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BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


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Big W
vanny
softesttouch
7 posters

    fuel gauge unit removal

    softesttouch
    softesttouch


    Number of posts : 64
    Location : montrose,colorado
    Registration date : 2010-10-22

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    Post by softesttouch Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:18 am

    I've gotten this far (you're looking at the top of the fuel tank). the maintenance manual says "remove cam lock using special tool J-8950".  I surely don't want to tear anything up, but don't have a J-8950 special tool handy, either.  i'm going to go at it with a couple of screwdrivers and channel locks if I don't get some good advice real quick.........suggestions, anyone?
    fuel gauge unit removal Bk_get10
    vanny
    vanny
    Moderator


    Number of posts : 14775
    Location : Ashburnham, MA
    Age : 64
    Registration date : 2012-09-22

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    Post by vanny Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:55 am

    I think if you spray a little penetration solution like PB Blaster and gently tap the tabs with a flat head screwdriver and hammer, it should slide out for you. At least that worked for me with my Ford.


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    softesttouch
    softesttouch


    Number of posts : 64
    Location : montrose,colorado
    Registration date : 2010-10-22

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    Post by softesttouch Sun Oct 19, 2014 6:24 pm

    makes sense. i'll give it a try.
    Big W
    Big W


    Number of posts : 3282
    Location : Saskatoon,Sask,Canada
    Age : 59
    Registration date : 2011-01-13

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    Post by Big W Sun Oct 19, 2014 6:42 pm

    That's how I got mine apart as well. I used a dull flat blade and tapped a little on each tab and it turned out great. Soaking it in penetrating oil helped a lot. A rubber seal underneath is keeping it tight along with dirt and rust.
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


    Number of posts : 1412
    Location : New Jersey
    Age : 69
    Registration date : 2013-08-18

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    Post by Vantasia Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:12 am

    If you want to be extra safe, use a brass or other non-sparking metal block or even hardwood to hit the tabs with!...unless you are sure its completely flushed of all gas and vapors.....
    Twinpilot001
    Twinpilot001


    Number of posts : 6186
    Location : spokane ,Wa.
    Registration date : 2009-09-28

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    Post by Twinpilot001 Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:27 am

    Be sure to wear safety goggles- welders Gloves, Face shield , a Abola approved suit, and then use an approved Smoke Wrench to cut off / heat the gasket - flange area- it will eventually open then!!!!!!!!!!!!!! affraid lol! lol! -- Just Kidding !! just tap the seal tangs to move them & all will be fine!!---Counter clockwise!! cheers

    GMman
    GMman


    Number of posts : 798
    Location : Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin
    Registration date : 2014-10-14

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    Post by GMman Wed Oct 22, 2014 6:48 pm

    I've changed a few gas tanks over the years. You don't need a special tool, just a punch or a big flat blade screw driver and a hammer. If its really rusty, a liberal amount of penetrating oil. The locking ring goes back on the opposite way it came off.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-vPZ2RXWZI
    softesttouch
    softesttouch


    Number of posts : 64
    Location : montrose,colorado
    Registration date : 2010-10-22

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    Post by softesttouch Sat Nov 01, 2014 3:19 pm

    ok, so I opened up my 50 year old fuel tank and here's what I see.  any way to treat the internal of the tank for this rust?  also, as far as the fuel gauge and strainer unit, how readily available is a replacement, or if the action of the parts is still freely movable, just clean it up and put it back in?
    fuel gauge unit removal 20141111

    softesttouch
    softesttouch


    Number of posts : 64
    Location : montrose,colorado
    Registration date : 2010-10-22

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    Post by softesttouch Sat Nov 01, 2014 3:21 pm

    fuel gauge unit removal 20141112

    GMman
    GMman


    Number of posts : 798
    Location : Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin
    Registration date : 2014-10-14

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    Post by GMman Sat Nov 01, 2014 3:44 pm

    I am going to ship my sending unit off to this company to have it rebuilt.
    http://tristarrradiator.com/Classic%20%20Vintage%20Page/Classic%20%20Vintage%20Page.html

    I got a fuel tank liner kit to line my gas tank. I hope your tank doesn't look as bad as mine. I am having a patch panel welded on.
    Image hosted by servimg.com
    GMman
    GMman


    Number of posts : 798
    Location : Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin
    Registration date : 2014-10-14

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    Post by GMman Sat Nov 01, 2014 3:57 pm

    Use a pressure washer if you have one or take your tank to a car wash to wash out the inside of your tank. Drain as much water as you can through the filler neck then set the tank up so the remaining water drains down into a corner. Then take a piece of stiff wire and fasten a rag or paper towel to it to sop up the remaining water. the inside should dry over night or you can blow air into the tank to dry it up quicker.
    http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=3305
    softesttouch
    softesttouch


    Number of posts : 64
    Location : montrose,colorado
    Registration date : 2010-10-22

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    Post by softesttouch Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:13 pm

    no, GMman, i'd say mine looks GREAT compared to yours!
    GMman
    GMman


    Number of posts : 798
    Location : Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin
    Registration date : 2014-10-14

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    Post by GMman Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:45 pm

    LOL!!! That's good. When it's done, mine will hold gas just fine.
    fuel gauge unit removal Nov_1_12
    fuel gauge unit removal Nov_1_15
    Patched up, sealed inside and epoxy paint outside, it will be almost as good as new.
    Digz
    Digz


    Number of posts : 3794
    Location : United States Six Lakes MI
    Registration date : 2008-05-17

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    Post by Digz Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:23 am

    softesttouch wrote:ok, so I opened up my 50 year old fuel tank and here's what I see.  any way to treat the internal of the tank for this rust?  also, as far as the fuel gauge and strainer unit, how readily available is a replacement, or if the action of the parts is still freely movable, just clean it up and put it back in?
    fuel gauge unit removal 20141111

    There is no direct replacement for the sender/pickup so if it tests ok with an Ohm meter 0-30 I'd just clean it up and inspect it for pin holes. The floats get brittle with age but I believe there are replacements available. Getting one rebuilt may be a little pricey but it should be a once in a lifetime thing.
    GMman you have some big holes to fill! Good luck.
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


    Number of posts : 1412
    Location : New Jersey
    Age : 69
    Registration date : 2013-08-18

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    Post by Vantasia Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:40 am

    Update to this thread...I just acquired a nice used sending unit that tests out perfect when hooked into the circuit with a clip lead from the rear plug by the tail light, gauge reads full F with float up and exactly E with arm down.  I also found this tool on eBay for only $15 that should do the job without banging anything...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/360986170272
    fuel gauge unit removal $(KGrHqV,!pUFD2bWq93UBREq-tOn8g~~60_57
    It does the 4 prong GM lock rings like the vans have.  I'm also using one of the replacement floats that fit the senders:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/301435555261?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

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