Gasket Sealer on Fuel Sender Unit?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Planning on pulling my sender tomorrow and cleaning it as per the threads I found here searching. Is there a need to use a gasket adhesive or sealer and if so, what kind?

[makaio]

I didn't use any on my old SC when I changed it. If I remeber right it was a cork like material and it didn't require gasket sealer.

[slodave]

Same here. Tried to get my gas gauge working again by cleaning the sender and actually reused the old one.

Dave

[RoninLB]

i used the rubber gasket upgrade without any sealer. It raises the sender about 1/8" so your readings will be a little different.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ron,
Thanks for the pix. I had read the wires were small but those things are really small. Like human hairs! Now I can clearly understand why all the threads say to be VERY careful not to break them. One thread said to use an ink eraser to clean them up. What did you use Ron?

Dave, You say you "tried" to get yours working....did you succeed? If so what did you use? I was also wondering about very fine steel wool? Maybe 4 or 5x wool. Of course I'd be very careful to blow out any steel dust residue and to sort of hold the wires so I wouldn't be pulling on them too much. Will that work?

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena
Ron,
One thread said to use an ink eraser to clean them up. What did you use Ron?

Hi Dan


i just went for a new one from the get go.

the wires are very strong and it's not a fragile contraption. I'd probably go after the wires with wet & dry 400 or above. The eraser makes sense. I'd use a solvent afterwards.

Tighten the unit on install evenly without distorting the sealing.



it's worth a shot

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally posted by RoninLB
...it's worth a shot

This is what I thought in regards to cleaning it. If it doesn't work or I break a wire? Oh well, I'll buy a new one. They aren't all that expensive if memory serves.

Of course the wet/dry sand paper is the way to go. Doh! I hate it when I miss the obvious.

Actually, my guage works fine except it will not indicate full. When I fill it, it indicates about 3/4 full. Once, I let it get low enough so the warning light on the guage came on...so at least I know that function works! I'm assumin the upper inches of the wires will show some corrosion which doesn't let the float rise completely.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena

corrosion

more of a varnish


test old unit when removed by lifting float w/wires attached, maybe gage is ng. Use a strong flashlight to eyeball bottom of tank. Brand new sender has a very small lock pin under tape on outside of tube.

[Dixie]

Skip the sealant. Gasoline and silicone do not get along.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Wouldn't nessarily have been silicone anyway, but thanks. There are a number of kinds of gasket sealant. I just didn't want fumes building up in my trunk.

My gauge is good i.e. it moves fine from 3/4 full to empty, but I will do the raise and lower test anyway. I am reasonably certain the varnish is near the top....but we'll see! Any worries about leaving the battery connected while I do this? Especially if I am playing with the sender unit right over the top of the gas tank opening?

Check, on the strong flashlight and checking for .....crap at the bottom of the tank. Good reminder.

[slodave]

Dan, I did not get the gauge working. The needle will read full when the tank is full, but sticks at various other times. The reserve light does not even work. I am used to reading the mileage and filling up before I hit empty. One day I may take the gauge out and see if it needs a cleaning.

Dave

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena


. I just didn't want fumes building up in my trunk.

i searched around and came up with 477 919 133 @ $4.85

it should be the rubber gasket that i've been using ?

pelican doesn't have the part number related to the fuel sender.

Stoddard should have the number as a 911 sender gasket up grade.

if you come up with hard info on the rubber plz post.