and significant. fact that it's heated and convenient is an absolutely joy. I'm a pretty slow/mistake-prone mechanic and if I didn't have the luxury of winter months to fart around and take my time, my car would never be on the road! :D

Otherwise, it's mostly problems. In addition to the the fumes, there's always the thought of a fire risk...and the fact that the ceiling is pretty low (at least in my garage) is a significant problem too.

It really is amazing how much exhaust comes out of an idling SB V8 (with no catalytic converter) in just the few moments of pulling it into the bay.
 
halifaxhops said:
Easy done it many times. Save the old lock ring when you do it the new ones do not seal properly.
Click to expand...


I don't know...i heard this from a few people but I used the lock ring that came with the new sending unit and it worked fine....no leaks....they are flimsier than the originals but if you don't have the original one, they do work....just be sure to use the new gasket supplied with the kit.....Of course if you don't have an original lock ring , halifaxshops has some NOS ones he is selling :)
 
This sender assembly isn't so difficult to access with the rear end in the car. So forget it for now. Save the sender R&R for a outdoor day.
 
I'd highly recommend you get your OEM sending unit refurbished. The aftermarket ones have several problems.
 
bbrroowwnn said:
yeah ok...you want to bust your balls go right ahead....no thanks...not me....and if he wants to clean the tank? try doing that also with it installed...see how that works out for you
Click to expand...

I don't know how you changed yours, but I'm 69 with some significant joint issues. I see no reason to drop the tank.

So far as fuel, I would EMPTY it. Siphon as much as you can, and then drain it using the supply tube fitting. Yeh. I'ts slow through that 5/16 fitting.
 
I broke my Original sending unit while trying to remove the crusty old fuel line. Replaced it with one from oreillys and it was bad right from the box. I exchanged it and the second one always reads full. I kept my original and plan on brazing the tube back on this spring. I lost nearly all of my fuel when I changed it. So, pump/siphon it down as far as you can get it and hope for the best! It is EASILY replaced without removing the tank. I've removed it with the old 7 1/4 axle and my 8 3/4 in the way. Pulling the tank or axle out is a waste of time if no other repairs are needed.
 
Also, my house is connected to my 2 car garage and I will confirm. IT SUCKS. Can't paint, use any cleaner, or run the cars without the house smelling awful. I daily drove my dart with the slant 6 and kept it in the garage at night. I had to roll it out in the colder months before starting it since the old carb ran excessively rich with the choke on. I could fire it up in warm weather and drive away without issue. But the winter sucked.
 
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