billlee

Can the fuel sending unit in an 81 be removed without removing the tank?

67toolfan

Nope. just recently pulled tank on a '79--no clearance to pull when installed, that & it takes a bit of twisting & contorting to get out when on the ground--just no room to get it through the factory fuel door opening.

...Roger...

Yes but watch you don't chip or scratch your paint around the opening. If you use tape to protect paint use the type that removes easily.

snoopykissedlucy

Is the old pick-up sock on the end of the unit removable and replaceable?

I figure if I place a good enough filter after the pump- i dont need a pick up sock...what do you guys think?

billlee

ok,, looks like we have a tie so far on opinions...but to answer the filter question no you'll want a sock/filter before the pump unless you like being stuck on road side. The sock/filter protects the pump not the carb or f/i.

Rebelrob

I am able to pull the sending unit out. Its a PIA, It required the correct turns and lifting at the same time. Yes to taping the edges, I chipped paint on mine the first time.
Not sure if 81 is different, probably not. Mine has the fuel pump attached to sending unit.

corkywillis

I just did it on my 81. It was a tight squeeze but came out easily after removing hoses and tank screws

corkywillis

81 has a mechanical fuel pump on the engine not in tank. At least mine does

corkywillis

If you have a mechanical fuel pump on the motor that should work otherwise you could suck trash into the fuel pump before it goes into to your external filter.

EIGHTY

You do not have to drop the tank. I removed the fuel tank sending unit on my 80 with the tank in place. You need to maneuver the sending unit around until it comes out through the hole. Not hard...just takes patience to twist it out the right way.

The fuel sock can be replaced. Right now I'm running without one and haven't had any issues.

Big2Bird

I just did this 2 weeks ago. Just be patient, and take your time. Changing the fuel lines requires some careful planning.

KENS80V

I also have removed it in the past without dropping the tank.

golfradict

Yes, I have an 81, use "Rogers" advice, he knows these cars.

Street Rat

Yes. I have done this a number of times on my '81. Twist the sending unit counter clockwise while slightly tilting it. It is almost like unscrewing it from the opening. Of course you need to remove the fuel opening door and gasket surrounding the fill nozzle then the fuel hoses on the sending unit as well.

corkywillis

You are exactly right EIGHTY. Thanks for the encouragement ! I just did it on my 81 and it came out very easy. Very tight squeeze though, it took about 30 seconds to pull out after removing the fuel lines and tank screws. Some WD 40 squirted up between the rubber fuel lines and metal connectors helps a lot to get them off.

EIGHTY

Glad to hear it worked out! Did you replace the rubber hoses to the tank while you were there?

corkywillis

I haven't put it back in yet. Will do it tomorrow. Hoses looked good but I should replace them, its just hard to get to them where they connect back to the metal pipes up under the trunk. Had to take the sender and clean the rust and corrosion off to get it to work. Works great now and had to clean the crud out of the tank and make a new gasket. Thanks again pal !

EIGHTY

Can you tell me how long the rubber hoses are that go to the sending unit? I actually need to replace mine...but my Vette is my daily driver.

corkywillis

I will measure them tomorrow and report back to you. They aren't very long, maybe 6 inches but harder to get to.

corkywillis

Looks like the left line is 3 1/4 long and right 2 lines are 2 5/8 long