Like most others I've experienced the "dead" fuel gauge, reset the error code, use Techron, etc......pain, yes, but dealing with it until I feel like replacing the sending units.

But over the past few days I've noticed another issue. I have about a half tank of gas, start the car and the gauge reads low with the "reserve fuel" message. After about 5 minutes of driving the needle rises to show the half tank position.......

Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.....

 

Are you parked on an incline? Mine does that if I'm on an angle.

 

Nope, flat parking lot at work, level garage at home....

 

Smart move. Driver side is replaceable as a separate unit. Passenger side only replaceable as entire siphon pump/sender assembly.

Driver's side: AC Delco SK1318 (GM part# 10333749) Includes new filter sock. Approx $80 to $85. Does NOT include new tank gasket.



You may be able to reuse your gasket and bolts, but be very careful when re-attaching the bolts. I don't have the correct torque in front of me, but the threads in the tank are brass. If you get a new gasket, it comes with all new bolts (usually with one spare also).

Gasket (same for both sides) AC Delco G25. Prices will be anywhere from $37 to $50, depending where you shop. That may seem high, but trust me, that's the going rate. That gasket is a special design and ONLY used on C5 Corvettes, due to the fuel tank design. Again, be SURE you do not over-torque those fasteners, and use the crisscross "star" pattern, much the same as tightening lug nuts.



To replace the right side, you need:



AC Delco MU1218 complete assembly, approx $260 to $300 depending where you buy, and should come with the new gasket. That second photo is also an ACDelco piece. Note the filter (wire mesh) is of a different design than the original, as well as the left tank. This is normal on the newer or replacement right side units.
The Bosch unit (part #67466) will save you a few bucks at $226.79 (rockauto), and also sold at Summit. No gasket with the Bosch I don't believe. Bosch is good quality. Carter and Airtex also make it as well.

 

Thanks for the info.....left home this morning, all things normal.....oh well guess I have my own "intermittent" gremlin now!!

 

Hello, check for codes, Check your Vette per the TSB

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...s#.UpDe9IIo7IU

--------------------------------------------------------
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-04-022
Subject: Inaccurate/Erratic Fuel Level Gauge Readings (Install New Sensor, Strainer and/or RH Fuel Sender Assembly)
Model Year: 1997-2000 Chevrolet Corvette

Condition

Some owners may comment about inaccurate/erratic fuel level gauge reading conditions such as those indicated below:

Fuel gage suddenly drops to E (empty) and CHECK GAGES message illuminates (DTC P1431 or P0461 set).

Fuel gage does not go to F (full) after filling fuel tank.

Vehicle runs out of fuel while the gage still indicates fuel is available.

Cause

The conditions indicated above may be the result of one or a combination of more than one of the causes indicated below:

Stuck or intermittent sticking of the sensor float arm.

Clogged/restricted R.H. fuel sender assembly jet pump.

R.H. jet pump unable to transfer fuel due to fuel vaporization resulting in bubble accumulation in the fuel strainer.


Correction
Inspect the Julian date codes located on the bar code labels attached to the R.H. and L.H. fuel level sender assembly cover plates as shown in the figure. If the R.H. sender date code is less/smaller than "01301", replace the complete assembly with a new fuel sender kit indicated below by model year. If the L.H. sender date code is less/smaller than "32791", replace the existing fuel sender sensor and strainer with those components contained in the applicable sensor and strainer kits shown below by model year.

To insure correct installation, follow the service procedure contained in the applicable Service Manual and the instructions contained in the service kits.

Parts Information

Part Number
Description

88896043
R.H. Fuel Sender Kit (1997-1999 M.Y.)

88895126
R.H. Fuel Sender Kit (2000 M.Y.)

88899034
Fuel Sensor Kit (1997-2000 M.Y.)

12458245
Fuel Strainer Kit (1997-1999 M.Y.)

12459862
Fuel Strainer Kit (2000 M.Y.)

Check out the below post with pics to see the worn wiper contacts on the card.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ng-unit-2.html

Cheers,
Goose

 

What code do you get? That will tell you which side is bad.

 

I hate to say it, but I think your senders are living on borrowed time. As good as Techron is - and I really think highly of it - it can only go so far.

Give us an update if anything changes.

 

so if i fill my tank up and it gets down to about 5/8 of a tank then drops to empty then is it most likely the passenger side tank unit thats bad?

 

From all the feed-back I've seen over the years, plus my own experience, it's the most common culprit.

Your DTC codes can help provide some insight.

 

Thanks all......next time I get a code I'll check. Thanks for the great detail and info.

 

2002 C5 coupe, got a similar problem. Fill car up and gauge goes past full. Doesn't move until Ive gone 60 miles and then it goes to 3/4. Drive more than 25 miles without shutting it off and gauge goes to zero. Reset the code using the DTC and gauge get normal until I drive another 25+ miles. P1431 consistently is a clear indicator that the RH fuel level sender is AFU. I got one off of ebay and waiting for a warmer day to change. I don't want to have the heater on in the garage when I'm draining the tank. Hoping for warm weather. Got any insight on the best way to get the gas out of the RH tank?

 

Drive the car until it has a gallon or two left.

 

www.racetronix.com/

 

------
Same MY ('02), same symptoms, and same DTC (P1431). Even though it appears the issue is the right sending unit, I'll likely replace both sides. This is a sending unit/gauge issue & any remaining fuel is still usuable, right?

 

MAYBE, but in all likelihood NO. See my PM to you Mickey.

 

how will that work if the pump is needing to be replaced? hooking that up wont work if the pump is bad correct?

 

Just drive it to it's about 1/8 is left and put a bucket under. Should take you maybe 45mins or so to change out. It's not hard..



Cover removed..



Making it rain....



To much rain....





For future reference make sure you have 1/8th tank of gas.. Like it's been said a ton of times..



Coming out..



That a boy..



She's out







new sending unit..



going in ....

 

If the electric pump were dead yes, but then again if the "pump" was indeed dead, he couldn't drive the vehicle in the first place.

There's two pumps, one electric in the driver's side tank and one mechanical (called a siphon-jet pump) in the passenger side tank. The Racetronix unit speeds up fuel removal, but you can also remove the fuel cap and disconnect the appropriate line(s) at each tank and let it drain that way as well. If you remove the quick-connect line and quickly push a hose onto the nipple it helps direct the gas to a container for collection.

 

my gas gauge goes to empty once it gets to about 5/8 of a tank from full so i am assuming its the passenger side thats bad and if thats the case isnt the passenger side staying full of gas? and if so i have a full tank on that tank to try and drop