82 fuel sending unit question

[Phillip E.]

I took my 82 for a ride this weekend and when I left the house I had 7/8 on the fuel gauge. Later in the day the fuel gauge was reading 1/4 full after a brief stop. The needle did return to about 5/8 for most of the day but dropped back to 1/4 this morning. I decided to stop and fill the tank but it only took about 11 gals. for a 25 gal. tank...and the gas gauge remains at 1/4 full.

Now, that put the history of my delima out there, could this be a sending unit issue? if so, can the sending unit be replaced from the gas lid area? Is there anything else I should be checking?

Thanks in advance for your help on this,
Phil

[Joe L.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Phil-----

Most likely, it is a sending unit problem. The sending unit can be removed and replaced without dropping the tank. It removes through the filler door opening, but the door and other parts must be removed first.

The sending unit is GM-discontinued and has been for quite awhile. I don't think that it's currently reproduced. NOS are difficult to locate and expensive.

[Phillip E.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Thanks for your quick response Joe! I thought that might be the problem so I searched Ebay and found several on there for about $130 bucks. What's your thoughts on this? Ebay # (260162423758)

Also how will this effect the Flight judging if I replace it with this one on Ebay or if I leave it as it is?

Thanks again!

[Joe L.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Phil-----

This must be a fairly new item on the market. I really don't know anything about it.

As far as judging is concerned, I don't see a problem. I don't think that any part of the sender can be seen except for the filler neck, itself. I don't know how the latter might differ.

[Jim T.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Phil not familiar with the 82's electric fuel pump. Is it located in the fuel tank? My 85's electric fuel pump is in the tank and comes out with the gas guage.

[Tom R.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Phil:

I had this problem with my 78, removed the unit, cleaned it up, installed and has worked for the past ten years...well maybe nine. The judges won't know the difference and it will not affect Top flight judging.

The problem is probably the contacts need to be cleaned up. They get a varnish like substance on them after a few decades. I wrote an article on in the Restorer...if you need a copy let me know. When you buy knew...you're buying a lot of extra emission control (vapor) devices...in the early Shark cars...they don't have all that. That's why Joe found your eBay pricing high...you're paying for a lot more than what you need.

You'll have to remove the gas filler lid, ring, boot and than you'll see the fuel sender unit. You'll see two lines from the right side...fuel lines and two on the left...vapor lines. Oh...before starting disconnect the battery. This also a good time to replace the short hose pieces that connect both vapor lines and fuel lines. You'll see several screws that holding the sending unit in place. Get a gasket before starting. The sending unit will sort of twist out...watch for spilt fuel on your paint.

A cover covers the mechanism that measures fuel. Needle nose pliers will align the tabs for easy removal. Once off, you'll see the culprit. Lacquer thinner, mineral spirits will clean them up. Install is reverse. You can also bench test the unit before installing to ensure armature is contacting the coil thorughout its range.

It's a good project

[Phillip E.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Thanks again everyone for your advise.

Jim~ The '82 has the fuel pump location in the tank as well, but I'm not sure if it is part of the sending unit.

Tom~ As far as replacing the short vapor/fuel line hoses, are they accessable from the filler neck as well? I also noticed that the wiring is on the left side and is the disconnect reachable from the top? Also, if you can send me that article your wrote that would be great!

On a side note, I saw the artice you wrote about tire safety( that featured a picture of one of my tires)in last months C.E. Good Job! Since then,I removed my old tires and rims and install new set of Goodyear GT's on different rims.

~Phil

[Mike R.]

Re: 82 fuel sending unit question

Phil

I have 82 C E. I replaced the sending unit for similar reasons. Not a problem at Nationals. A side note, someone had shade tree mechaniced the old unit to point that it was scary. It is worth checking from a safety stand point.