Fuel Tank Sender C3

[Charles P.]

Is there a fuel tank sender for a 73 Corvette that is more reliable? For example who has had good luck with the sender they purchased. I think mine is the victim of ethanol gas and my gas gauge is pegged right now. Is there anything else I need to get before I attempt to swap it out. I notice that most are sold with the strainer and the gasket. Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

Consider having yours rebuilt. Places like Bob's Speedometer, Instrument Services Inc and others do this.
I would trust that over the imported ones currently available, as they don't seem to have the best track record.
I need to do this with my Cutlass.

One more - found this in previous recommendations

http://antiqueinstrument.com/

[Charles P.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

I could probably accomplish that myself as they are just a variable resistor attached to a float. Likely the gas dried on the hardware and gummed it up. I can see the sender lying on my back peering up but I think I will need to drop the spare and the top lid to get to it completely.

[Charles P.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

Okay last question. The AIM mentions tool J-24187 to remove gas tank sender cam lock. What is a suitable (ie readily available alternative) to loosening and tightening the cam for replacement of the sender and the gasket?

Tks

[Dan A.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

I have gotten them on an off with a hammer and wooden dowel but the tool makes it easier. I will be glad to send you one to use.

[Charles P.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

Thanks Dan--I used a dowel and got it off without any mis strikes or damage. The problem now is after installation and putting 12 gallons of gas in the car (18 gallon cap) it is reading at only 3/8 full not close to the 3/4 it should be (or at least over 1/2). I am wondering if it is the sender. The gauge always worked until this problem so I am skeptical that it is the gauge itself. The part was from a good source but I suppose it could be calibrated incorrectly or?
Anyone have any ideas?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

What sender did you install?

[Charles P.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

It is not an AC sender BUT it is a near exact copy in stainless from paragon. The original is toast. The problem is after installation and adding gas (approx 12 gals) The max reading i am getting on the gauge is just over 1/4. On Wilcox's computer site they have some troubleshooting pics and it says that with a reading like that it is likely a blown gauge resistor. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Are these resistors available independent of the gauge? Would the resistor that is used for the ammeter work?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

You might have to send the sender and the gauge to someone who can match them to work together. Or, someone who can at least test the gauge and see if there's an issue.

[Charles P.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

I removed the gauge cluster and can now tell you that it is definitely not the gauge resistor. It clocked in at exactly 90 ohms. What made me think it was the resistor was the fact it didn't go much past a quarter tank. So now I think that it is the Dorman part that everyone sells which is likely improperly calibrated. I should've known something was up when the first 4 gallons went in it didn't register. So the float is probably too high meaning at quarter tank it is reading empty and with 2/3 of a tank it is barely above 1/4. I doubt this can be easily bent in place (to get the float closer to the floor of the tank when empty) but can it be bent to more accurately represent what is in the tank or should I punt and get another sender?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Tank Sender C3

can it be bent to more accurately represent what is in the tank or should I punt and get another sender?

My suggestion is back in my first reply, post #2.