Fuel gauge sending unit

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Jan 20, 2004 | 07:50 PM

Talled20

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: New Jersey

Fuel gauge sending unit

Hey guys, I need to replace the sending unit in the tank for the fuel guage, the guage always reads full, infact it lays horizontal past the F. I am going to replace ALL the guages with aftermarket ones eventually, so I may buy an after market one now. But what I really want to know is: I have a body lift, so I can easilly access the top of the tank. How much room ABOVE the tank to you need to pull the sending unit. I am curious as to if I can do it without dropping the tank. Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

Jan 21, 2004 | 08:33 AM

BillyBob69

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,404

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From: Wheatland, Mo

If you have about a full foot above the tank you may be able to pull it off without dropping the tank. Remember the entire assembly pulls out when you remove that big center cap with all the sending unit, float, pump etc. Its all attached.

Jan 21, 2004 | 08:58 AM

Lee93Ford

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Sarver, Pa

Do yourself a favor and run as much gas out of the tank as possible then Drop the Tank. You will find it much easier than trying to work with limited room. That sending unit is about 10-12inches long so you will need the room. Then when replacing the O-ring you will want to make sure it seals. Also many times the ring will have some rust on it and it can be difficult to remove even with the tank dropped. Good luck!

Jan 21, 2004 | 02:10 PM

Talled20

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: New Jersey

Ok, thanks guys. I wasn't aware that the pump and everything came out with it. I guess I will be dropping the tank soon. Thanks again

Jan 21, 2004 | 05:49 PM

merkstang

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Lehigh Valley, PA

I just cut a hole in my floor... I worked great! now I just need to make a patch..... to finish it off. For now an old rubber mat and a piece of 1/4inch ply and its all good!

Jan 21, 2004 | 11:03 PM

flyer105

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 34

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From: Tennessee

Go ahead and drop the tank. If your luck is anything like mine, then you will lack about an inch to get it out and would have wasted all that time and still had to drop the tank! LOL I had to replace one in my Dodge and it was much easier to just drop the tank.

Jan 22, 2004 | 07:29 AM

fcarruth

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 573

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From: Medina, Tn.

I replaced my tank and sending unit this past weekend. Pain in the butt since I did it myself. An extra person would have been great though. The new sending usit from Ford was $121. and my tank from the Zone was $117. They will normally ask you if your tank has a 3 5/8" or 2" opening. Mine had the 2". The main thing that I would recomment when pushing your tank back into place is to remove the filler hose from the tank but mark its' position before removing it. Also, make sure that you soak your old lock ring and then use a brass punch so that you won't cause a spark when tapping it loose. actually, a hard piece of hardwood dowel would probably work.

Good luck to you.