'62 fuel sending unit float

[Steve]

I discovered a crack in the float used by the fuel sending unit in my 1962 vette. the because of the crack, the gas guage is reading empty.

I have tried, with no luck to locate a new float ball locally. suggestions for a replacement?

forgive me for suggesting this, but it does not have to be an original style float, what can I use as a replacement?

Thanks.

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: '62 fuel sending unit float

Steve----

Fuel gauge sending unit floats have never been serviced through the GM parts system. It is extremely frustrating to have a serviceable sending unit, with a damaged float, and not be able to locate the service part you need. I know---it's happened to me with my 1969 unit. Besides an actual crack like you've experienced, later model floats are susceptible to scratches or other damage to the coating of the float. Once the coating is damaged, fuel can penetrate the float and be "absorbed" into the "foam-like" plastic medium of the float. The float, then, becomes "heavy" and gauge readings are rendered increasingly inaccurate. This same phenomenon, incidentally, also occurs with the plastic floats found in most Rochester QuadraJet carburetors. At least in that case, though, replacements are easy to come up with.

One suggestion that I might offer to you is this: although these floats are not available through the GM parts system, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're not available through GM. Often times, this type of service part will be available through the Delco parts sytem. If you can find a full-line Delco dealer with Delco fuel system catalogs AND ONE WILLING TO BE HELPFUL ENOUGH TO SPEND THE TIME TO RESEARCH IT FOR ONLY THE REWARD OF SELLING YOU A PART WORTH A FEW DOLLARS, you might be able to obtain the part you need. No guarantees, though; this is a long shot.

Otherwise, you might just end up having to buy the complete sending unit. If yours is old enough for the float to be cracked, you might find that you'll need to replace it in the near future, anyway. Also, these assemblies are still currently available from GM; who knows if they will still be in a year or two or three when you need one? Install a new one now and you might be set for the duration. GM part # is 5642125 and lists for $100.18. However, you can get a new Delco unit from the Last Detail and others for about $65.

[Joe L.]

Re: '62 fuel sending unit float

Steve----

Fuel gauge sending unit floats have never been serviced through the GM parts system. It is extremely frustrating to have a serviceable sending unit, with a damaged float, and not be able to locate the service part you need. I know---it's happened to me with my 1969 unit. Besides an actual crack like you've experienced, later model floats are susceptible to scratches or other damage to the coating of the float. Once the coating is damaged, fuel can penetrate the float and be "absorbed" into the "foam-like" plastic medium of the float. The float, then, becomes "heavy" and gauge readings are rendered increasingly inaccurate. This same phenomenon, incidentally, also occurs with the plastic floats found in most Rochester QuadraJet carburetors. At least in that case, though, replacements are easy to come up with.

One suggestion that I might offer to you is this: although these floats are not available through the GM parts system, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're not available through GM. Often times, this type of service part will be available through the Delco parts sytem. If you can find a full-line Delco dealer with Delco fuel system catalogs AND ONE WILLING TO BE HELPFUL ENOUGH TO SPEND THE TIME TO RESEARCH IT FOR ONLY THE REWARD OF SELLING YOU A PART WORTH A FEW DOLLARS, you might be able to obtain the part you need. No guarantees, though; this is a long shot.

Otherwise, you might just end up having to buy the complete sending unit. If yours is old enough for the float to be cracked, you might find that you'll need to replace it in the near future, anyway. Also, these assemblies are still currently available from GM; who knows if they will still be in a year or two or three when you need one? Install a new one now and you might be set for the duration. GM part # is 5642125 and lists for $100.18. However, you can get a new Delco unit from the Last Detail and others for about $65.