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could not find any info on this forum;I need to change out the fuel sensor and like to know if the tank needs to be removed for it or not?? Any help appreciated. 1982 C3
Remove the fuel flap (4 screws around the outside from memory)
Remove the fuel cap and rubber filler boot. From there you should be able to see top of the sensor unit. On an 82 this will have the fuel pump on it as well. There will be some electrical plugs, and a couple of rubber fuel lines (may want to replace these while your there) to be disconnected. After that unbolt it from the flange on the tank and you should be able to get it out.
Remember to disconnect the battery; and, turn the entire sender apparatus firmly clockwise - almost to the 3:00 position as you lift it out of the small hole in the tank. If you spend more than 10-20 seconds trying to pull it out, be slightly more aggressive with twisting and pulling. I strongly suggest adding a couple of Layers of blue painters tape on the surrounding painted areas soas to avoid any paint scratches from the sender/hoses as it pulls out.
While you have it out, you should replace the fuel pump which is extremely simple to do and is the Achilles heel of our ‘82s. You’ve already done 90% of the pump’s replacement effort at this point. Several of our C3 forum parts supplier partners sell the right pumps - as do most corner auto parts stores. Buy the replacement sender flange gasket when you buy the new fuel level sender.
The sender slides in with the opposite twisting motion. The whole thing is a satisfying, and necessary project. If you research this forum you will find several references to this project.