Time for sending unit replacement 1981
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,130
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From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Time for sending unit replacement 1981
The fuel gauge in my 81 doesn't work and the option is if the gauge doesn't work most of the time it's the sending unit. I've got a new sending unit,I've watched a few YouTube videos but looking for any tips,it looks pretty straightforward but any tips on making the job easier? I filled the tank,or j thought I did and ran out of gas with 97 miles on the tank of gas. Thanks for any tips.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
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From: Fleming Island, FL
I like to use 2 inch wide masking tape around the opening especially at the back where the hinge is to prevent paint damage. Because the gasket is asymmetrical after finding the correct position I used 4 small wire ties to hold the gasket in place. After a few bolts are started you can then cut the wire ties and remove. Replace the hoses while your in there.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
So, without testing the current sending unit. Easy test with a ohm meter. And without testing the wiring in any way.
Your just going to throw parts at it?
Your just going to throw parts at it?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I like to use 2 inch wide masking tape around the opening especially at the back where the hinge is to prevent paint damage. Because the gasket is asymmetrical after finding the correct position I used 4 small wire ties to hold the gasket in place. After a few bolts are started you can then cut the wire ties and remove. Replace the hoses while your in there.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,176
Likes: 7,780
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Generally, my luck is, half of it will be stuck to the tank and half to the sender. But not evenly of course. Then tearing it to shreads during removal.
But that's my luck.
That and a 45 year old seal just isn't likely to reseal.
But that's my luck.
That and a 45 year old seal just isn't likely to reseal.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,130
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From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I couldn't get the damn thing out. There's a guard type thing on the bigger line on the right that's covering the spring clamp and I couldn't get the thing to move that would get me access to the spring clamp. Anybody dealt with this before?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Or bad wiring. 0 to 90 Ohm sender. Easy to test. Reach in with a bent coat hanger to grab the float arm and move it up and down. Electrical connection in left rear quarter panel. Unplug and connect Ohm meter there. If gauge tests good. Yes sender could be bad, often those copper strip's on the rheostat switch get corroded. However 40 year old wiring can also give you plenty of trouble.